RVI46 Posted March 27, 2006 Share Posted March 27, 2006 Hi, My wife and I haven't bought our van yet but, we're planning on a year long trip when we do. Our dilemma is what do we do about prescriptions? Does one of us fly back every two months? If someone in the same boat could advise us we would appreciate your suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel E Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Provided you are in Europe, an E111 Medical Card (for at Post Office) allows treatment by Doctors in any other EU country on the same terms as the locals. In most EU countries that make a charge, it will be quite reasonable. Many countries have different rules about what is OTC (over the counter) as opposed to prescription medecines, so it's worth checking at the local pharmacy first. In Spain, for example, (and don't all rush there tomorrow), Viagra is sold freely in pharmacies whereas it is prescription only in the UK. If you are on regular medication for a chronic condition (e.g., heart problems) then it is different. Doctors in the UK are obliged by the rules to examine patients that are on repeat prescriptions at least once every 6 months (or 3 months, depending on the medical problem). Start by talking to your own Doctor, and seeing what can be organised. Coming back to the UK once every 6 months isn't a big problem (even 3 monthly is livable with with cheapo airlines). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Tyke Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Hi RV 146 I am thinking that you are meaning supplies of repat prescriptions The customs info is not very clear - you can carry sufficient medication for the length of your holiday, it must be in the original container with the instructions chemists name & addresss etc still on. But these are really aimed at the 3 - 4 weeks holiday. Our doctor says that his rules are that they can only give upto 3 months - some people do get a second prescription to take with them and go to a pharmacy wherever they are at the time We are given 3 months very time so that we dont have to request extra. That allows us to go away when we want We have to go for tests every 6 months anyway I carry our medication in a plastic buistic box with an air tight lid still in the chemists packets; removing a weeks supply into one of the lockers I also carry our prescription for our specs, which we had to use when my wife sat on hers Spare specs are in one of the lockers and a blood pressure and blood glucose meter Sufficient - Tea & sacharine, to last us through Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVI46 Posted March 28, 2006 Author Share Posted March 28, 2006 Hi, Thanks to both of you for your replies. Yes it was repeats that I had in mind and your comments are just what I was hoping for. I do have Hospital appointments every six months ( R/A ), so I would fly back for that and as you say, have a chat with the GP about it. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 28, 2006 Share Posted March 28, 2006 Our doctor accepts repeat prescription requests by email. the last time I went down to pick it up they had printed out three sets, each was signed by a doctor and given to me at the same time. Each was to cover 168 weeks. !! and being over 60 its all free. So now we keep a complete set of spares in the van. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel E Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Clive that's almost 10 years! I suppose this is official medical confirmation that you are good for at least that long. And if that turns out not to be the case, Mrs Clive can now sue them (in the modern litigious manner) for misrepresentation! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Oops, sorry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Oops I meant 168 DAYS. But its still a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 As an extension to this problem, will French chemists accept British doctors prescriptions? if so are they at cost, fixed price or does the over 60 free prescriptions apply? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel E Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Best to get the medecines before you go. But any private prescription on proper headed paper should not be a problem. As to over 60, I doubt it - the normal threshhold in France for concessions is 65 (museums, etc). But anyway, the E111 system does not, I think, entitle you to free medication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
passionwagon Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 *-) UK prescription forms will NOT be accepted in Euro chemists. Letters will not get you prescription medication unless it is off precription in that country-but watch out for product sold as it may be of inferior quality. You will have to get a local doctor to write a prescription on that country's official form to ensure you get the prescribed medication at their Health system rates e.g. in France you pay for the product and then have to claim back the whole or part cost from their Social system. A letter from your doctor is important so that they can see the medication needed AND condition. Not all doctors in each country belong to their health service-ask before you take your shirt off :$ . The DoH booklet or website gives all necessary guidance. If you are on Warfarin or Dyalisis (as two examples) you need to get E112 from DoH at Newcastle to ensure continuation of treatment. Oh by the way did you know that if you leave the UK for more than 90 days you are supposed to advise Newcastle!! Nobody does!! Pip pip. (^) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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