Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health care?
Jul 14th 2012, 11:11 am
#1
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health care?
While discussing the economic situation with Spaniards, I have heard more than a few make the statement that "British people come to Spain to use the health care system because they have to pay in the UK", or words to that effect.
I've always been suprised by that statement because the NHS is free in the UK and people are never asked to pay for any hospital treatment, it is a single-payer system funded by taxes.
However, many Spaniards are often quite suprised when I tell them this. They seem to be under the illusion that the UK is run just like America and that the health care system is privately run and we have to pay out of our own pocket for every bit of treatment we receive, so they think the British pensioners come to Spain to avoid having to pay for health care in the UK.
In fact, I have come across many Spaniards who think much of the economic problem in Spain is caused by British pensioners putting an over-whelming amount of pressure on the health service and they often seem equally suprised when I inform them that British expats health care in Spain is paid for by the NHS under a reciprical payment agreement as both countries are part of the European Union.
Generally speaking, Spanish people seem to be confused as to why British expats move to Spain.
British expats more to Spain for three reasons, in order of importance:
1. Spain has better weather
2. Property prices are much cheaper
3. Cost of living is cheaper
In fact, many British expats return to the UK to use the NHS if they have a seriously medical problem because many question the quality of the Spanish health care system following all the cuts and economic problems that are currently occuring in Spain.
Why do Spanish people think that health care is not free in the UK?
I've always been suprised by that statement because the NHS is free in the UK and people are never asked to pay for any hospital treatment, it is a single-payer system funded by taxes.
However, many Spaniards are often quite suprised when I tell them this. They seem to be under the illusion that the UK is run just like America and that the health care system is privately run and we have to pay out of our own pocket for every bit of treatment we receive, so they think the British pensioners come to Spain to avoid having to pay for health care in the UK.
In fact, I have come across many Spaniards who think much of the economic problem in Spain is caused by British pensioners putting an over-whelming amount of pressure on the health service and they often seem equally suprised when I inform them that British expats health care in Spain is paid for by the NHS under a reciprical payment agreement as both countries are part of the European Union.
Generally speaking, Spanish people seem to be confused as to why British expats move to Spain.
British expats more to Spain for three reasons, in order of importance:
1. Spain has better weather
2. Property prices are much cheaper
3. Cost of living is cheaper
In fact, many British expats return to the UK to use the NHS if they have a seriously medical problem because many question the quality of the Spanish health care system following all the cuts and economic problems that are currently occuring in Spain.
Why do Spanish people think that health care is not free in the UK?
Jul 14th 2012, 11:49 am
#2
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Living in a good place
Posts: 8,824
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
Because that is what their media implies. As one Spaniard said this morning, if you want to know the truth about what is happening in Spain, read the foreign press. Be a bit of a waste going over to Spain for treatment, in some places the waiting lists are longer than the UK
Jul 14th 2012, 12:12 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2012
Location: On a rock in the middle of the Atlantic
Posts: 60
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
I agree with the reasons why Brits move to Spain, but in the years I have lived here I have never once seen a doctor on the social although I am entitled to. In fact I have only ever seen a doctor twice and paid each time. I am sure there are many who abuse the system, I know of people who have lived here for 6 or 7 years and still carry an EHIC in case they need treatment rather than move into the system but that is their choice.
If the country is good enough to move to for the weather, cost of living etc then it should be totally embraced. Some people want the best of all worlds.
If the country is good enough to move to for the weather, cost of living etc then it should be totally embraced. Some people want the best of all worlds.
Jul 14th 2012, 12:22 pm
#4
Banned
Joined: Feb 2011
Location: Mallorca
Posts: 19,367
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
Because that is what their media implies. As one Spaniard said this morning, if you want to know the truth about what is happening in Spain, read the foreign press. Be a bit of a waste going over to Spain for treatment, in some places the waiting lists are longer than the UK
Still, I reckon it's much the same everywhere.
Jul 14th 2012, 12:31 pm
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Costa Blanca
Posts: 3,143
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
Yes to help 'set the record straight' the British ambassador, Giles Paxman, recently wrote to the Spanish government - as we Brits had been accused of abuse and 'health tourism' ie coming here just for the medical care.
The Spanish said the British government failed to correctly explain the use and limitations of the EHIC.
Looks like a case of Spanish government spin to help offset the unpopular changes they are making and we are the fall guys.
The Spanish said the British government failed to correctly explain the use and limitations of the EHIC.
Looks like a case of Spanish government spin to help offset the unpopular changes they are making and we are the fall guys.
Jul 14th 2012, 1:15 pm
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,041
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
I think the problem is that some expats live in Spain for long periods without registering as residents, and get medical treatment here using their EHIC cards which the Spanish govt isn't reimbursed for.
Also even when they are resident, their country of origin is supposed to reimburse Spain for their healthcare but doesn't always pay up promptly.
