Lynn R

I feel the same way. I don't expect to get free healthcare in Spain (until I'm a pensioner) as I've never paid a penny into the system here, nor do I expect them to issue me with an EHIC for the same reason. It does rankle, though, after paying high NI contributions for over 30 years, that I can't have one from the UK either until I become a pensioner. Especially when I see the people who have come to Spain and never registered as residents here or deregistered from the NHS in the UK, and go back there for treatment. One such couple I know are currently in South Africa on holiday. Very nice for them, maybe if I didn't bother paying for private medical insurance I could do the same!

bobd22

Yes Lynn I know the feeling, we had it all planned buy the house use it long stays untill the wife got her pension at 60 then we could move over full time as we could get the health care on the back of her pension, following the word of the politicians" planning for success in retirement" then they pull the rug and she gets no pension till 66 and all in 5 years. We just have to see how it goes now and what we can afford to do on my pension, we are hoping it's a short delay to our life in the sun nothing more. However like you say makes you very angry when people come to UK and get everything certainly healthwise. I see actually you are not far from us our little house is in sayalonga.

britishbull

If you declare yourself non-resident to the tax office in the UK their computer alerts the NHS so they will know you are non-resident. Mostly.

Mitzyboy

I think residency and tax residency are somewhat different. I know several people who are not tax residents any more in the UK but have (in a small way, i.e. visit to doctor) accessed the NHS with no problems

I ask the question again I have asked on here. What about people who spend half the year here and half the year in the UK. They have to register as residents here in Spain and the EHIC card is limited both ways

Domino

bob is it small wonder that people can't be a***d to take out pensions, live the life of Riley all their lives and then just sit back and let the state take care of them.
you get taxed on your pension income, you get hit by low return rates, you get told you have to wait X years extra with little notice, you buy a house and keep it nice but when you need help you have too much disposable income so have to sell it to pay for what others are getting for free.

exactly who is the mug ??

missile

Maybe that is what is supposed to happen? As far as I am aware there is no such link between HMRC to alert NHS computer systems? I know one person who is currently receiving treatment at an NHS hospital. He is resident and tax resident in Spain and has private medical insurance with Sanitas

May I repeat: I make no moral judgement. I am just making an observation.

missile

I do know others who have been refused repeat prescriptions from their UK GP when that GP became aware they were resident in Spain.

jackytoo

Depends on the GP. I know one man who is fairly rich, has private insurance in Spain. The insurance didn't cover expensive drugs supplied for a heart condition so his GP knowing he was in Spain supplies them automatically, a relative picks them up and sends them over

agoreira

Probably both Masons!

bobd22

Yes you are spot on Dom

bobd22

Of course other problem re private health cover if not state retirement age is you will not be covered for pre existing conditions. So no doubt that may well influence decision re de registering with UK Doctor and trying to get away with it. In my case I do have minor previous condition, but the tablets I require are cheaper to by from the pharmacy in Spain than on prescription in UK.

bobd22

maybe the reason for him doing this is as I mention above it may be due to a pre existing medical condition that Sanitas will not cover? But I do agree with your final comment

missile

You could be right.

Porth

I am sorry but again a question please and if I may.

Here I can only use our French experience as a base to what to expect in Spain.

We moved to France post retirement and after 44 years of NIC contributions.

Newcastle then issued us with E121's and we entered the French system. Here the state pays 70% in general terms for health be it xrays blood tests appointments with specialists or medicament. You are then expected to provide your own top up insurance to pick up in reality the shortfall of 30%. The arithmetic in that case is difficult for certain specialities charge more than the state is prepared to pay and par exemple dental and opticians.

However Newcastle now tell us they are going to issue S1's for Spain which seemingly provides one with access to the State system. However if you need specialist and let us say fairly immediate access to a specialist and in respect of Rheumatology and RA it has been suggested to us to 'top up' with Private Care in Spain. Obviously pre-existing is not accepted but let us say something occurs and you need instant care outside the State system is Private Medical care in Spain a good idea. We have had quotes from ASSSA which we know nothing about but in simple figures they compare with our top insurance here in France.

Would welcome guidance thoughts and indeed personal experiences here.

missile

We know many who have private health care and most are very happy with that option in Spain. We know several who have difficulty in getting approval for treatments and others who were told you can have this but not that (more expensive) option.

As you are no doubt aware, emergency treatment is free to all. We took the decision that we would pay for any other treatment we may require.