Manclass

Can anybody on the forum explain to me what I have to do to be able to get a EHIC card for emergency use when in the UK. ? I am now resident in Spain and as I am retired I am able to receive my health care through the Spanish NHS and as such need to send my UK EHIC card back. Not sure how I apply for one. Thank you in advance.

jimenato

As a pensioner you will have to get your EHIC from the UK. I don't know if the one you are holding will do.

This from the govt website

ETA that is assuming you are a UK STATE pensioner...

mikelincs

As jimenato has said, you have to get it from the UK, which seems a bit ridiculous, but that's the rules, however it will be marked that it isn't valid in Spain.

Neptuno

Of course the one the OP is holding won't do - it was for countries in the EU except UK ! He needs the one for Countries in the EU except Spain!.

Manclass

Phoned the number, all sorted, they are sending me a application form for my new card.
thanks for your help

Neptuno

You could have downloaded it, and saved time.

spainrico

This is a useful site and explains the whole system

Health Care In Spain | Working through the British consulate looking to offer information on health care requirements for UK residents living and working in Spain

stevesainty

Hi Neptuno, do you have a link for the form please? I have googled but can only find one for Irish nationals, nothing for UK nationals with Spanish residency.

Neptuno

I have looked, and it seems you have to have to apply by phone, to have the form sent to you,although if you are resident in UK you can apply on line. Sorry about giving you duff info!
Surely soon this form will be available to download for those living in Spain?

Manclass

I was told on the phone that as soon as the S1 form is returned back to them from Spain they will automatically send me the application form.

Ruby2

And when you send in the form it's worth checking what the turnaround time is. I applied 2 years ago and was told there was a 1 year waiting time for new cards to be issued. Sure enough, 1 year later my new card arrived in the post! and it's absolutely identical to the one I already had that had been issued to me when I was a UK resident. But I was glad to have a realistic expectation of the timescale for the new card.

Chiclanagir

Well I have a EHIC card, which I got when I got my pension a few years ago. I dont know if it is any different. But when I was last back in the UK I had a torn ligament and got treated at my local hospital walk in centre. She took a photo copy of the card and suggested I sign on as a temporary resident with my daughter´s GP.

On another note what is the position with having a free eye test in the UK as a pensioner?

Neptuno

If you are stating that the one you have was issued in the UK before you became resident in Spain, then I think that should not have been used when you visited.
Also, surely you cannot register as a temporary resident in this way? That is for people who live in the UK, and stay with someone in another part of the country. The EHIC card is only for necessary or emergency treatment, not general care which you would visit a GP for
I had an eye test when I visited the UK, and paid £12, as I lived abroad, and therefore did not have a GP in the UK

davidinspain

I saw my old GP on my last visit.He knows I'm resident here but gave me an appointment with no problems.All this daft EU red tape needs cutting,you should have medical access in all EU member states freely available with just sight of residents card or passport

lynnxa

but who pays for it??