Sorry, this is a long-winded question! Here goes…

My mum is really keen to relocate to Spain from the UK. She is 70 and draws a pension in the UK and works part time. She would like to retire completely when she moves however, we’re all confused over the healthcare entitlements. My husband, daughter and I currently live in the Valencia region - we pay social security, have SIP cards and additional private health insurance.

Would my mum be entitled to free healthcare in the Valencia region as a pensioner (she will continue to draw her UK pension)? Or would she need to pay the basic social security still?

The thing is, she is actually Spanish - she has her Spanish Birth Certificate but holds a British Passport and has been in the UK, contributing to UK social security for more than 50 years. Would this make her entitled to free healthcare? Can anyone shed any light on this, or even point me in the right direction for professional advice?

Many thanks,

If your Mum is drawing a UK state pension, then she is entitled to the same level of Healthcare as any other UK pensioner in Spain and to the same treatments as Spanish Pensioners. There is no charge for this; she will not have to pay into the Spanish system.
She will need to apply for a Form S1 from the Dept of Works and Pensions in Newcastle. (Telephone No. is +44 (0) 191 218 7777). The folks at Newcastle are very helpful. She will need to be able to quote her UK N.I. number and answer any other questions they may ask. They will send the form to the address she gives. The form is already completed. This form is presented to the Spanish Social Security Office who will issue the necessary Health documents and a number. She can then visit the nearest Health Centre and register.
She should note however that once the Form S1 has been accepted by the Spanish Authorities she is no longer entitled to healthcare in the UK. if during a visit back to the UK medical attention is required then she will need an EHIC card. This used to be issued by the Spanish Authorities but is now issued by Newcastle and your mum should enquire about this at the same time as requesting the S1 form.

fb

thanks fb, this is great - I don’t suppose you know if this is still the case in the Valencia region?

To the best of my knowledge, the information applies to all regions of Spain. Newcastle are the people to talk to.
See also
http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/access-healthcare/

Whilst it is important to note their are regional variances in Spain in some taxes for instance - I think it is consistent across all regions that full UK pensioners receive access to Spanish healthcare for free after the appropriate registration process and that includes Valencia region (where I live).

It is also a fact that early retirees can now (subject to having padron, residencia prior to April 2012 and a letter from DWP confirming no UK entitlement) also access health services.