[Anonymous]

I just wondered if anyone is the CDS has any comments regarding the ITV Programme last night (Trevor MacDonald) on UK TV concerning the Health care, or should I say Aftercare facilities in Spain.
It seemed to me that some of the people concerned did not properly research their possible health care needs so some could say that it was of their own doing and avoidable but it was a bit worrying all the same.
Lack of language skills came into it too, as usual.

I understand that it is ALWAYS better to have Health Insurance, even if you’re over the official retirement ages as you really never know but with many people it’s a question of the costs.
I’d appreciate any comments from those of you in the know over there.
Thanks.

stevmk2

[Inez]

Hi – I saw the programme and have lived her over 12 years having relocated from the UK. I became resident and pay 235 euros per month as the social security autonomo (stamp) this covers myself and my famileyfor healthcare, maternity payment, sickness etc etc etc.

We have been very fortunate in that we have used the services only 3 times, all minor, but have found the system (once you get used to it) excellent and very efficient.

The problem is that people up to retirement age would normally be paying and therefore contributing, but the system does not currently allow for anyone falling inbetween, such as early retired or medically ill. Many countries – Austraian and USA included – do not want to take on the cost of healthcare etc and therefore have a system deciding to allow people on their merits into their country. Spain when I first came here was the same – I was classed as an immigrant and had no rights to anything without paying for it. I guess the fault is with the UK who should undertake to pay for the health etc as we are all in Europe and these people have contributed all their lives.

My understanding is that joining the EU is eqquality for all!

[katy]

Thought the programme was allover the place, much emphasis was placed on the fact that the UK will not pay for ex-pats health care in spain 😯

A few good points…think carefully where you buy if its isolated you may have problems when you are ageing.

Aftercare…practically non-existant, friends and family are expected to do this even helping with feeding and showers etc. in the hospital. We had to help out a near neighbour (73) who was discharged from hospital at 10.30 pm. after being given oxygen all day and diagnosed with pneumonia. he could not walk unaided and they didn’t even check if he lived alone.

Overall though I would say the service is very good, shorter waiting lists than the UK and we also have a good GP

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your comments Katy – nice to hear from you again.

Excuse my ignorance but is it possible to insure yourself for this lack of aftercare in Spain within a Healthcare policy in Spain? Friends of mine in Valencia have come across this rather heartless attitude to aftercare in Spain.
I’ve yet to really look into it all but I have been advised to set up something here before actually going over to Spain.
Seems like good advice to me because explaining your needs in English to English-speaking Insurers is probably a damn sight easier than doing it all in Spain in faltering Spanish.

Inez, how many in your family then? If you’re paying 265Euros a month I’m imagining four – yes?

stevmk2

[katy]

We made a mistake of leaving BUPA months before we came to live here. Most spanish health policies are not very good on the SMALL PRINT. Most of them refused to cover my husband for a couple of things so it seemed like a waste of time. I continued with private health for a time but found that even for any trivial complaint I was being sent to “collegues” for tests etc and it is a bit traumatic thinking you may have something serious for a few days.

[Inez]

Hi there stevmk2. Yes there are four, myself, husband (househubby) and 2 teenage children.

Vicky broke her arm a couple of years ago, we found the healthcare excellent, and I am booking in for my mot!

Its the social security system, very expensive but full cover. I think I am entitled to sickness benefit and maternity pay (although there is NO WAY Im going through that again!)

So far so good. The payment will cover all immediate family.

[Anonymous]

I hope nobody minds if I resurrect this post and ask a question.

My partner and I are planning to come to Spain soon(from UK). I am 57 and have not worked for 3 years therefore not entitled to form 106. My partner is 45 and is getting his 106. The office here said that in their experience, I would probably be covered by his.

If I may quote Inez…….”The problem is that people up to retirement age would normally be paying and therefore contributing, but the system does not currently allow for anyone falling inbetween, such as early retired or medically ill.”

I thought that if I wasn’t covered by my partner’s 106, I would be able to just pay into the Spanish Health System, even though I will not be working. This would be voluntary contributions. Is this possible? Can I just declare myself as self employed?

Many thanks for your time.

Lynda

[katy]

You cannot do voluntary contributions into the spanish system, the onus is on you to prove that you are self-employed.

[Melosine]

The UK benefits office is correct.
However you and your partner will only be covered for a maximum of 2 years. Probably much less because he is only 45 and will not have paid sufficent contributions
However the first of a married couple to reach pensionable age, you in this case. 60. then the spouse is said to be covered. BUT please confirm this because of the age difference.
If your partner gets employment here or sets up a legitimate business then you will both be covered. Otherwise it’s private health insurance.

[Anonymous]

Many thanks to you all. I guess it comes down to what they class as self-employed. My income comes from a few websites I have but mostly from horse racing. My partner is the same. I should think it won’t be easy to get private health care at my age, but I can but try.

Many thanks again. It’s clarified a bit of a “grey” area.

Lynda

[Anonymous]

In the Costa Blanca news dated 9 – 15th you can download a 40 page document on health from its online site. It’s VERY enlightening.

http://www.costablanca-news.com/

[Author]

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