Blood test in Spain

[masma]

I had a DVT 8 weeks ago and am still having twice weekly blood tests, doc has said I can still go on holiday but might need the blood tests while I'm away. My question is.. how easy will it be? Can I just turn up, like we do in our local hospital, and get a blood test. Also will I have to pay? TIA

[Sqad]

Well.........I am not sure if you can turn up at the local hospital (A&E) as this will not be considered as a medical emergency.

You could go to a Private Clinic and explain the situation and also the tests that you require and i am sure that they would accommodate you but of course you would have to pay.

[Chinajan]

Ensure you go to a state or public hospital and they should accept your EHIC and treat you for free. The card entitles you to be treated on the same basis as a Spanish national. I'd advise you to find out where the nearest public hospital is before you go.

Also, there may be a local health centre that may be able to do it for you. Ask a pharmacist for the nearest public doctor. If you are charged, and it wasn't a private clinic, retain any bills and receipts and apply for reimbursement when you get back to the UK by ringing 0191 218 1999 for a claim form.

[Chinajan]

Just seen Sqad's answer. The EHIC does cover this type of thing. It is classed as 'medically necessary' treatment.

[masma]

I really wish they'd said I couldn't go. One person says I'll be ok then another one comes along and says I'll have to be tested while we're there. Only (meant to be) going for a week. Thanks for you answers xx

[Sqad]

masma......if you bleeding times and anticoagulant regime is stabilised....then i would just go.
You can be re-tested as soon as you return home

P.SChinajan's reply is more informed than mine,

[bednobs]

when are you going? You shouldn't need to be on twice weekly bt forever, and f the inr is stable, they will decrease the BT

[masma]

Meant to be going on the 24th so I'm just scraping into the 8 weeks since diagnoses. Blood has been between 1.9 and 3.1 for the past 2 weeks and have been taking 7 mgs of Warfarin. Doc said I can go but can't get nurse to sort out what I'll have to do during that week.

[Sqad]

masma...those figures are fine...........why not continue on Warfarin 7mgms and just go.

Any chance of an INR before you go?

[masma]

Yes sqad got one tomorrow then 2 or 3 next week. I spoke to the DVT clinic earlier and they can't understand why I'm needing to go so often. I'm worried that if I do 'just go' and something happens (accident) my insurance won't cover me if I've not been given he correct info.