I am a type II diabetic and also have high blood pressure, each condition means I take tablets three times a day.

Before contemplating full timing here are some of my thoughts on the matter. One of the most important things is to have a good relationship with your Doctor, make him aware of your plans well in advance and ask for his advice. My doctor made sure I had all the tests I needed before we set out on our journey. We carry a prescription for use in an emergency abroad and to show any over-officious customs official who may look in the very full drug locker, a letter from my GP say these drugs are essential for my health.

We always knew that prescriptions were going to be a problem, so decided that although full timing, I would have to return to the UK every 6 months or so. Having said that, I went home July this year, the last time was September 2003.

So how do you get a 6 – 9 months supply? In theory your Doctor cannot give you a 6 months supply, the Prescriptions Authority does not allow him. However I do have the support of my Doctor and he gets round this by giving me 3 months supply one week and another 3 months supply, 2 weeks later. This is so it not easily picked up by any spot-check auditing. I have also managed to get myself about a months buffer supply as well. Also our daughter came to visit in December and brought a month's supply, my wife went home to see her mother in March and brought another months supply. There are ways- although these extra prescriptions were very much at the discretion of my GP.

All this will only work if you are feeling well and healthy. At the start my wife was frightened of the responsibility of care for me but the lifestyle actually suited me, I lost weight, my blood pressure fell and I generally felt better. We look after each other more carefully than at home, minor injuries are always disinfected and looked after and we carry a comprehensive first aid kit.

I also have a blood pressure monitor and a Glucotrend machine for blood sugar. All this is for reassurance.

I take all these precautions with a view to maintain good health and because I am diabetic, don't pay for prescriptions – I still pay my tax in the UK though. It is usually quite simple to get prescription medicines over the counter in other countries and they're usually much cheaper than the UK. In Greece I took a prescription to the Pharmacist and he was able to supply all my medication or its equivalent, but the cost would have been €100/month.

On my visits to the UK I always have a blood test, and see the Doctor to make sure all is OK. Of course I go to the optician for an eye check and visit the dentist and chiropodist.

In spite of all this we make sure we have adequate Medical Insurance for peace of mind (and a real emergency). There is a company called Direct Travel who is the only one we have found who will insure pre-existing conditions.

This is a personal account of my experiences. I hope it is of some value for other travellers who do not see ill health being a barrier to full timing. Good luck.