Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Private healthcare abroad

JohnH123
  • 1 reply
  • 13 subscribers
  • 104 views

Hello all,

Sorry im quite new to this, I was wondering if anyone could help me?

I have been a year in remission by some miracle and now after a bone marrow transplant i am regaining my strength and found the courage to venture out to where my family stay in spain. I am trying to gain a work visa so i can stay with them for longer. Every private healthcare agency i call here in spain wont take me due to my medical history. There for i have to move back to england where i dont have anywhere to stay apart from on my sisters sofa. 

Has anyone been in a similar situation and found a way to get a working visa abroad, or any similar visa like extensions?

  • Dear  ,

    Thank you for getting in touch. It's great to hear you are in remission and that you are feeling well enough to venture out to live and work in Spain. I am however sorry to hear of the challenges you are facing in trying to secure a work visa due to the issues you’re having in obtaining private healthcare, and that this may result in you having to return to the UK to live and work.

    As Macmillan is a UK charity, overseas healthcare isn’t an area we specialise in however I hope I can provide some information which may assist you in obtaining the relevant healthcare cover that is required to allow you to remain in Spain. May I ask if you have looked at the Gov.UK – Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain page which has details on obtaining healthcare prior to applying for a visa? This page also contains details of a helpline you can contact for more information on overseas healthcare so please do reach out to them to discuss your requirements if needed too:

    NHS Overseas Healthcare Services
    Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999
    Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
    Saturday, 9am to 3pm

    I really hope this information is helpful  and that you manage to get the cover you need to allow you to apply for a work visa in Spain. And please remember there are many ways we can support you should you need to return to the UK to live so please do get back in touch if you have any questions or need further support.

    Take care,

    Marie S - Macmillan

    Cancer Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2024 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007