Spanish National Health Prescriptions - Costs
 

A friend of mine (Legal resident/SIPS card/75 yrs old/Alicante province) is complaining he had to pay more in his pharmacy for the prescription costs - anybody know if the system of payment contributions has changed or has another Brexit wrinkle crawled out?

Thanks.

Also, who is deemed a 'pensioner' anybody above 65? (For this prescription system I mean)

Re: Spanish National Health Prescriptions - Costs
 

I don't know about the change in regulations or Brexit fallout, but drug companies can and do raise prices. I believe Spanish state pension age is now 66 (was 65 until end of 2020). Also contribution depends on pensioner's income, plus there are differences between autonomous communities regarding prescription allowances.

Re: Spanish National Health Prescriptions - Costs
 

He may have had some new drugs prescribed which either put him over the free cap or increased his previous low payment closer to the cap.

As far as I know the only exceptions to the copayment rules are in Valencia where there is no charge. Otherwise pensioners pay 10% up to a cap of €8.23 if their taxable income is less than €18k. Incomes between €18k and €100k have a cap of €18.52

Re: Spanish National Health Prescriptions - Costs
 

If your income is under €18k then you qualify for free prescriptions HOWEVER even though that's below the tax threshold you still MUST submit an initial tax return, as should everyone, as without that you are not formally registered in the tax system and of course the 'system' needs to know that your income which it can only do via your tax return.

Re: Spanish National Health Prescriptions - Costs
 

That’s true, but you could read into your reply that if you earn less than 18k you don’t pay. No you don’t pay up to the cap, above that you DO pay. I pay the €8 but for €300 worth of drugs, it’s a pretty good deal!

Re: Spanish National Health Prescriptions - Costs
 

I have just started my prescriptions here in Spain. What would cost me £25 in the U.K for my blood pressure tablets has cost me .25cents here. I was quite shocked, exact same brand and quantity.

I am paying sociale seguridad and I’m also an autónomo - I don’t know if that has any bearing on what I pay.

Re: Spanish National Health Prescriptions - Costs
 

Thanks for the feedback folks. Useful as always.