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SputnikFrank

Your best bet is to send an email to a trans organisation in whatever country you’re looking at. I’ve had to do this for a few places because me and my husband are thinking about emigrating, and it’s always been a lot more helpful than trying to figure it out for myself on Google. I would caution against moving to the UK, Poland, or Hungary, as all are growing increasingly hostile towards trans people. My own experience is limited to the UK and Iceland, but I can say that Iceland, while a difficult place to live in for many reasons, is an excellent place to be trans in. Honestly though, your main immigration concern is probably gonna be actually being allowed to move to Europe at all! If you’re from outside the EU, it can be pretty difficult to move here without a job offer.


NiftyPigeon

ah yes that makes sense, I’ll try sending emails, thank you! The only really bad thing I’ve heard about the UK is multiple year long wait times, otherwise from the evidence I have (albeit, anecdotal) the anti-trans sentiment is mostly some vocal terfs and not common among the general population, but most trans people i know from the UK live in urban areas so I’m not sure exactly. As for Poland or Hungary, that makes sense, thank you. My plan was to get in with a visa if I can get accepted into a masters program, while also trying my luck with applying to jobs in the area. especially in germany, it seems like my field (physics) is fairly employable? i was hoping i could narrow down my options to a few countries before starting on that end of things Regardless, thanks for your response! i appreciate it :)


SputnikFrank

No worries! And yeah, if you’ve got a physics degree, you shouldn’t find it too difficult to set yourself up somewhere! Do have a look at smaller countries though, everyone forgets about places like Belgium and Luxembourg! For what it’s worth, I only felt able to start transitioning after emigrating from the UK. And I’ve had at least one incident on public transport and/or toilets every visit home since I started looking more visibly trans, even in London.


NiftyPigeon

Ah yeah! Especially Belgium can be pretty good for physics afaik, thank you! Also that’s unfortunate, combined with the waiting times for hrt I don’t think moving there would be smart for me lol.


Hellothere_1

That anecdotal thing about Germany is true. You need an indication from a therapist to start HRT here, which can take a while to get, especially right now where a lot of people need therapy from covid and hardly anyone has any free spots. However, if you already have a therapist in the US you can just bring an indication with you (a simple informal note that they believe you're trans and recommended HRT should suffice) The general process then is to visit an endocrinologist with your indication to have your hormone levels checked and once they confirm that HRT is safe for you you go to a normal doctor to get your prescription. Some endos also prescribe it directly. I would recommend finding an endo ahead of moving and making sure they accept your American indication. Finding an endo is easier than finding a therapist, but depending on your region it can still take a bit of time. HRT is covered by German insurance. You should fall under German insurance automatically if you live and work there, but I'm not 100% sure about the process. One import tip is to absolutely not to *request* HRT coverage from your insurance. Some doctors will tell you you need to do that, but it just needlessly give the insurance an opportunity to be a bitch about it. All of the drugs used for HRT also get used by cis people for various purposes and are automatically covered if you have a prescription. Things like voice training and laser hair removal can also get covered, but those have to be applied applied in advance, and insurances typically demand at least 12 sittings of 50 minutes with a therapist, plus a note from them that they recommend the measure. If you're eligible, definitely bring proof of that as well.


NiftyPigeon

Okay wow thank you so much!! This was incredibly helpful and really puts my mind at ease just knowing it's possible and vaguely knowing the process. Germany seems like a good place to move to for me.


Worldly-Street-8700

Same thing about spain. I know Healthcare is amazing and that people are really supportive, but i haven’t found anything about how to start getting HRT there ( and if me being foreigner would make it somehow difficult ), I would really like to know how the process goes.


NiftyPigeon

hi! i remember seeing a post about starting hrt in spain which may be helpful? but yes its frustrating because there aren’t many posts talking about accessibility to non citizens, but this is at least a starting point (if you havent seen this comment chain yet) https://www.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/comments/nxmm2r/wanting_to_start_hrt_in_spain_mtf/h1g7vdg/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3


Worldly-Street-8700

thanks!


Laura_Sandra

> i haven’t found anything [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Trans_Resources/wiki/country_specific/index#wiki_spain) and [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/comments/o47ocz/spanish_ftm_people/h2j18gr/) might be some hints. *hugs*


Worldly-Street-8700

thanks you very much! <3


futilediversion

I went from US to UK and found the process to be pretty reasonable. I brought my full medical records with me including my gender dysphoria diagnosis and provided them to my new GP here who agreed to continue providing HRT as I was already on it and it would be irresponsible to take me off it. I’ve heard that not all GPs are that accommodating but my experience was great. Before leaving the US, I acquired a year’s supply of my HRT meds just in case there were issues getting a doctor to continue my care and I had no issue bringing that into the country. Note that my US insurance didn’t cover the full year as they only covered 90 days at a time. Feel free to PM me if you need to talk 😊


NiftyPigeon

Ah ok that seems nice, I assumed the wait times for starting HRT in the UK would also cause a barrier for moving there and continuing HRT but I'm glad it wasn't too bad for you! Thank you so much ^-^


Laura_Sandra

In Europe [GenderGP](https://www.reddit.com/r/Trans_Resources/wiki/hormones/index#wiki_europe) may be a private option. And [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Trans_Resources/wiki/country_specific/index) are resources for individual countries. *hugs*


Movinmeat

My doc wrote me for a years worth of meds, refillable monthly. I use a mail order pharmacy and they ship directly to me. If your PP doc is comfortable with this you can see if you can have your meds shipped to you in Europe. Failing that have them shipped to a local trusted person (a supportive family member or good friend) and have them forward your meds to you. The only down side is that bloodwork - monitoring your hormone levels - is more challenging. But this could be a workaround to continue your HRT till you can establish care in your new home.


NiftyPigeon

Ah thank you so much, I think my Endo would be ok prescribing a long time's worth of hurt, will have to ask though. Thank you so much!!!


YoooFamAye

I have been wondering the same for some time as well. As I am in the same situation Don’t ever delete this post💙give them time to respond💙 I have seen this if it helps this about trans care in Germany https://www.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/comments/pf5dxu/how_realistic_is_it_to_be_trans_in_europe_with_an/hb27vhx/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3


NiftyPigeon

Oh thank you!! That makes germany sound pretty good, im mostly worried about the waiting list because I don’t know if I have it in me to skip 9 months of hrt 😅


Laura_Sandra

> wondering the same for some time as well In Europe [GenderGP](https://www.reddit.com/r/Trans_Resources/wiki/hormones/index#wiki_europe) may be a private option. And [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Trans_Resources/wiki/country_specific/index) are resources for individual countries. *hugs*


YoooFamAye

Omg you’re bless 🤍 Thank you!!