Health care as pensioners but not residents
Jun 4th 2019, 8:16 am
#16
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Thanks bobd22, we are in an unusual position having returned to the UK after 30 years in Australia. As we have not bought or rented a property yet even getting repeat prescriptions is an ordeal and seeing a doctor almost impossible. Not sure what we will do. Looks like we will need insurance though and have to pay for prescriptions assuming a Spanish doctor will give us a script for them? Didn't think it would be so complicated.
Jun 4th 2019, 9:24 am
#17
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
S1 is no more. Update your knowledge by looking at this - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/
Jun 4th 2019, 9:26 am
#18
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Thanks Scot47
Jun 4th 2019, 9:34 am
#19
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
S1 is no more. Update your knowledge by looking at this - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/
Early retirees
You can no longer apply for a residual S1 (formerly residual E106), which previously provided temporary healthcare to early retirees moving to other EEA countries.That applies to early retirees and was stopped some time ago. In fact the article is dated 2016.
I can assure you that the S1 procedure for UK state pensioners is alive and well.
Jun 4th 2019, 9:35 am
#20
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
[h3=left]
S1 certificate (formerly known as E121)[/h3]An S1 certificate helps you and your dependants access healthcare in Spain. If you have an S1 certificate, it will be valid until the UK leaves the EU.
After this date, the certificate may not be valid, depending on decisions by member states.
You should continue to apply for an S1 certificate until the UK leaves the EU.
Rosemary
S1 certificate (formerly known as E121)[/h3]An S1 certificate helps you and your dependants access healthcare in Spain. If you have an S1 certificate, it will be valid until the UK leaves the EU.
After this date, the certificate may not be valid, depending on decisions by member states.
You should continue to apply for an S1 certificate until the UK leaves the EU.
Rosemary
Jun 4th 2019, 2:32 pm
#21
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Aha - so there is still time before the Fargistas and Bojonians drag us out of the EU !
Jun 4th 2019, 2:36 pm
#22
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Even then it is likely remain as part of the many unilateral reciprocal agreements which will be made
Jun 4th 2019, 6:39 pm
#24
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
S1 is not an option for the OP as not making themselves resident. I see the difficulty having come from Australia but if UK resident getting an which shouldn't be an issue? Once you have that in Spain you can use it to see a Spanish national health doctor for any Necessary Treatment not just emergency treatment. I would think if your prescriptions are deemed necessary then you should be able to see a doctor to get the prescriptions. That's in theory of course. Depends on prescription but remember many UK prescription items can be bought in Spain with no prescription from the Farnacia. Of course it is advisable to have travel insurance just in case.
Jun 5th 2019, 5:45 am
#25
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Thanks for that. I have been looking at travel insurance compared to short term private health cover. Both are expensive and not sure which is better for us.
Jun 5th 2019, 8:04 am
#26
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Main difference will be travel insurance should cover repatriation if needed, short term health insurance won't.
Jun 5th 2019, 8:37 am
#27
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Thanks, that's what I thought. We haven't been able to get a permanent doctor here as not bought or rented and had to go as temporary patients at a few different practices as we have moved around. All have refused to do any blood tests or look at anything other than repeat prescriptions. Even for these we have had to almost beg to get these or see someone, usually a nurse, who can prescribe them. I think I might just pay for them in Spain.
Jun 5th 2019, 11:21 am
#28
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
S1 is no more. Update your knowledge by looking at this - https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/
I received a S1 form from NHS last week. So it can't be "no more".
Jun 5th 2019, 11:25 am
#29
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Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Travel insurance usually is limited to 90 days, some offer longer. They will not cover your routine issues. They are for emergency cases. And usually you need to buy before you travel.
Jun 5th 2019, 12:43 pm
#30
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Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Ontinyent - Valencia region (campo)
Posts: 5,160
Re: Health care as pensioners but not residents
Residual S1's don't exist any more so don't worry.
UK citizens used to get free health cover for up to 18 months (ISTR) under this scheme (pre 2012) but can't any longer