Health Insurance in Spain
You have made the decision to move to a better climate for a slower
more peaceful way of life. Unfortunately this does not always mean we will
be free from any future health problems.
There is a misunderstanding that as Spain is part of the European
Union we are all entitled to free health care in our new home.
This is not the case. Please see the options available below.
Options:-
EHIC Card
If you still pay your N.I. contributions and have the new EHIC card
(Replacement of the E111) you will be covered for short visits and
emergencies only. After the initial emergency the Spanish Health System will commence
charging for any ongoing treatment.
E121
The E121 is available to state pensioners and disabled people under 60
From the Department of Work and Pensions and it transfers the
pensioner’s health care entitlement from the NHS to the Spanish health system.
E106
When you first leave the UK to look for work in Spain or take early retirement
you can apply for an E106 form from the Department of Work and Pensions. This
will entitle the holder to free healthcare in Spain for up to two years
depending on the amount of N.I. contributions made.
Once the E106 lapses then the individual will not be entitled to health care under the Spanish system unless they now have the E121 or are paying into the Spanish system. Please note
that if you fall ill whilst under the E106, you may find yourself in
financial difficulties once the E106 has expired, you will then not be able
to obtain insurance for any pre-existing condition, and you may find
that you are not entitled to health care back in the UK.
Working in Spain
Britons working in Spain and paying Spanish Social Security will be covered in full under the Spanish health care system.
Health Insurance
Health insurance in the UK is expensive and not a necessity. However, if
you fall in between any of the above options, here in Spain it
becomes a necessity. The good news is that health insurance in Spain costs
less than you may think. Please contact me for a no obligation quote.
Once you are ill it may be too late as pre-existing conditions are excluded.
