Originally Posted by LittleWeed

Hi, I believe te entitlement to free health care for "early retirees" only applies to the Valencia province. There's a lot of useful info this website on how to obtain a SIP card http://www.ukgovabusesexpats.co.uk.

Originally Posted by glynis

Just looked at a site recommended on another thread www.rawlinsholden.com ane then went to their blog. They recommend paying into the spanish social security system 250 euros a month which would cover the whole family and even give a small pension.

Originally Posted by brightonchris

could not find the actual blog but this sounds like the "autonimo" or self employed payment mentioned earlier in this thread. my understanding is that this is the only way that one can make voluntary contributions to the spanish social security system. i have received differing advice as to whether this is possible without actually undertaking business activity...some (including a spanish solicitor) advised me that the government do not check but others say that they do conduct audits from time to time.

Originally Posted by brightonchris

Hi, I wonder if anyone has any advice on my situation...I have taken early retirement and am now of "independent means". As I am below state pensionable age I will obviously not qualify for free health cover after my form E106 runs out. Due to a long term health problem, I can not get private medical insurance. I want to "retire" to Spain (northern Costa del Sol). A solicitor that I spoke to in Spain suggested that I register as "autonimo/self employed " in Spain and pay the minimum social security payment ( which I would be happy to do).However, I have read postings on this forum that suggest that this is not possible if you are not actually earning a living in Spain.
Has anyone any advice/suggestions?
many thanks

Originally Posted by Lis48

Brightonchris, I was in a similar position when I took early retirement to come to Spain two years ago. I applied to Sanitas and got refused on the grounds of a longterm health prob. I appealed asking for cover with the complaint excluded but I was still rejected. I applied to BUPA international who charge a lot but accept almost anyone. After a year I reapplied to Sanitas and they accepted me automatically because I was a Bupa member and they have a sort of reciprocal agreement. Perhaps it's worth your contacting Bupa International and put up with the cost for a year? Just my pennyworth.