Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

If you are a UK State pensioner living in the EU you are now entitled to access the NHS at any time, resident or not.

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer while living in the UK, and arrangements for it to be removed there. I moved to Spain before the date of that operation and was told that it could not now be done in the UK, because I was now a Spanish resident, so it would have to be carried out in Spain!!

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

The rules changed at the beginning of the year. When they tightened up on the rules to stop health tourism, an unexpected benefit was regarding pensioners. This is what it says in the press release.

UK state pensioners who live elsewhere in the EEA will now have the same rights to NHS care as people who live in England. This applies to all pensioners who receive a UK state retirement pension and registered for healthcare in Europe with an S1 form.

The press release is at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/n...ns-to-nhs-care

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

So what are the benefits of, and reasons for , De-registering?

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Wow.

So that means that the UK pay twice for pensioners. Once for healthcare in Spain (at whatever the current annual rate is) and the second time for getting healthcare back in UK.

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

When I moved back to the UK I had no problem registering with the NHS or to vote. You just need an address here and some proof of that. However when I signed on as unemployed I had to do something called a Habitual Residence Test (HRT) to show I intended to stay here, that slowed things up a bit. However, at no time did anybody ask if I had de-registered in Spain.

Neptuno, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Most likely it's just a formality. It's a different matter if you forget to give the "baja" with things like electricity or gym membership or insurance (mutua), although if you close your bank account perhaps not. I have kept my bank account in Spain in case I return, but I realise that is a grey area as I'm not resident. Also that's partly why I never de-registered.

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Anyone know what problems could occur if I don't deregister?
So far I can't see many on here giving me a good reason why I should?
Could there be any consequences regarding tax if i don't deregister?

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Exactly. That's why I think that this is too vague an explanation of the changes. This seems to say that you can choose to have treatment or operations at a UK hospital and not a Spanish one. I don't believe that to be the case, it's just not practical. Also that it's OK to be registered with both a Spanish and a UK doctor, surely that is what will happen if you don't deregister with the Spanish system, which will still show you as being a Spanish resident.

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Since the information came from HMG I suggest you get in touch with them. You are not going to get a definitive answer from anyone on the forum.

The wording looks pretty clear to me.

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Apparently you can get problems with registering with the NHS if you don't de-register in Spain. When we were registered with the NHS we weren't asked about it but maybe some have. Maybe if you return to Spain and drive a UK registered car you could have a problem?

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Before acting on this info, it should be checked out. What is lacking is detail, quite often things don't turn out the way they appear to be. The right thing to do, is to follow the correct procedure and deregister. Not adopt the all to often, lousy expat attitude of "I can't be bothered".

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Do you mean "lousy" as in terrible, or as in lice-infested? Or do you, in fact, mean "lazy"? As in can't be bothered to check spelling.

Many people when packing up their life and moving country, with tight travel deadlines, simply do not have time to de-register, or don't realise they have to. Not a question of lazy, lousy or head lice.

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Before posting, you should have checked the usual meaning of the word 'lousy'. Most people plan their lives well ahead, it's the 'lazy' ones who can't be bothered!!!

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Please, let's not have an argument about dictionary definitions. We all know the word has at least two equally well known meanings.

Back to the topic please.

Re: DeRegistering in Spain
 

Agreed, but apparently one of us doesn't. I still say that we should all respect the Spanish system and dergister. Just imagine the feeling in the UK, if other nationalities ignored our procedings. Before someone says that they do, 'Two wrongs don't make a right!', and proves my point.