Medical expenses

 My partner and I are considering moving to Costa del Sol area permanently. I am 61 and my partner is 59.

My partner is on long term medications which include: Simvastatin 40mg, (Cholestral control), Ramipril Capsules 5mg,(Blood Pressure), Metformin 500mg, (Diabetes) and Aspirin 75mg. I myself am on Omeprazole 20mg for digestion problems. At present, living in N. Ireland, we do not pay anything for prescriptions.

Can anybody give me advice on receiving medication in Spain and what cost would be involved?

I read somewhere that over 60's can get free prescriptions and medical care if they are paid up fully with UK NHS, is this the case?

What forms are required from Social Security or elsewhere when moving to Spain?

I believe I am correct in saying you will not get free drugs in Spain until you or your spouse are receiving your pension, however you may be able to get health care for a period if you have paid your social in the UK, but this is for a maximum of two years and this depends on your payments. Drugs will still have to be purchased but are cheaper with a SIP health card.

Once you or your wife become retired, you will be able to get a permanent SIP card and free drugs.

My wife is older than I and just turned 60, she is having to wait until she is 61 and 3/4 before she gets her pension and then her SIP card and then I can get one as a dependent, so you may be able to get free health care via your wife depending on her circumstances.