I quote this from another forum (with their permission)
"Due to the differing information posted on forums and elsewhwere I contacted the Department of Health for a definitive answer in December last year.
This was their reply:-
Thank you for your email of 3 December about healthcare in Spain . I have been asked to reply.
The UK pays Spain a lump sum of ?274.11 per state pensioner, per month, regardless of the level of healthcare accessed by that person.
The Department understands that some local doctors may be under the impression that, as they do not receive this funding directly, the UK is not paying its bills. This is incorrect as the UK pays the Spanish health department in Madrid on an ongoing basis. The question of how such payments are further distributed is, of course, a matter for the Spanish authorities.
Yours sincerely,
Ministerial Correspondence and Public Enquiries
Department of Health"
Jul 2, 2013 · SpainExpat member
For my own piece of mind, does that mean this money is paid solely for a UK state pensioner if they are resident in Spain or someone who is visiting for a while.
Also, what happens when a person who has been resident but then leaves. Does the UK carry on paying? Is it up to the person to tell the UK department concerned?
In anticipation, your comments would be gratefully received.
Also, what happens when a person who has been resident but then leaves. Does the UK carry on paying? Is it up to the person to tell the UK department concerned?
In anticipation, your comments would be gratefully received.