Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Europe > Spain
Reload this Page >

Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Old Dec 19th 2006, 11:31 am
  #1  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: South London. Moving to Alhaurin El Grande.
Posts: 146
Compost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really nice
Question Utility bills/ Health insurance?

I am a bit concerned about the price of electricity in Spain. I have heard that it is relatively expensive, particularly if air con is in use. I know that everyones consumption will be different, and it's impossible to be exact, however I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what it might be based on their experience. Also is there a standing charge on top?

Also can anyone give me the phone number/e-mail address of someone I can talk to about basic health insurance. I am planning to retire next year, however will not be eligible for state pension for a few years. I'd like to find out what I will be covered for now, and how much extra cover I will need etc
Compost Mentis is offline  
Old Dec 19th 2006, 1:42 pm
  #2  
Senior Moment
 
Mitzyboy's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: On the edge
Posts: 20,460
Mitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by Brenda Teather
I am a bit concerned about the price of electricity in Spain. I have heard that it is relatively expensive, particularly if air con is in use. I know that everyones consumption will be different, and it's impossible to be exact, however I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what it might be based on their experience. Also is there a standing charge on top?

Also can anyone give me the phone number/e-mail address of someone I can talk to about basic health insurance. I am planning to retire next year, however will not be eligible for state pension for a few years. I'd like to find out what I will be covered for now, and how much extra cover I will need etc

I haven't had an electricity bill yet, but I am expecting from what I have been told that it will be in the same region as my UK bills.

As regards Health cover, the cheapest and most comprehensive quote I got was ASSSA .... use a search engine to find them and you can get an online quote.

However, if you have been contributing to your NI payments in the UK you can apply for E106 documents from the DWP, International Pension Centre, Medical Benefits, Room TC001, Tyneview Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1BA. We moved here in October and our E106 documents cover us under the Spanish helth system until January 2008. Furthermore, when you reach retirement age you are entitled to full health cover in Spain just in the same way any Spanish national is. If you reach retirement age and your partner is a few years away from retirement, he/she will be covered also at this point as a dependent.
Mitzyboy is offline  
Old Dec 19th 2006, 2:16 pm
  #3  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: South London. Moving to Alhaurin El Grande.
Posts: 146
Compost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really nice
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
I haven't had an electricity bill yet, but I am expecting from what I have been told that it will be in the same region as my UK bills.

As regards Health cover, the cheapest and most comprehensive quote I got was ASSSA .... use a search engine to find them and you can get an online quote.

However, if you have been contributing to your NI payments in the UK you can apply for E106 documents from the DWP, International Pension Centre, Medical Benefits, Room TC001, Tyneview Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1BA. We moved here in October and our E106 documents cover us under the Spanish helth system until January 2008. Furthermore, when you reach retirement age you are entitled to full health cover in Spain just in the same way any Spanish national is. If you reach retirement age and your partner is a few years away from retirement, he/she will be covered also at this point as a dependent.
Thanks very much for that. That's very reassuring.
Compost Mentis is offline  
Old Dec 19th 2006, 2:39 pm
  #4  
BE Enthusiast
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 445
Solarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to allSolarwhizz is a name known to all
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by Brenda Teather
Thanks very much for that. That's very reassuring.
Just another note, I found Sanitas ES cheaper than Assa, so it is worth shopping around,

It is a common misconception that electricity is more expensive in Spain, It is much cheaper than the UK, @ about .086726€ per KWH*, however it is regarded as more expensive than other fuels, I dont subscribe to this, as if you put the work in you will find that this is not the case, for various reasons,
If you put a search on this site you will find a discussion on the relative costs and equipments to run for most effective use of energy!! According to my bill my elect cost are average 2.02€ per day, and that is with electric cooker and Hob, Plus pool, unlimted use of lights(kids!!) etc

* Figure off my bill for Sep/Oct ..somewhat dependent on the Local Bandit (Oops electricity Co)
Solarwhizz is offline  
Old Dec 19th 2006, 2:53 pm
  #5  
Very Old Member!
 
ScotinSpain's Avatar
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Albayalde, Estepona, Spain
Posts: 86
ScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud ofScotinSpain has much to be proud of
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Hi Brenda,

You are quite correct about electricity prices out here, they are VERY expensive and rising above inflation every year. Probably not quite as expensive as UK....yet! However ceiling fans are MUCH cheaper and healthier in the summer and a wood burning fire cheap in the winter. Air Conditioning will be expensive both for summer cooling and winter heating.

We both use Sanitas for health insurance. Some do find it expensive, but it will depend on any pre-existing conditions and whether you are a regular claimer on insurance. It's half owned by BUPA, but don't let that put you off(!) we found them the best value for money. They have the widest choice of doctors, specialists and hospitals in Andalucia. All their details are on their Web Site.

