Obtaining Healthcare Legally In Spain
Yes, I’m afraid it’s true. The Valencian area has officially withdrawn the universal healthcare provided under the SIP scheme and these SIP cards will not be renewed. The scuttlebutt/water cooler gossip/rumour control has it that so many Brits are using the EHIC whilst not resident in UK that money has not been sent over to Spain to cover the cost of the healthcare. This is only rumour and I cannot comment on it’s veracity.
So, how to get healthcare in Spain? This applies to all areas of Spain but I believe Catalonia has retained its healthcare scheme.
If you are going to Spain to work, you should be put onto the Spanish version of National Insurance which will cover you and your family.
If you are only visiting for short trips (up to 3 months) you will be covered for emergency treatment with the EHIC (replaced the E111 card a while back). Make sure you get one by applying at www.dh.gov.uk . Do not use a EHIC getting company as they will charge you for the service. Cards are issued free from that website. This is not a substitute for travel insurance.
If you are not going to work and are under retirement age (60 for women and 65 for men), you require an E106 from the DWP. Addresses and contact numbers are below.
The E106 will provide free Healthcare in Spain (or any other EEA country) for up to 2 years. The length of time will depend on how long you paid contributions for in the two years prior to moving from UK. It matters not a jot if you have paid into the system for 20 odd years or so before leaving. This covers you for treatment in the UK. If you have not paid NI contributions in UK for the last two years, you will receive no E106 entitlement whatsoever. If you have paid for 1 year out of the last 2, you will get 1 years entitlement and so on. You will only get the 2 years if you have paid for the full two years prior to moving abroad. You must ensure you apply for the E106 before leaving UK as it may affect the length of cover you are given or cause delays in getting treatment.
If you are over retirement age (60 for women and 65 for men) and are not working, you need a E121 form from the same address as below. If you are a married couple with only one partner over retirement age, the partner not of retirement age can obtain medical treatment as a dependant of the partner who is of retirement age.
Children under 18 receive free treatment depending on the status of their parent/guardian.
Whichever form you use, you should hand this in to your medical centre in Spain when you register. The DWP will provide copies in Spanish if requested.
If you are going to live in Spain, whether retired or not, you should obtain a medical summary from your GP in UK (they can make a charge of up to £10 for this) and have it translated. Medical problems, medication and details of treatment should be translated.
Prescriptions for the retired are generally issued free in Spain. This does not apply to prescriptions issued by hospitals as they are not classed as prescriptions but are an entitlement to medication. These will be honoured by the pharmacy and a reduction in the cost is given depending on the type of medication. If for an ongoing problem, a reduction of up to 90% can be given regardless of age.
Department for Work and Pensions
The Pension Service
International Pension Centre
Tyneview Park
Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA
When you write, please give:
- your full name;
- your date of birth; and
- your National Insurance number (if you know it).
If you are phoning or sending a fax from outside the UK, dial the international code, then:
tel: 44 191 21 87777
fax: 44 191 21 83836
You can phone or fax The Pension Service, Tyneview Park, on:
tel: 0191 21 87777
fax: 0191 21 83836
email:tvp.internationalqueries@thepensionservice.gsi.gov.uk
I have been informed that the above phone number may be incorrect. It is, however, the number given by the DWP website. I will try ringing it and update the site if necessary.
Hope the above helps.