Chiclanagir

As with most people now living in Spain, money is tight and getting tighter. We are paying 80 euros a month for hospitalization care if we should need it. However in August we will be getting our state pensions so will be able to get Spanish healthcare. Do we save the 80 euros a month and take a chance or keep paying out of dwindling resources. What would you do? p.s. We are both in good health but who knows what is round the corner!
pps Irish cheddar in Mercadona has risen to 4.80 euros from 3.60!

jjh

I can´t advise you on what to do as it really has to be a personal decision. However, we cancelled Centro Medico when I reached retirement age. We could have done it before because OH is paying into the SS system. I´ve had to consult the SS Doctor on a couple of occasions and have received exemplary treatment, including referrals.

Chiclanagir

Would keep the Centro Medico this is in addition.

Mitzyboy

In exactly the same situation
Will have €1200 ish to pay out in the next month or so, yet the wife hits retirement age in August so we will get state cover.

Not sure what to do ....... sods law, and all that if you know what I mean

crispy

Is it really worth risking one's health to save money, we had a friend here Christmas day who had a heart attack, life is so fragile you jut have no way of telling what will happen.

poshnbucks

I can see a lot of people not renewing their health insurance. I can also see them not bothering with house insurance and down grading to third party car insurance its a sign of the times. Just look at the plush offices of these insurance company's all paid for by you, They always held the best Christmas bashes......... Don't worry dear is only a credit crunch.

jjh

I absolutely agree, but if you´re a pensioner with a SS Doctor, then you have access to the same medical care as any national of Spain.

jjh

I know someone who is a member of Centro Medico and got a referall from a Doctor there and then had her operation on the Social Care scheme.

me me

This is a toughie. If I had to make the decision I would try and soldier on until the pension comes.
Think of it this way, although you may struggle for the 80euros or so per month. it is possible to tighten the belt a little bit more.

If, God forbid some medical emergency sould happen that could cost you thousands. Now that really could break you financially.

If I chose both heads and tails on the toss of a coin, it would land on its edge.

Hope all goes well, anyway.

jjh

I would hang on also. However, when you reach retirement age get your paperwork sorted out (your card will take some time to come through) then you will have free hospitalization care if you need to be admitted. If the insurance is only for hospitalization care then it´s free when you become a pensioner.

crispy

I know JJ, OH and I are not fully paid up pensioners yet but having given that adive to Chiclanagirl I have to say we only have our Centro Medico health cover

Hillybilly

Could someone please explain what this Centro Medico cover is that some of you have referred to? Ta.

ah ok is this it http://www.centro-medico.com/ ... a type of health insurance in Valencia?

jjh

It´s a private clinic here in Chiclana where you can go to see a Dr 24/7 and get reduced fees when you go to see a specialist. You also pay for private prescriptions. It seems to be the general consensus around Chiclana that it covers you for hospitalisation without bills if you´re not a pensioner, which it doesn´t. I know people who have found that out to their cost. Hope this explains it.

jjh

Crispy, see my reply to Hillybilly. This is fact and I wouldn´t want to see you in the mire, so to speak.

JJxx

jdr

I think you may be right, there are lots here also dentists where you get reduced prices for visits if you join, but as you say everything else is extra.