New UK EHIC cards for residents
Feb 12th 2010, 6:07 am
#16
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 69
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
We heard from a friend who´s neighbours are 77 and 79 years of age and British living on the costa, that they are in a serious state of panic, as they have received a letter from the DHSS saying that they would no longer pay for their treatments or prescriptions.
The 77 years old gentlemen called the DHSS and was told very rudely by a an operator that this was correct which caused them a lot of stress, no explanation.
Another friend is going to contact the DHSS on their behalf to try to sort this out. Thank goodness.
Does anyone knows about any such changes or anyone who has also received this type of letter which is very worrying especially for the elderly?
Thanks to all.
The 77 years old gentlemen called the DHSS and was told very rudely by a an operator that this was correct which caused them a lot of stress, no explanation.
Another friend is going to contact the DHSS on their behalf to try to sort this out. Thank goodness.
Does anyone knows about any such changes or anyone who has also received this type of letter which is very worrying especially for the elderly?
Thanks to all.
Feb 13th 2010, 10:12 pm
#17
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
They couldn't have had a letter from DHSS as it no longer exists. It does not say anything about not getting your free healthcare or prescriptions anymore.
The letters are going out individually, and dependant E121 people, as I said earlier, are getting theirs later. I imagine the address database doesn't allow for couples to be paired up before sending.
The letters are going out individually, and dependant E121 people, as I said earlier, are getting theirs later. I imagine the address database doesn't allow for couples to be paired up before sending.
Feb 14th 2010, 6:35 am
#18
RETIRED ;-))
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Benalmadena Pueblo,Spain
Posts: 20,156
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
They couldn't have had a letter from DHSS as it no longer exists. It does not say anything about not getting your free healthcare or prescriptions anymore.
The letters are going out individually, and dependant E121 people, as I said earlier, are getting theirs later. I imagine the address database doesn't allow for couples to be paired up before sending.
The letters are going out individually, and dependant E121 people, as I said earlier, are getting theirs later. I imagine the address database doesn't allow for couples to be paired up before sending.
Feb 14th 2010, 7:36 am
#19
Banned
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 335
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
They couldn't have had a letter from DHSS as it no longer exists. It does not say anything about not getting your free healthcare or prescriptions anymore.
The letters are going out individually, and dependant E121 people, as I said earlier, are getting theirs later. I imagine the address database doesn't allow for couples to be paired up before sending.
The letters are going out individually, and dependant E121 people, as I said earlier, are getting theirs later. I imagine the address database doesn't allow for couples to be paired up before sending.
And, the last paragraph of the DWP letter could be misunderstood, and in this case probably that's what the 'elderly couple' did.
We ain't all still as sharp as we once were, but none the lesser for that.
Mar 26th 2010, 10:46 am
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 117
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
Mar 26th 2010, 11:48 am
#21
RETIRED ;-))
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Benalmadena Pueblo,Spain
Posts: 20,156
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
Also using up old cards and old letters! New card just arrived with expiry date exactly same as the one we used to have (while UK resident) - Dec 2010. Letter also says can not be used for NHS services! As this is the most likely time we will use it I queried with Newcastle. Apparently, the letter is wrong (their phones are ringiging non-stop) and they are using up old cards. We can apply for new ones with a 5 year validity from June. The card number on the card just received will flag up that we are resident in Spain and therefore allow us to use the cards in the UK. As a bonus, the number will also flag up to Spanish hospitals that the holder is resident in Spain and, therefore, not entitled to use it here. People correctly resident in Spain are, of course, registered in the normal Spanish health care system anyway.
Mar 26th 2010, 12:24 pm
#23
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Orihuela Costa
Posts: 107
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
My wife, an OAP with E121 got hers yesterday, valid until 2015 but according to an article in one of the free papers, as a UK pensioner and because the UK is responsible for the cost of your health care, you can choose to be treated in a UK facility even though you are resident in Spain ?
Mar 26th 2010, 1:15 pm
#24
Retired and loving it!
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Ontinyent - Valencia region (campo)
Posts: 5,165
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
Also using up old cards and old letters! New card just arrived with expiry date exactly same as the one we used to have (while UK resident) - Dec 2010. Letter also says can not be used for NHS services! As this is the most likely time we will use it I queried with Newcastle. Apparently, the letter is wrong (their phones are ringiging non-stop) and they are using up old cards. We can apply for new ones with a 5 year validity from June. The card number on the card just received will flag up that we are resident in Spain and therefore allow us to use the cards in the UK. As a bonus, the number will also flag up to Spanish hospitals that the holder is resident in Spain and, therefore, not entitled to use it here. People correctly resident in Spain are, of course, registered in the normal Spanish health care system anyway.
Mar 26th 2010, 1:50 pm
#25
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
Posts: 10,920
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
So I guess, as an early retiree, you just have to take out travel insurance.
Mar 26th 2010, 3:34 pm
#26
Ex Expat
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: West Midlands, ex Granada province
Posts: 2,140
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
My husband, who although not of State retirement age has an E121, got his new EHIC last week. 
It is valid for five years.
It is valid for five years.
Mar 26th 2010, 3:50 pm
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 117
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
Mar 30th 2010, 2:52 pm
#28
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Altiplano of Granada Province
Posts: 180
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
Sorry if I am being thick but: We are resident in Spain and have just received our new EHIC cards from the UK - valid for 5 years. On the back of the letter, under "Important Information" it states that "the card does not provide entitlement to NHS services" - thought it was supposed to grant emergency cover with the NHS if we visit the UK. Next: it states that "if you go abroad to live or work on a long-term basis (including to other EEA countries or Switzerland) please return the EHIC to us at the address at the top of this letter." Duh!! We live permanently in Spain and they were told this. Does this mean the letter is a standard one sent to people resident in the UK and they have not bothered to amend it for other countries, or have they stupidly assumed we live in the UK, even though they addressed the cards to us in Spain. Can anyone enlighten me before I ring them, tearing my hair out in the process?
Mar 30th 2010, 2:59 pm
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 117
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
Sorry if I am being thick but: We are resident in Spain and have just received our new EHIC cards from the UK - valid for 5 years. On the back of the letter, under "Important Information" it states that "the card does not provide entitlement to NHS services" - thought it was supposed to grant emergency cover with the NHS if we visit the UK. Next: it states that "if you go abroad to live or work on a long-term basis (including to other EEA countries or Switzerland) please return the EHIC to us at the address at the top of this letter." Duh!! We live permanently in Spain and they were told this. Does this mean the letter is a standard one sent to people resident in the UK and they have not bothered to amend it for other countries, or have they stupidly assumed we live in the UK, even though they addressed the cards to us in Spain. Can anyone enlighten me before I ring them, tearing my hair out in the process?
Mar 30th 2010, 4:10 pm
#30
On the road again.
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: On Top of the World
Posts: 17,507
Re: New UK EHIC cards for residents
Can anyone clarify the current Spanish policy with regard to Emergency treatment for visiiting Brits,(non Spanish Res) with an EU emergency health card?
For instance for visitors staying for less than 3 months are they covered for,
1,..One visit and treatment for one problem only.
2,..Several visits and treatments for one problem.
3,..Several visits and treatments over the period in question,for Several different problems.
I would expect No.3.to be the case, but not 100% certain.
Many Thanks in advance.
For instance for visitors staying for less than 3 months are they covered for,
1,..One visit and treatment for one problem only.
2,..Several visits and treatments for one problem.
3,..Several visits and treatments over the period in question,for Several different problems.
I would expect No.3.to be the case, but not 100% certain.
Many Thanks in advance.