Prospective rise in Spanish retirement age, how will it affect UK pensioners in Spain?

We are both UK residents hoping to retire to Spain soon.

I'm 65 in December, so will be eligible for a UK state pension. My wife will soon be 60 and will take early retirement then and start to draw her occupational pension, but will be too young for a UK state pension.

Spain's retirement age will be rising shortly to 67, how will this affect us if we retire to Spain shortly? Will I be able to still get free health care in spite of being below Spanish retirement age? At what age will my wife be able to get free health care, does she have to be be of UK pension age or Spanish pension age?

Any one know or can point to info on pensioner benefits for retirees to Spain?

Thanks

 Your healthcare entitlement is paid for by UK so the rules in UK will apply.  You will get free healthcare in Spain and your wife will also get free healthcare as your beneficiary until she reaches pensionable age in UK.  You will need an S1 certificate from the International Pensions Centre of the DWP.  This site http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/access-healthcare/healthcare/e121/ tells you all about it (sorry I can't use the link bit as it doesn't appear to be working).

Make sure you have the S1 done (by phone) before you leave UK and they will post it to you (completed) at your Spanish address.

Be aware you need to pay 10% of prescription costs as a pensioner.

Be aware you need to pay 10% of prescription costs as a pensioner.

But only up to a limit.

Those on an income up to a total, I think, of 18,000 euros,   pay a maximun of 8 euros a month.

 Many thanks for your replies, looks like there's no reason not to retire to Spain!

10am in Lancashire and guess what! It's just started to rain with 40mm promised today!!