Before moving to Spain, I spent so much time thinking about the exciting stuff. The lifestyle, the travel, the food, the “I live in Europe now” moments. What didn’t I think about enough? My prescriptions. So technically, I did come semi-prepared for my long-term stay in Spain. I made sure to stock up on my vitamins, supplements, and prescriptions, and I even told my doctor ahead of time that I’d need about a 3–6 month supply.
And honestly? That was one of the smartest things I did. If you take any kind of regular medication, do yourself a favor and bring enough supply to last you a while. I’m talking daily prescriptions, birth control, and anything you rely on consistently, because once you’re in Spain, you can’t just walk into a pharmacy and refill a U.S. prescription like it’s nothing. It doesn’t work like that.
If you try having someone bring it over? Proceed carefully. Now, I know it’s tempting. You run out, and you’re like, “I’ll just have someone bring it when they visit.” And yes, people do this. But it’s not something you want to rely on long-term. There are rules around medications crossing borders, and depending on what it is, it can get complicated. So think of this as a backup plan, not your main strategy.
The Smart Move: Get a Doctor’s Note Before You Leave
This is the part I wish more people talked about. Before moving, ask your doctor in the U.S. for a written note that includes:
- Your full name
- Your diagnosis (if relevant)
- the exact medication name
- dosage and frequency
Basically, your medical résumé. This makes your life so much easier later. Even Better? Translate it. If you really want to be ahead of the game, have that document translated into Spanish. Because when you go to a doctor in Spain, you can hand them something clear, official, and easy to understand instead of trying to explain everything from scratch. It just makes the whole experience smoother, faster, and less stressful.
Visiting a Doctor in Spain
When you’re ready to get your prescription locally, you’ll need to see a general doctor, also known as “Medicina General.” You bring:
- Your doctor’s note
- Your medication info
- Any packaging you still have
And they can usually prescribe you the Spanish equivalent. Because yes, your exact U.S. medication might not exist under the same name, but there’s almost always an alternative.
A Quick Reality Check
Not everything is identical. Some medications have different names, slightly different formulas, or different strengths.
For example, something like Spironolactone exists in Spain, but it may be prescribed and managed a little differently. So it’s not about finding the same thing. It’s about finding the equivalent that works for you. When you’re not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is:
- navigate a new healthcare system
- translate medical terms
- and hope you’re making the right choice
Having your documentation ready takes all that pressure off.
Now, let me clear something up, because this part can get confusing. For more basic medications, the process is usually pretty straightforward. If you bring an official note from your U.S. doctor, even better if it’s translated into Spanish, a doctor here can often review it and write you a local prescription without too much back and forth. It’s honestly one of those moments where preparation really pays off.
But if you’re dealing with something more complex or long-term, especially anything related to mental health, it’s a different process. In that case, a general doctor will still be your first step. However, they’ll usually refer you to a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. From there, the specialist will:
- Evaluate your situation
- Confirm your diagnosis
- and decide on the appropriate treatment or medication here in Spain
So while your U.S. documentation is still helpful, it won’t automatically transfer over in these cases. Think of it more as supporting evidence rather than a shortcut. It might take an extra step or two, but it’s all part of making sure you’re getting the right care within the Spanish system.
This isn’t the most glamorous part of moving abroad, but it’s one of the most important: bring what you need, plan ahead, and advocate for yourself. Because once this is handled, you can go back to focusing on the fun parts of life in Spain, without that low-key stress in the background. And trust me, your future self will be very, very grateful.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
