Loco

For UK nationals who were living in Spain ( or the EU ) before the 31st December 2020 and only had free emergency access to the Spanish and NHS healthcare systems the UK dropping the residency requirement for free full NHS treatment is great news.

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Best
Loco
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-spain-including-the-balearic-and-canary-islands?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_source=3766c791-bda5-4bd3-9d74-a1a139548309&utm_content=immediately#getting-treatment-in-the-uk

spainrico

Sorry to subtle for me - what has actually changed?

Joppa

Those who were resident in EU by 31st December 2020 - i.e. are beneficiaries of the withdrawal agreement - are no longer subject to NHS charges when they receive treatment beyond emergency care in UK. Up until now, only those with S1 were exempt from charges.

spainrico

OK thanks good to know.

Notdunroamin

There is some disinformation on the link given.

If you are not a permanent resident and you are not working

You can apply to join the public health insurance scheme. This is called the Convenio Especial. You pay a monthly fee to join the scheme, which gives you access to the Spanish health system.

You can apply if you’ve been registered on the ‘padrón’ (at your local town hall) for at least one year.


Non residents should not 'registered' on any padron!

bobd22

But initial residency is temporary for the first five years after that it becomes permanent. So there are plenty legally resident in Spain who are not classed as permenant residents who will have correctly signed on the padron. Many non pensioners in this situation will have taken advantage of the Convenio Especial.