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[Otter15]

Does anyone live in Spain? I am moving there in a few months and I am trying to sort out health insurance, which seems complicated. Can I buy Vagifem otc there? How does VA affect your medical insurance? Thanks.

[CLKD]

Right - will give the MM charabanc a wash and polish and we'll be there 

I believe that several ladies either visit or live in mainland Europe.  Or maybe ask at the Spanish Embassy or Travel Agents?

Is this for work, will you have a town house or be int he country: OH! I'm so nosy 

[Otter15]

I am moving to an apartment in a village which I can use as a base to travel around and learn Spanish. So fed up being cold! Decided to do it before I fall to pieces altogether! Just wondered about the Vagifem because the health insurance does not cover pre existing conditions. Thought if I could buy it otc It would be easier. Will take bookings once settled!!

[Daisydot]

Hi otter I used to travel and do charity work with my cats in Spain what a fab move for you,I had a house there for nearly 15 years.
You can buy most hrt otc in chemists over there but some of our ladies still live there so will be better able to advise you than I can I've been back in U.K. a few years and never used hrt when I was there unfortunately.right away the vit d will so lift your spirits so all I can say is don't you forget who your friends are when your there 

[paisley]

Hi Otter
I have lived in Spain for 7 years. You can get virtually any medications over the counter at the pharmacy. I have never got vagifem but I am sure you must be able to get it. What do Spanish women do?

[Otter15]

yes I a looking forward to the vitamin D! Thanks Paisley. I am going out in a couple of weeks so will go and ask at the pharmacy. If I can get it otc It should not be a problem with health insurance.

[CLKD]

Would the Pharmacy near your new home have a web-site?  You could have a look-see and ask via e-mail rather than waiting?

[Annie0710]

Oh my days I'm envious of you !

I live for each September when we use our friends apartment x

[CLKD]

Engine running.  Plenty of diesal.  Drinks cabinet filled 

[Otter15]

Don't forget the sun cream! I will go on the web too. A much better idea.

[suziq99]

Hi Otter, I one of those in Spain, Costa Blanca. Can't help with the insurance as we're workers & on the 'nhs' 
Yes you can get most hrt otc, bring one with you & the chemist will look it up for you, names differ. Also not all chemists are equal, don't ask me why but don't get put off if the first one doesn't have it, you might need to shop around.
And it's not always sunny 😊 5'C blowing a hoolie & raining right now. 😂. But least it doesn't last for long.

[Otter15]

Hi Suziq
Thanks for the info. Am trying the web and will look around when I go out there. I am also going to the Costa del Sol but further inland. At least I will be warmer for longer! If not near me, one of the bigger towns will/should have it. At least I know now I don't need to keep going to the go for a repeat prescription.

[Daisydot]

Your going at just the right time otter I spent many a miserable winter In Spain,the houses have no insulation at all.my own house was awful we spent a fortune trying to insulate it and keep warm in winter months then in summer the heat was in the 40s and it cost a fortune to run the aircon to try and keep cool I remember it well lol.
All that aside you'll have the time of your life I'm toying with the idea of moving back,not permanent,just like I did before 3months Spain 3 months U.K. etc.its easier now as retirees to do this as we don't have to worry about work.I used to load all my cats into car and my wee dog and go the Plymouth Santander route I have so many happy memories of all my rescue work with the kitty's it was so rewarding.ive lived in everything from flats to bungalows villas and fincas over the years,great fun I hope you'll be happy and well.xx

[suziq99]

We are inland as well, 12 years on the coast, got fed up with the high humidity & constant heat, yes really 😂. Now we're 700 metres up & get seasons, including snow.
Daisydot is right about the buildings as well although some are built a bit better inland. We have double glazing & full central heating.

[Mary G]

We are part timers in Spain and have to pay for private health insurance to cover us during our time in Spain because obviously we are not entitled to free health care.  It costs €75 per month per person which covers everything except dental care but we don't have any pre-existing health conditions which partly explains why it is affordable.  It is very good with excellent screening programmes.

As others have said, you can buy HRT and other medication over the counter and without a prescription in pharmacies which are more like walk-in clinics in Spain - a brilliant system in my opinion and definitely takes the burden off the health service.  If you want specific UK products you can buy them over the counter and without a prescription in Gibraltar (Main Street only). 

Also agree about poor insulation in houses which are often too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.  We have cavity walls with foam, double glazing, reverse cycle aircon and a pellet burner with hot air circulation to all rooms but it was a heck of a lot of work!  We are also slightly elevated and about 12 kms inland.

Good luck with your move, a very wise decision in my opinion.