Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

That covers the EHIC, which is only for tourists. If you live in Spain you can't use it. Nothing has yet been said about whether the free access to the Spanish NHS (funded by the UK) for UK state pensioners will continue in its present form.

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

I don't see a reason why it shouldn't continue for UK state pensioners. Mostly cheaper and reduces waiting lists in UK but might be tougher for people who want to retire early.

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

Can't be totally sure, but I'm sure I heard David Davis say in addition to the EHIC card, agreement had also been agreed regarding reciprocal access to the health systems as per the situation as it now exists.

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

I was of the belief from an interview I saw with Davis that only agreement so far on the Ehic was in relation to uk pensioners resident in EU issued with an
S1. They have agreed uk will continue to issue them with Ehic for use in all of EU along with their S1. Ehic for other than pensioners has not been discussed as EU will only currently discuss residents rights at this stage.

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

Yes, Bob, I saw that. As I said, there is plenty of specific talk about EHIC, but nothing concrete agreed yet about full S1 cover, unless I have missed it.

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

There is no such thing as "free healthcare".

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

I don't think you have missed it Fred they have not said anything on it other than in the earlier outlined proposal that it would continue?

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

Hardly related to the discussion. Splitting hairs will not eleviate our concern over health care. Free health care is " health care which is not charged for, at the point of contact etc".( prescription charges excepted!)

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

Guys i do apoligise!
I posted wrong article!! and to my hoirror can not find it.
It was announced last night
at 5.0clock Radio4. Trying my hardest to find it!!!

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/436379...avis-confirms/

So sorry......

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

Woop woop I think i found it!!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/pen...re-Brexit.html

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

Thanks for that Keith lets hope it is correct and that I can sort out residency before the exit date

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

The DM article goes on about pension increases in boring depth, but the only reference to healhcare is this:-

A joint update on Brexit talks published by the UK and EU indicated 'convergence' of their positions on state pension uprating plus healthcare arrangements for people of all ages - including safeguarding of the EHIC scheme - although nothing will be certain until a final deal is struck.

It does not specifically mention the reciprocal full coverage within the Spanish NHS for pensioners. In fact it suggests that heatlthcare provisions for "people of all ages". Only pensioners are entitled to full healthcare under the present rules.

It seems to me that the press and probably the government do not understand the difference between the EHIC "healthcare" and the full UK Govt funded access to the Spanish NHS. I doubt that anyone at the Daily Mail has the slightest idea what an S1 form is!

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

The document the Daily Mail refers too and provide a link to I believe is the same document that Lurchio mentioned here http://britishexpats.com/forum/spain...elease-902775/

I also agree with Fred from much of what I have read I think there is a lot of misunderstanding but hopefully not by the government's experts negotiating for us, however some say Davis is as thick as mince.........

It is looking promising but until it is all signed off.............

Re: Free Healthcare? We hope!
 

To be honest I am not sure that Davis understands the S1 system? It may be that they are hoping to keep both S1 and ehic much the same but it certainly is far from clear. They should be sorting out the S1 as this phase of negotiations is supposed to be about the very issue of citizens resident in EU and the payment to be made. They did say initially in their outline that they intended to retain S1 system but even that was not clear if that was just for those currently on S1 or if those on attaining retirement age would get it.