Healthcare is always a priority issue for expats – but the hundreds of thousands living in Spain can find the system confusing.
Receiving healthcare depends on expat status, such as whether you are working or retired.
The rules are different from those in Britain, so it’s a good idea to check them out before leaving the UK for eligibility and any costs.
Here’s a run-down of the rules for British expats:
Working in Spain
Expats registered to work and paying national insurance receive state health care under the same rules as a Spanish national
UK State Pensioners
State pensioners and anyone on long-term sickness benefit should complete a Form S1 which allows them to register with a doctor and collect a medical card.
Call the International Pension Centre on +44 191 218 7777 for a Form S1
Resident but not working or receiving state pension
Anyone resident before April 24, 2012 with an income of less than 100,000 euros should be able to register for state health care as a resident
From July 1, 2014, anyone taking early retirement cannot receive state health care with a Form S1.
Related to someone paying NIC in the UK
You might have access to state health care with a Form S1, or if you are a UK worker seconded to Spain or if you are a student on a UK course studying in Spain.
Pregnant or a child
Pregnant women and children have protected state health care benefits in Spain
Buying public health cover
If you do not qualify as any of the above, you can pay for health public health cover – the cost is 60 euros a month for those under 65 years old and 157 euros a month for anyone over that age.
The cost of prescriptions nor services under European health cards (EHICS) are not included in the tariff.
Prescriptions
Spanish health service rules require patients to pay a percentage of the cost of any drugs a doctor prescribes.
The amount varies depending on age and income, from 10% of the cost capped at 8 euros a month for a state pensioner to 60% of the cost for anyone earning more than 100,000 euros a year – although the charge is capped at 60 euros a month for pensioners.
