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

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

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

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

Your very welcome.

Look forward to hearing from you again.

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

Thank you for stopping by.

Right then at the moment the situation for expats in the Valencia region remains a little unclear and as such would not wish to confuse the issue at the moment. This applies to persons who have retired but are not entitled to full Spanish NHS health as they do not posses the E121.

You will be eligible for a E106 and you can apply at the Dept. Work & Pensions in Newcastle. Typically these allow for full medical coverage including family medicine, emergency medicine, related tests and prescriptions. However these are temporary and can vary in length from 1 year to 2 years.

My suggestion would be to organise some health checks before you leave for Spain. Perhaps suggest that you are going to Spain for 6 months to escape the cold weather and ask to be provided with medicines for that period and in doing so will allow you time to organise health care in Spain.

My thoughts are; If you have enough insulin/tablets and so forth to last a certain period then the E106 can then take over until you are eligible for the E121.

As a last resort, you can purchase over the counter Insulin, Tablets, Test Strips without the need for a doctors prescription. It is expensive though, however it is possible to get your money back once you have a prescription/note from a NHS doctor. Example: I use a Accu-Chek Aviva Monitor. (Test strips retail at €43.59 for a box of 50.)

Ref: Insurance. There are many programs here to insure yourself. You would be able to enlist the services of doctors and various specialists however your prescription charges will be the same.

Without wanting to complicate things, I have left it at that.
If I can be of further help, feel free to get in touch. Either via the site or email – info@diabetesinspain.com

Mike

I’m 62 (just) and hope to retire in December 2010.

We plan to retire to Spain hopefully the Valencia region somewhere inland a bit between Valencia and Alicante (we have family already in this region)

My question is, since I will be 18 months from my pensionable age of 65, How will I be able to get my diabetic prescriptions (insulin, metformin, needles test strips etc.). I presume I must pay for them, wheras in UK they are free.

Also what healthcare will i be entitled to, Will I have to take out insurance initially.

Many thanks in advance for your help

Geoff