Question
Does anyone have experience getting prescription medicines in Spain? What do you need and how much do they cost? Is there a resource to learn whether a specific medication is available?
I’m trying to find out before arriving in Spain so I know how much I need to bring with me, and I don’t know how to do that from the US. I take mesalamine (for Crohn’s). Is anyone getting that and if so, what’s the cost currently? Thank you again for all of the replies! (and I will have private insurance that does not cover prescriptions)
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
“In heavy tourist area it is easy without prescption.If possible get the no name brand. Even paying the full cost, drugs are reasibable.”
“Probably depends on what meds. I just went to a doctor, told them what I was taking and for what, and got a prescription. In my case it was Euthyrox (for hashimoto) and I think it cost ~5€.”
“Euthyrox generic is levothyroxine (I have Hashimoto’s also). I have often bought 100 levothyroxine in Spain for €6 with no prescription. Also don’t need a prescription for metformin or lisinopril. And each of the three costs less than my co-pay in USA.
The first time, I asked if I needed a “note” from a doctor (I couldn’t remember the best word for prescription). Pharmacist said “yes” but gave it to me anyway. (Maybe she didn’t know what I meant. Pharmacists in several cities have not asked to see a prescription.)”
“Best to talk to a doctor or pharmacist. There are too many variables, unless you want to be more specific about what kind of healthcare you have, what kind of medication in particular you’re asking about, etc.”
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“Just ask for it at a pharmacy. If you need a prescription, they’ll tell you. If the name is different in Spain, they have a really thick book that cross-references. One of mine is not available in Spain, but the pharmacist and I researched together online and found an alternative that my doctor approved by e-mail. (Which needs a prescription in USA but not in Spain.)”
“In Spain you either contribute to the state health system (by working or being a state pensioner) and generally pay 10-40% of the retail cost of all drugs prescribed by your doctor at the Centro de Salud, or you go private. The latter entails a visit to a private doctor (unless you want an OTC drug). Private doctors operate independently or in Clinicas. You will pay to visit the doctor and pay full retail price for all drugs.”
“Some Community answers that may be helpful: Does anyone have any recommendations on where to obtain free medicines in Spain? and Once moved to Spain on NLV, is it easy to obtain regular medication?“
“My experience: For most of my meds, it has been cheaper here – even out of pocket – than what I paid WITH insurance in the USA. Primary example is that the inhaler I used in the US – even WITH insurance in the US, I used to pay about $175 per inhaler. Without insurance, it was around $350 in the US.
Turns out that here in Spain, simply paying with cash and no insurance even involved… it’s $6.99. My math may be bad, but that means it was about 50X more expensive in the US. 50X! Having said that, I’d guess there are some meds that might actually be MORE expensive here in Spain though. And be prepared to get some meds in tiny boxes with 14 day supply. None of those 6-month Costco bottles here, as far as I can tell.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining prescription medication in Spain can vary depending on factors such as the specific medication, location, and whether you have private insurance. According to the responses from Spainguru’s Facebook group members, it appears that obtaining certain medications without a prescription is possible in heavy tourist areas and that the cost of drugs in Spain can be reasonable, even without health insurance.
However, it is important to note that the availability and cost of medication can vary, and it may be beneficial to consult with a doctor or pharmacist for specific information. Additionally, some group members mentioned that it may be cheaper to obtain certain medications in Spain compared to the United States.
It is also worth noting that some medicines may be more expensive in Spain and that the packaging may be different from what you are used to.
Related Articles
If you’re interested in learning more about obtaining medication in Spain or dealing with healthcare matters, you might find these articles helpful:
- Does anyone have any recommendations on where to obtain free medicines in Spain?
- How to get a prescription in Spain: a quick guide
- How do I get my medication in Spain if my Spanish doctor prescribes it?
- Are there any private health insurance options in Spain that cover prescriptions?
- How do I transfer medical prescriptions in Spain when I move?
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