Medical cover and treatment in Spain:
Short Term Visitors emergency treatment Spain United Kingdom residents can receive emergency treatment using the European Health Insurance card, however private medical insurance is still recommended as some doctors or private hospitals are reluctant to accept this.
The European health insurance card replaced the E111 on 1/06/2004. Employees in Spain If you are employed or self employed you will be contributing to the Spanish Social Security system which will cover you and your family to full medical care.
You will be issued with a tarjeta sanitaria (health card), which must be produced every time you wish to receive medical treatment. Precribed drugs for illness or work-related accidents are free otherwise you are charged 40% of the cost. Ambulances are not covered by the Social Security and you can register with your local ambulance station for around 40.00euros per month, that covers the cost of calling an ambulance for anyone living or visiting your home.
Buying retirement property in Spain
UK pensioners are entitled to free medical treatment under a reciprocal agreement from the UK. An E121 must be obtained from the DSS in the UK or Oficina del Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (the main office in Madrid is c/Padre Damián 4-6, Tel: 91 568 83 00) with their E121, application for a residence card and their passport. The INSS will issue a 'tarjeta de afiliación' and assign the pensioner to an outpatients clinic (ambulatorio) and INSALUD doctor. They must apply for a residence card before they can register their E121. Prescribed medicines are free for pensioners living in Spain and their dependents.
Temporary workers and students in Spain
If you are working in Spain for an UK employer making NI contributions in the UK you need to apply for an E128 which will entitle you and your dependents to full medical treatment in Spain for up to 1 year. Students studying in Spain on a recognised UK course are also entitled to an E128 for 2 years, for more information
contact: - The National Insurance Contributions Office, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Tel: 0845 915 4811.
People of independent means
Are entitled to healthcare on production of their residence card. The Tesorería de Seguridad Social should issue a social security number card with which they can obtain a tarjeta sanitaria (health card)
Prime Locations offer free advice on Spanish medical care for people thinking of buying on the Costa Blanca. Call us now:
