Whenever we plan about healthcare, we usually worry about the costs and the quality. As a matter of fact, Spanish health care system is great. The health service is practiced as a two tier system in the same manner as in UK. The first tier includes the National Health Service and second includes private health care zone that is covered through health insurance. Irrespective of your citizenship from UK or Spain, if in case you are contributing in social security then you are tending to be eligible for National Health Service. Or else, it is best if you posses some type of private health insurance.
Private health care
If you happen to be new in Spain, you are liable to get scared as you will be unaware of the Spanish lifestyle and Spanish healthcare system. You may even refrain from approaching the medical centers and social security offices. However, the Spanish doctors are quite cooperative and do not cost you much. The staff is very helpful and will take all the efforts to understand your case thoroughly. The service is very quick and you may receive your reports the same day you go through your test.
National healthcare system
Form E121:
In case you are pensioner from UK and aged around 65 for men and 60 for women, plus have plans to reside in Spain on permanent basis, you are assured to receive to receive medications and medical care under the joint agreement among EU governments. You are supposed to get your form E121 from DSS before you depart from UK. You may require a separate form individually. This form is to be submitted to the social security in Spain. It offers a permanent health cover and does not require to be renewed. A temporary health card will be offered to you followed by the letter that has name of the medical institution that you need to visit in case of illness along with a permanent card. This form of payments is not expected by private health clinics.
Form E106:
The E106 is designed for people who have shifted permanently to Spain and have not yet reached the pensionable age. The duration of effectiveness is determined by the record of National Insurance contributions record. The term of medical cover begins form the date you depart from UK. You should however apply and get your E106 entitlement form prior you leave from UK to assure your coverage and acknowledge the covers entitled to you.
Form E111 or EHIC:
The best answer for any one who wants to stay in Spain for a short span of time and not become a resident is the form E111, substituted by EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) now. This card is offered by National Health Service in UK and you must carry your passport with you at all times to serve in case of emergency. This card is meant to be used only in emergency cases and not for treating chronic illness.
Private health services are also available in Spain. With some wise and timely steps that can be taken, you can surely register yourself with one of the hospitals.
Leave a Reply