Once moved to Spain on non lucrative Spain visa, is it easy to obtain regular medication?

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

Once moved to Spain on non lucrative Spain visa is it easy to obtain regular medication and if so how? Thank you

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members.

“Using your health insurance”

“We took our Rx boxes to the pharmacy and they refilled them.”

“Probably depends on what you’re looking for. We need a singular inhaler for one of my kids, but it’s not sold here. I have no idea why. We haven’t had issues with other things so far, like Flonase for example. There is a country wide shortage of neosporin, so you might want to bring some of that if you think it’s useful.”

“Some pharmacies will simply refill if you take your boxes/jars from your country of residence. We tried 2 or 3 different ones until we found one that would refill them. About a month after arrival we booked an appointment with a doctor and he wrote Spanish prescriptions for us so we can now get them at any pharmacy without issue.”

In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members members, obtaining regular medication in Spain while on a non lucrative Spain visa appears to be manageable. Many individuals have found success by using their health insurance or by taking their prescription boxes or jars to a pharmacy for refills. It’s important to note that the availability of specific medications may vary, so it’s advisable to check the availability of any necessary medications in advance. Additionally, some individuals have also obtained Spanish prescriptions from a local doctor, which allows them to acquire their medications at any pharmacy in Spain. Overall, with proper preparation and understanding of the local healthcare system, accessing necessary medications in Spain can be a straightforward process for non lucrative visa holders.

Shaheen Samavati

Shaheen Samavati is a pivotal figure at SpainGuru, where she brings her profound understanding of Spanish immigration to the forefront. Her journey in Spain began when she arrived in Madrid to pursue her studies at IE Business School. Over the years, Shaheen has not only immersed herself in the Spanish culture but has also become a trusted resource for expats. Through her active participation in the "American Expats in Spain" Facebook group and her role as a content manager for Spotahome.com, she has consistently provided invaluable insights to the expat community.

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