Utility bills/ Health insurance?
#1
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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
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
#2
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
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.
#3
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Location: South London. Moving to Alhaurin El Grande.
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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.
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.
#4
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 445
Re: Utility bills/ Health insurance?
Originally Posted by Brenda Teather
Thanks very much for that. That's very reassuring.
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)
#5
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
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
#6
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)
#7
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.
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.
#8
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)
#9
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
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
#10
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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
We find it just as expensive as in the UK.
Hope that helps
Mich
#11
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.
#12
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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?