More here
El Gobierno endurecerá los requisitos de empadronamiento para evitar los abusos cometidos por los foráneos
And one in English:
Spanish government announces clampdown on health tourism
Which is more or less what Britain was doing in 2010:
British government clamps down on health tourists
So perhaps they are learning tricks from the Con-Dems.
Also even when they are resident, their country of origin is supposed to reimburse Spain for their healthcare but doesn't always pay up promptly.
More here
El Gobierno endurecerá los requisitos de empadronamiento para evitar los abusos cometidos por los foráneos
And one in English:
Spanish government announces clampdown on health tourism
Which is more or less what Britain was doing in 2010:
British government clamps down on health tourists
So perhaps they are learning tricks from the Con-Dems.
Last edited by Pocaloca; Jul 14th 2012 at 1:22 pm.
Jul 14th 2012, 1:43 pm
#7
Senior Moment
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: On the edge
Posts: 20,460
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
Afraid OP has gone now, due to being a previously (twice) banned member
Jul 14th 2012, 2:10 pm
#10
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: In the middle of 10million Olive Trees
Posts: 12,053
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
glutton for punishment ?
shame we would have to discuss in a new thread such a subjectand can't carry on with it here whilst in the mood
,
shame we would have to discuss in a new thread such a subjectand can't carry on with it here whilst in the mood
,
Jul 14th 2012, 2:23 pm
#11
Banned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,008
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
While discussing the economic situation with Spaniards, I have heard more than a few make the statement that "British people come to Spain to use the health care system because they have to pay in the UK", or words to that effect.
I've always been suprised by that statement because the NHS is free in the UK and people are never asked to pay for any hospital treatment, it is a single-payer system funded by taxes.
However, many Spaniards are often quite suprised when I tell them this. They seem to be under the illusion that the UK is run just like America and that the health care system is privately run and we have to pay out of our own pocket for every bit of treatment we receive, so they think the British pensioners come to Spain to avoid having to pay for health care in the UK.
In fact, I have come across many Spaniards who think much of the economic problem in Spain is caused by British pensioners putting an over-whelming amount of pressure on the health service and they often seem equally suprised when I inform them that British expats health care in Spain is paid for by the NHS under a reciprical payment agreement as both countries are part of the European Union.
Generally speaking, Spanish people seem to be confused as to why British expats move to Spain.
British expats more to Spain for three reasons, in order of importance:
1. Spain has better weather
2. Property prices are much cheaper
3. Cost of living is cheaper
In fact, many British expats return to the UK to use the NHS if they have a seriously medical problem because many question the quality of the Spanish health care system following all the cuts and economic problems that are currently occuring in Spain.
Why do Spanish people think that health care is not free in the UK?
I've always been suprised by that statement because the NHS is free in the UK and people are never asked to pay for any hospital treatment, it is a single-payer system funded by taxes.
However, many Spaniards are often quite suprised when I tell them this. They seem to be under the illusion that the UK is run just like America and that the health care system is privately run and we have to pay out of our own pocket for every bit of treatment we receive, so they think the British pensioners come to Spain to avoid having to pay for health care in the UK.
In fact, I have come across many Spaniards who think much of the economic problem in Spain is caused by British pensioners putting an over-whelming amount of pressure on the health service and they often seem equally suprised when I inform them that British expats health care in Spain is paid for by the NHS under a reciprical payment agreement as both countries are part of the European Union.
Generally speaking, Spanish people seem to be confused as to why British expats move to Spain.
British expats more to Spain for three reasons, in order of importance:
1. Spain has better weather
2. Property prices are much cheaper
3. Cost of living is cheaper
In fact, many British expats return to the UK to use the NHS if they have a seriously medical problem because many question the quality of the Spanish health care system following all the cuts and economic problems that are currently occuring in Spain.
Why do Spanish people think that health care is not free in the UK?
What a shame that Tsmoker has gone, I would never have guessed that he had been on as a different poster.
And you must admit he was and probably still is doing a good job educating the Spanish, and defending the Brits against abuse and bad feeling from the locals about the health service issue, at the same time.
..... Matematik, COF
Jul 14th 2012, 7:23 pm
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 773
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
I swear that few Spanish citizens know or knew that the citizens of other European Union countries were coming to the health care of our country. I've even seen this news more widespread in the British Media that in the Spanish Media
Jul 14th 2012, 7:27 pm
#14
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 773
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car
What a shame that Tsmoker has gone, I would never have guessed that he had been on as a different poster.
And you must admit he was and probably still is doing a good job educating the Spanish, and defending the Brits against abuse and bad feeling from the locals about the health service issue, at the same time.
And you must admit he was and probably still is doing a good job educating the Spanish, and defending the Brits against abuse and bad feeling from the locals about the health service issue, at the same time.
Jul 14th 2012, 8:03 pm
#15
Banned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,008
Re: Why do Spanish people think that British expats come to Spain for free health car