Chiclanagir

Perhaps someone could clarify the following point.
Our cover for reciprocal agreement in Spain runs out at the end of this year and we will not get cover again for four years until we become pensioners (dreaded word). Is it worth taking out a private health policy, our health is normally good. Also as we have been in Spain a year if something went wrong and we wanted to go back to the UK for say urgent treatment - would this be a problem. We do still have a property in the UK and pay UK tax.

countryboy

Hello glynis,
I have just researched this subject for a friend of my wife's this is what I have come up with....

If you live in Spain full time register with the town hall and get your "PADRON" take this with your Passport or residency card, with your E111 or other medical form (issued by the UK government) to your local health centre and ask for the New SIP card, this will entitle you to free health care here in Spain.

Now please read the below information

HEALTH NEWS
SIP (Health Card) cards are being replaced by the new EU SIP card, this new card can be used anywhere in the EU community, For your card go to the Health Centre here in Sax between 11:00 and 14:00 ask to see the administrator.
I was asked by a friend of my wife’s (Rita) to find out how you stand in obtaining medical care in the UK (or any other EU country), if you no longer have an address or connections there. Rita now lives in Spain full time and has residency, and SIP card. So I asked my friend who works in the Medical Centre here in Sax. She told me that the New Issue SIP card (January 2005) is an updated card and replaces the old card, which can be used in any EU country for health care, you must, when obtaining health treatment, produce your SIP card along with your passport or Residency card.
*You are entitled to free medical and hospital care:
Having shown your European Health Card (EHC), you will be seen by a GP at a local health centre or at your accommodation if you are unable to make the journey. If you need to see a specialist or go into hospital, the GP will give you the relevant medical certificate or referral. Accident and Emergency services are available at hospitals.
*You will require your European Health Card (EHC):
From 1 July 2004, the European Health Card will replace the current temporary stay forms - principally the E-111 and E-128. It entitles you to the same medical care as before, identical to that received by Spanish citizens. It is valid for the period shown on the card.
It is available from the relevant healthcare organisation in your country of origin. Private doctors and hospitals in Spain do not accept the European Health Card. If you require private healthcare you must settle your own bills or take out an insurance policy that covers it.
*When are forms still necessary?
If you need haemodialysis or any other type of specific treatment during your stay in Spain, you will need the E-112 form, as well as authorisation from the relevant institution in your country of origin. Remember that the following are not covered in Spain: dental treatment (apart from emergency extractions) and repatriation for medical treatment.
*If you forget your European Health Card (EHC):
You will have to pay any hospital, medical or pharmaceutical bills in advance, and then seek reimbursement from the relevant organisation in your country of origin, providing all receipts.
*Remember that the European Health Card is not valid if you have travelled to Spain in order to receive specific medical treatment. The same applies to all other EU countries.
In any case, you should contact the relevant office in your country of origin for full details regarding current requirements to receive medical care in Spain.

David SR

sibsie

Not quite free. You have to pay the Spanish equivilant of National Insurance contributions.

Re Health care in the UK. You are covered for emergency treatment but cover under the NHS is residence based.

Chiclanagir

Re Country Boy's reply

As I understand it this is only valid for people on holiday not for permanent residents over 6 months.
I have the forms to take me up to December 2005 based on my national insurance contributions but after that - nothing.

Can you pay Spanish social security contributions to get the health care.

Or does this new European card cover for everybody in the E.U. no matter what country you are resident in. After all I have paid full insurance stamps in the UK.

sibsie

National Insurance Contributions in the UK have nothing at all to do with the NHS. The NHS is soley funded by the tax payer. It remains residence based.

In Spain you have to register with the Instituto Nacional de la Salud. However the contributions do not cover the entire cost of any treatment and you have to pay the excess yourself, or take out additional insurance to pick up the gap. It might be worth contacting an insurance company such as Sanitas to get a quote for full private care so you can work out the costs of medical cover.

shoo

Glynis

Check out www.ukgovabusesexpats.co.uk for information on healthcare in Spain.
When following the information given on this site, don’t expect miracles, it took me over six months (off and on) going to different health centres and social security offices etc. before I managed to get my Spanish “health card�.

steve in pago

Hi Glynis try this it may be helpful just scroll down page

http://www.ukinspain.com/english/Con...0&lang=en#long

Chiclanagir

Thanks for that Steve.
There is one bit I don't understand, "People of independent means should be entitled to health care and to go to the local social security office to register" What's that supposed to mean.
As we pay tax in the UK (rental income) surely we should be entitled to health care in the UK if not in Spain.
We are okay until December this year but then need to wait four years until we get pensioner status.
Also Steve have you looked at the other thread re the electric.

steve in pago

Hi Glynis, yes i have thanks, fun & games again i see, seems they may be going to town on removing everthing. Looks like i might have to buy that generator then