Hi all. First post here, I’m moving to Spain for a while (kind of last minute) and was wondering what I need to do in regards to medical care, seeing a doctor etc. I’m a British National…........do I have to go to the post office here and get an E1-11 form or something, or is there another procedure.

Secondly, if I decide to stay in Spain then I’ll need to get a repeat prescription. I guess I’ll have to pay for this, but to get this, do i need to register with a doctor in Spain, or can I get it through a pharmacy or something. Prescription will be for insulin. Do i need to bring a prescription from the UK? Would this help in any way? etc.

Any help and advice greatly appreciated…......gracias.

A UK E111 can be used only for emergency medical treatment. It will not provide cover for frequent visits to a medic for routine prescriptions.
Depending on your age you will need either Private Health Insurance (cover which may prove difficult to obtain for a pre-existing condition) or you need to subscribe to the Spanish State system which will cost you around 280? a month, irrespective of whether you are working.
If you are a pensioner you can arrange for an E106 from the DHSS which you will need to present to the Social Security offices here in Spain. This will provide the same level of care as that provided to Spanish pensioners and will enable you to register with a Spanish doctor.
I would imagine that a prescription is required for insulin as diabetes is a condition requiring regular medical monitoring.

You should also be aware that if you qualify for recognition under the rules for E106 you give up all rights to the services of the UK NHS; It will be necessary to obtain a Spanish issued E111 to obtain treatment in the UK. If you later return to the UK and take up residence you will have to re-apply to the NHS for cover in the UK

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Thanks for the info. I don’t have any medical care and am just going to have to ‘wing it’ and hope I don’t get ill. Then if i decide to stay here it looks like a return flight home to get prescriptions is going to be the best way to go about things.

If you are working in the UK you should be able to use some of your UK contributions for medical care in Spain. You need to fill in a E121 or E212, sorry can’t remember number but Directgov.co.uk should help.  I completed a form and received free health care for a year, paying a percentage for prescriptions. If you have a health condition bring copies of your medical records with you.