Comments on: Welcome to Diabetes in Spain

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:00:15 +0000

Hi Pamela
Will be in touch directly very soon.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:59:26 +0000

Hello Mike, My daughter will be attending university in Madrid for 1 1/2 years, from the US. She’s type 1. She’ll be covered by some type of insurance from the school, but it sounds like it doesn’t cover any medications. The cost of having to pay for insulin and test strips without a prescription will really be expensive. Any suggestions on how to deal with this? Can we buy some extra insurance there to cover this? Thanks!

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:21:20 +0000

Karl Hi

I’ll list my thoughts for you below;

*Generally speaking, you will be fine, as with any situation where there is upheaval, it simply calls for closer monitoring until such a time you are happy with the levels you need/want.

*Airport security can be tricky although steps to minimise disruption would include; ID Card, Medical Bracelets/Tags, Letter from Hospital/GP denoting that you have to carry insulin etc..

* Whilst travelling, your insulin will be fine at normal room temp. Please do not place any of your supplies that you take in to the hold baggage. 1) The temps. will freeze the insulin and test strips. 2) If the bags get lost you will be without insulin.

* Depending on the duration of your trip, I would suggest asking you GP for supplies that will keep you going for up to 6 months. Most will accommodate this is asked nicely and explained what, why ,where etc..

* In Spain unless you are the holder of either a E106 or E121(Pensioners) you will only be entitled to Free Medical Care if you work and/or pay in to the social security

* On that note, there are plenty of private clinics if you were to become unwell, travel insurance may be of help for this and for your information Insulin and Test strips are available over the counter without the need for a doctors prescription.

Hope the above helps and if you have further questions, please get in contact directly – info@diabetesinspain.com

Mike

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:20:30 +0000

Hi Richie

I’m currently in the process of creating a FAQ’s so will reply to you personally when that is published.

Please bear in mind that the Spanish Healthcare System does work slightly different to the UK NHS.

However please do have a read through some of the other comments left on this post – http://www.diabetesinspain.com/featured/welcome-to-diabetes-in-spain/

Regards

Mike

By: Karl

Karl — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:02:48 +0000

Oh, I forgot to say I’m aged 28 and plan to study for a month and then work over there (though it’s possible the work may be unpaid, depending on where I get accepted), if that makes any difference.
Is it best to try and bring as many supplies with me? It sounds good in theory, but airport security is always a pain, then trying to keep the insulin cool, etc.
Would be good to hear from people who have done this, or are already living (and possibly studying/working) over there. Thanks again.

By: Karl

Karl — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:54:46 +0000

Hola. I found this site whilst looking for information about diabetes in Spain. I’m moving there in several months and am naturally quite concerned about the effect the move may have on my sugar levels and overall health. I’m an insulin dependent diabetic. Does anyone have any info or links where I can find information about diabetes care in Spain and also costs etc. I’m British so currently get ‘free” prescriptions on the NHS. Thanks.

By: Richard Murphy

Richard Murphy — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:34:50 +0000

Hi Mike,

Do you have any advice (or links) regarding the level of support diabetics get in Tenerife?
My wife is a type 1 diabetic and we are thinking of moving to Tenerife later this year for work.
The only thing holding us back is not knowing the level of support she’d receive or the costs involved.
Do insulin dependents get free prescriptions as they do in the UK?
Seems a little crazy to me that anyone needing a life sustaining medication could be refused

Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can give and well done for putting this site together….. Fantastic!!!

Richie

By: Reg Lovell

Reg Lovell — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:50:18 +0000

Hello Mike

Just found this great site. I am type 2 diabetic. I manage to make myself understood at our local clinic, but would welcome someone to chat with, do you know if there are any regular meetings held in the Torrevieja area whereI could go to for information and support.

Many thanks
Reg

By: mike

mike — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:57:25 +0000

Hi Geoff

Your very welcome.

Look forward to hearing from you again.

Mike

By: Geoff

Geoff — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:39:37 +0000

Hi Mike

Many thanks for your prompt reply.

I had done some research on the E121 & E 106 route, and I think that that is the way to go, I must admit I hadn’t thought of the 6 months holiday idea, sounds good and will give me time.
It is good to know that if I do get stuck I can get supplies, albeit at a cost.

Many thanks

Geoff