Hello all

Hi,I am looking at buying a property in Spain,I already have a property in Turkey which I use only for holidays but there are various factors which are making me think of selling up and buying in Spain.(1) The continual political unrest there,(2)The ever changing visa requirements,(3)Easier access,ref flights,to Spain form the UK and (4)Medical cover,which although Turkey has excellent hospitals it seems to be all based on how much they can charge rather than how quickly they can rectify the problem.

I have a lot to learn about Spain so will be looking for help and advice along the way.

health cover is the big issue in Spain and it will depend upon yoru circumstances, age etc

Brief guide

UK pensioners - free via S1 from UK (there are other options e.g. if you work in UK and commute your family / dependants will be covered)

under pension age you need to either work in Spain and pay into the system or private health care policy

EHIC only for tourist and emergencies

I have been a user of the healthcare system in Spain and France and many years ago in the UK. I would estimate Spain is probably on a similar level to the UK in terms of clinical care in hospitals which generally is good. However the GP system is still stuck in another age and very limited. They prescribe medication but anything further you will be referred to a hospital. Waiting lists vary and depend on the region you are in.

The Spanish system is further complicated because of regionalism. Each separate region has autonomous control over its healthcare budget. So you get the inevitable variations in standards. There are hospitals in Madrid and Barcelona that are of world class standard in specialist treatment.

Spanish healthcare is a long way behind the standards of France but in France it's relatively expensive and requires everyone to pay a portion by private insurance as well as social charges. 

If you are of none retirement age, and an EU citizen you will need to become a Spanish fiscal resident which means declaring your taxable income and paying into the social security system.

I have no idea of the amount of these costs but income taxes in Spain generally are relatively high.

Hi Tadd,we are both retired and over 65 and resident in the UK as we will remain using Spain as a bolt hole for about 4 or 5 months of the year,could you please explain the S1 you mentioned.

Hi again,I looked it up on line,thanks.

Hi Brian71

The S1 form is issued by DWP in Newcastle see link

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/movingabroad/Pages/Introduction.aspx

It is for reitirees moving permanently overseas (normally EU / EEA countries) and for ones depedants living overseas if you work in UK (many commuters use this)

I do not think you wil qualify for an S1 as you will be "on holiday" and remain tax / fiscal resident of UK but you can call them on 0191 218 7777 and ask the question (nothing ventured etc.). You would have to register in Spain etc. to get a medical card (SIP) which makes it a bit more complicated and why I think it may not work

The EHIC will give you free emergency cover, access to a GP, hospital A&E etc.you would not get to see or referred to a specialist if needed (exceptions are head and heart emergencies)  or repatriation you would need travel insurance for this.

Hope this helps

In order to be registered in Spain for medicare in the system via formS1 you need to be a fiscal resident. You cannot apply for a medical card without proof of residencia. What happens in practice is the DWP pay the Spanish government a fixed sum per head every year to pay for your treatment. About €3500 I believe.

Likewise with a EHIC the NHS is billed for your emergency treatment costs. Routine treatments have to be done in UK in the absence of registration. The only other alternative is medical or travel insurance but long term for older people is expensive.

mickyfinn

In order to be registered in Spain for medicare in the system via formS1 you need to be a fiscal resident. You cannot apply for a medical card without proof of residencia.

In general you are correct but I know a number of people who are neither fiscal resident nor have a "residencia" but own property who have S1 forms and have SIP card, one I know resides and rents in Spain but is under the radar for tax etc and has S1 and SIP and one of my neighbours is in a very similar positon as the OP and I seen him at docs only yesterday with his SIP card

Issuing of S1 forms by Newcastle who do not ask for fiscal status or a copy of "residencia" does happen also some health centres in Spain do and some don't which is why I suggested the OP talks to the people in Newcastle etc.If the OP can get a S1 form then they can try it in Spain if they wish

PS: we all know what we mean by "residencia" for EU citizens etc.

Tadd. I'm not suprised such people are always on the dodge. I set out the normal legal process requirements but as we know it's always possible to work the oracle if you choose that route.