All in all we find living here about 65% of the cost of living in UK, and we eat out much more often (in the non tourist areas!)

Best of luck with your plans,

Jock
ScotinSpain is offline  
Old Dec 19th 2006, 8:19 pm
  #6  
Rob in Madrid
 
tim hortons man's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Madrid
Posts: 267
tim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nice
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

The main reason to go for private healthcare is to get have access to English speaking doctors. If you speak reasonable Spanish there shouldn't be a need for private healthcare. I'm getting for the simple reason that my Spanish is crap and will be for for seeable future. (hopefully not for ever it's frustrating not being able to comunicate)
tim hortons man is offline  
Old Dec 19th 2006, 9:11 pm
  #7  
 
Fred James's Avatar
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
Posts: 10,877
Fred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond reputeFred James has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by ScotinSpain
Hi Brenda,You are quite correct about electricity prices out here, they are VERY expensive and rising above inflation every year. Probably not quite as expensive as UK....yet! However ceiling fans are MUCH cheaper and healthier in the summer and a wood burning fire cheap in the winter. Air Conditioning will be expensive both for summer cooling and winter heating.
There was a plan to increase electricity prices by about 10% next year but I understand this has now changed and they will go up in line with inflation. It is certainly still cheaper than in the UK.

Aircon is not as expensive as some would have you believe. We use it in the summer months and for the hottest 2 months it cost us 40 euros.

As for heating it is cheaper than a wood burning stove, unless you have access to cheap wood. It is by far and away the most efficient form of heating.
Fred James is offline  
Old Dec 19th 2006, 10:12 pm
  #8  
Senior Moment
 
Mitzyboy's Avatar
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: On the edge
Posts: 20,460
Mitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond reputeMitzyboy has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by tim hortons man
The main reason to go for private healthcare is to get have access to English speaking doctors. If you speak reasonable Spanish there shouldn't be a need for private healthcare. I'm getting for the simple reason that my Spanish is crap and will be for for seeable future. (hopefully not for ever it's frustrating not being able to comunicate)
But you'll still need to go to your local healthcare clinic as a first line won't you? Or do you have something that covers GP work?
Mitzyboy is offline  
Old Dec 20th 2006, 8:32 am
  #9  
BE Enthusiast
 
Mrs eddie's Avatar
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Location: Oliva
Posts: 452
Mrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of lightMrs eddie is a glorious beacon of light
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by Brenda Teather
I am a bit concerned about the price of electricity in Spain. I have heard that it is relatively expensive, particularly if air con is in use. I know that everyones consumption will be different, and it's impossible to be exact, however I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of what it might be based on their experience. Also is there a standing charge on top?

Also can anyone give me the phone number/e-mail address of someone I can talk to about basic health insurance. I am planning to retire next year, however will not be eligible for state pension for a few years. I'd like to find out what I will be covered for now, and how much extra cover I will need etc

We are a family of four....hubby works from home so 2 computers on all day....we live in a townhouse - 3 bedroom and our electric bill is 141 euros every two months.....

We find it just as expensive as in the UK.

Hope that helps

Mich
Mrs eddie is offline  
Old Dec 20th 2006, 8:51 am
  #10  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: South London. Moving to Alhaurin El Grande.
Posts: 146
Compost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really nice
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by Mrs eddie
We are a family of four....hubby works from home so 2 computers on all day....we live in a townhouse - 3 bedroom and our electric bill is 141 euros every two months.....

We find it just as expensive as in the UK.

Hope that helps

Mich
Thanks to all for your replies. They have given me a really useful insight.
Compost Mentis is offline  
Old Dec 21st 2006, 10:00 am
  #11  
Rob in Madrid
 
tim hortons man's Avatar
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Madrid
Posts: 267
tim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nicetim hortons man is just really nice
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

I'm still waiting for all my utility bills, there taking money out of the account but I haven't gotten a bill yet. I'm going to ring up Spain Ready after the holidays and get them to look into it.
tim hortons man is offline  
Old Dec 21st 2006, 12:12 pm
  #12  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: South London. Moving to Alhaurin El Grande.
Posts: 146
Compost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really niceCompost Mentis is just really nice
Default Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?

Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
But you'll still need to go to your local healthcare clinic as a first line won't you? Or do you have something that covers GP work?
No, I'd still have to go to a clinic. Just need to know what I'm covered for as an EU citizen, then decide how much more I need. I think I have enough Spanish to manage in a clinic setting. Albeit at a fairly slow rate. Although probably not if I had to discuss anything too complex, like health insurance etc.
Compost Mentis is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.