Has anyone on here moved abroad with MBC?

[luvnak907]

I am planning on moving to Europe (feel free to recommend) in 2023. I was diagnosed with de novo stage IV breast cancer in Aug 2013 at 42. 12 weeks of taxol straight in a row, all mets (lung, breast, liver) responded well. Hysterectomy Dec 2013, lumpectomy Dec 2014. Been NED for many years and am so grateful. I was on Ibrance for about 5 years-ish and stopped taking it months ago. Just on Femara and will be for rest of my life. It causes me no known side effects. Or I am just so used to them that it doesn’t bother me. I am ready to retire from teaching, sell everything I own and set out for Europe in 2023 when my baby graduates high school. I know I will have to purchase International Insurance, which could be cheaper than I am paying now. I also have heard that healthcare is better in Europe. Any brave metsters been abroad? Any issues? Any advice would be much appreciated! ✌🏽

[Hidden]

Hi,

I lived abroad (in America) prior to my diagnosis, but not since. Whereabouts in Europe are you thinking of moving to? I can’t comment on the specifics of healthcare on the continent as it varies from country to country, but in the UK it’s free on the NHS (National Health Service) for residents and citizens. If you are over here as a tourist or on a work visa you have to pay for healthcare.

If you were to settle in the UK you would have to register with a GP and then you would receive an NHS number. Then when you attend hospital appointments you will also receive a unique hospital number. Prescriptions are free in most parts of the UK, except for England. But, millions receive prescriptions for free in England (children, full time students, people on certain benefits, over 60s and people with disabilities and health conditions). So if you are under 60 you can receive prescriptions for free based on your cancer diagnosis. You would just need to apply for a medical exemption certificate from your GP. It’s valid for 5 years, but you can then renew it. The certificate allows you to receive all prescriptions for free, not just cancer medication.

I hope that helps. I wish you well with your planned move.

Sophie

[jersey-jazz]

That is so wonderful! Good on you! Yes, you will need international health insurance, at first. Once you have become a resident of an EU country, you are entitled to their national health and the EU's inclusive health services. Where are you thinking of heading to?