bobd22

[QUOTE=Moses2013;12281105 I don't know why people worry so much about Brexit etc. as it still doesn't mean you can't live in Spain and nothing is clear yet.
.[/QUOTE]

Main reason people will worry is because nothing is clear. The proposal put forward would seem to make it fine for those that have been resident X number of years possibly 5? From an unknown cut off date possibly a date already passed March when they triggered article 50. Non of this takes into account the many who bought planning retirement but not retired yet. It is highly possible they are simply going to find themselves the biggest loser's in this mess. Without doubt people will still be able to live in Spain however without free healthcare at state retirement age then that may preclude many doing that. Many planned before this nightmare was dreamt up. They may well have had everything in order for retirement but would depend on the right to free health care that membership of EU gave them.

Moses2013

Sure but my point is that running away is also not an option. Worst case scenario if you own property in Spain, is that you might only be able to live there for 3 months, or might have to pay for an annual residency permit. It's worse in the US (Florida) were thousands of Brits still buy property. Just being in the EU also doesn't mean you have the right to free health care. You have the right to access health care but it was never completely free.


Every operation costs money, so it's still cheaper for the UK government to pay for an operation in Spain. It reduces costs and waiting lists in the UK, so why wouldn't that continue? And nothing is ever really clear in our world. Earthquakes, Flooding, Air polulution but people still go to the places were it can happen any day.

Fred James

If you read the actual document that the government published on Monday, it specifically mentions the S1 system for UK pensioners and their intention to retain that system of reciprocal free healthcare.

I really cannot see the Spanish not agreeing to that as it is clearly in their interest to do so.

Johnboyuk

In the worst case, getting a 'Golden Visa' is an option but you have to purchase property worth at least 500,000 Euros (plus taxes) for Spain. Greece as a similar scheme that requires applicants to purchase property for a minimum of 250,000 Euros. Cyprus (Republic of) is 300,000 Euros:


Golden Visa Spain – Invest Property - Residency and Citizenship

bobd22

Cheers Fred do you have a link for the document? I can obviously only comment on what I have been able to see.

Fred James

Yes, it's here

https://www.gov.uk/government/public...ving-in-the-eu

bobd22

Cheers Fred I had found it, not read it in detail but re health care it does say to continue for those resident on the agreed date? Which is not agreed yet and UK proposal is for 29 March 2017 when they triggered article 50, EU proposes the date we actually leave. So the likes of myself will have either missed that date or have to make ourselves resident pretty quickly. The reason I am not resident as I said earlier is because of the rapid changes made re my wife's state pension contribution and age.

bobd22

In fact it says that they are seeking to retain the S1 for those resident and in receipt of it, the example it gives also shows that. So it would seem those currently under retirement age but resident may well end up having to pay for healthcare unless Spain wishes to pick up their tab? EHIC if continued will of course help for shorter breaks to one's Spanish property.

Fred James

Since early retirees are not getting free health care at the moment, I can see no reason why that would change. You can always pay the monthly Convenio Especial charge and get entry to the Spanish NHS (but you pay for prescriptions). That is available to any resident of Spain.

bobd22

Yes I fully understand that Fred my point is planning pre brexit and cost after but yes those on S1 will be fine. Convenio Especial cost over age 65 is over 300 euros per couple plus full cost of prescriptions. A large expenditure to add to one's living costs, cheaper to stay in UK and try the impossible sell the home you bought to retire to.

lurchio

Firstly, I am glad that hopefully current OAP residents living here will continue to be covered for Healthcare after BREXIT as that is obviously a big worry for them (most of the ones I know, anyway!). Not being an OAP yet, it does however gripe me more than a bit that IF the paper as released is interpreted correctly, after paying 40 years of contributions etc. etc my Wife and I will have to sort our own health cover when we reach 66 (Five years time).


We are currently on the Convenio, but on reaching 65, the monthly bill will rise from 120 euros to 314 euros for us both. Up side is that we will get our Pensions paid at 66 as it looks. (Gee, thanks...........)


Obviously the hard word, if we don't like it, sell up and back to Blighty it is.................NOT!


It just strikes me that now, more than EVER, Ex Pats need a direct voice in Parliament.

ZanBee

Thank you for your posts folks.

I just don't want to live in the UK anymore and looking for something off the grid/ semi off the grid with good weather most year round, fertile land and a simple, peaceful way of life.

Andalucia has been my number 1 location, but post brexit my dream may not come true.

I have also looked at Indonesia/Malaysia but there are visa issues, making a permanent move there impossible.

Anyone got any other ideas? Have any of you researched New Zealand? South of Turkey is largely agricultural with good weather too.

I'm just desperate to get away from all the troubles of the world and create my own haven with my children.

bobd22

Even worse as your wife like mine would have been able to get S1 at 60 without the rapid age change. By the way I too know elderly expats who were very worried and agree it is good their minds can be put at rest.

lurchio

Bob. yes indeed, goal posts well and truly moved in that respect. Also as we both had Govt Pensions, (me Police, her NHS/ Civil Service) the latest 'fiddle' of the unknown 'opting out' which reduces the sum under the 'New' Pension rules when we retire also grates us.


As I said, we have to suck it up, we really DO NOT want to return to the UK in any event.................. lifes too short and our life here is brilliant!


Still, its a wait and see exercise as these are proposals subject to negotiation, as far as non OAP residents are concerned.


Again, lifes too short to live in its shadow, but I do understand the practicalities as far as people PLANNING retirement actively by already buying out here, that stinks. I only hope it can work out for you and people in a similar situation.

rspltd

Unfortunately the 'goal posts' as you describe it were moved as a result of equality legislation for which you have the EU to thank.