Last month, Spain introduced a new prescriptions law aimed at reducing the cost of vital drugs and medicines for residents with lower incomes.
In Spain, there is no universal prescription charge. Most people who are prescribed drugs and other medicines from their local Farmacia are expected to pay a sum of money towards the cost of the drug, which will vary according to the product.
There are certain exemptions allowing free prescriptions for those on very low incomes, or the severely ill and disabled, but most users of the system will be expected to contribute to the cost of their medicaments.
The new law is aimed at reducing costs for middle-income individuals and families, with those with an income between €18,000 to €60,000 per annum having to contribute less than before.
The full range of income categories and rates is as follows:
Up to €9,000: Contribution remains at 40%, capped at €8.23 per month.
€9,000 to €17,999: Contribution remains at 40%, capped at €18.52 per month.
€18,000 to €34,999: Contribution reduced from 50% to 45%, capped at €61.75 per month.
€35,000 to €59,999: Contribution is reduced from 50% to 45%, with no cap.
€60,000 to €99,999: Contribution remains at 50%, with no cap.
Over €100,000 euros: The 60% contribution is maintained, with no cap.
Foreign residents living legally in Spain, including British nationals registered within the public healthcare system, are subject to exactly the same rules as Spanish citizens. The amount you pay depends on official income records, such as the annual tax declaration, and healthcare eligibility. It currently has nothing to do with nationality (although certain political parties intend to change that if they get into power).
Prescriptions can be picked up at any official Farmacia (look for the illuminated green cross outside) on presentation of your blue health card. The assistant will fetch your prescription, cut the bar-codes out with a craft knife for some reason, and then charge you the rate according to the table above.
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