Afternoon one and all, we are in receipt of UK and Australian pensions. We will be living in Marbella for the next few months to see if we would like to live in Spain for the longer term. We have a Spanish bank account and NIE numbers but do not want to take out residency until we make a decision to stay. We have been receiving confusing advice about healthcare entitlements. Some say we will receive it free under reciprocal agreements others tell us we will have to pay/take out private health cover unless we become residents. We will need to obtain repeat prescriptions every month. We have applied for EHIC cards. Is this sufficient or do we need private health cover as well?
Really appreciate any help.

Thanks for that Chrisjolly. Does that mean we will get free prescriptions as well?

you will be entitled to reduced prescription charges once you are in the system but you will have to go to your nearest Social Security office with all your papers and an S1 form from the UK. Once you have done that you will not be entitled to healthcare in the UK. Its a bit of an ordeal like all paperwork anywhere.

Thanks again, but we are only staying for a few months and don't want to lose our healthcare in the UK.

Sorry, still confused. We want to know if we will still have to pay for repeat prescriptions as technically visitors staying for a short time and with the EHIC card. Or will we need insurance until we decide to stay or leave.
thanks

You won’t be entitled to free prescriptions. The only way to get those which aren’t actually free is to be part of the Spanish system.

Thanks all. Will check out the website lonk.

Don't have an S1. Do we need this if we are not becoming Spanish residents?

You can only get a S1 if you are leaving the UK permanently to live in another EU country.

As a tourist you will have to use your EHIC. Private health insurance does not cover prescriptions.

Thanks, sounds like we might need short term insurance.