Hi, Greetings one and all,

I am new to the forum.

Having had many holidays in Spain and only 2 years ago spent 31 days in Carthegena and Murcia Hospitals where they saved my life, my wife and I in our mid seventies have put our house on market (SLOW) and plan to move to live in rented accommodation in Spain. We will decide where in the Murcia Area we will settle, probably Torre Pacheco area when we finally manage to get out to Spain.

I am unsure about the Health regulations and have been advised that although we are over 65 and will get free health care it is advisable to take out Health Insurance because treatment for visitors under the E111 and Ex Pats living in Spain with Residency is completely different and residents are not treated alike???? and having health insurance greatly assists. This may or may not be true?. When I was in hospital I was in a superb room with just one other patient, with attached bathroom etc., it was really nice. When I asked the Dr who paid for all this he just laughed and said “ YOUR GORDON BROWN” and went on to say that when they charged the UK Health Authorities they paid up very quickly, but I am not sure who pays once we are residents?

Both my wife and I have controllable Heart Conditions but I have a lung disorder and find it difficult to get Health Cover at a reasonable price and any advise about this with contacts very much appreciated. Also who does one insure with to drive a car. I will purchase a car from a dealer in Spain but my current UK Insurers are not interested over there. Was givenb a Broker in Gibraltar but despite three emails he failed to respond.

Any help will be greatfully received.

Thanks
Ray Whent

email:

Firstly the E111 is no more - and this was the arrangement for holiday travellers and not those intending to become permanent residents.

This cut and pasted:
E111 Replaced by European Health Insurance Card
Overseas health cover with the UK Form E111 ceases as from August 31st 2005
It is replaced by a European Health Insurance Card, to obtain this card you must complete a form EHIC which will be available from British post offices or via the Department of Health as from 1st September 2005.
This was reported by Gemma Bowes of The Observer on Sunday 21st August.
Whilst she states that current holders of the E111 will still be able to ask for treatment up to the end of this year I have already had reports from Brits who have been turned away when they tried to register with a current E111 by both their local village doctor and a hospital casualty department.
Make sure that you get the new form and apply before flying out.
The card, which is free, will act as a direct replacement for the E111, entitling the holder to medical treatment when visiting any of the countries in the European Economic Area, which includes the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Cardholders are entitled to the same treatment, on the same terms, as the residents of the country they are travelling in - which in practice means either free or at a reduced cost.
Please note however, the EHIC card is not a substitute for travel insurance.
The EHIC form could take up to 21 days to process if you apply at a post office. If you apply directly through the Department of Health (0845 6062030;

For perm residents who have full UK entitlement to healthcare and are EU citizens these rights are transportable to another EU country where there would be no obligation to take private medical health insurance - this is your option but you should be able to go straight into the Spanish health system. There should be no difference in the way that you are treated - any perceived difference is probably due to language barriers. Be aware though that even the excellent Spanish system is under strain and beginning to lack the resources in some areas to cope with high influx of aged expats who are needing a high amount of care and resources.

Thanks Rob

Sorry I was aware of the card and Maureen and I have it. At my age 77 I forget these things having been so used to the E111

Ray

Ray:

Glad Robi could help clarify the EHIC. He’s very knowledgeable regarding how and where EU and UK laws meet.

As for car insurance (and health insurance for that matter), try MSC. They’ve offered other SpainExpat members unmatchable prices, but feel free to post back here if you have any problems with them.

Good luck.

Dear gokiwiray,
I was reading a post regarding you moved to Spain, and thought I would drop a quick message.

As the Expatriator mention we have provided insurance policies to the members of Spain Expat.

If you would like me to I am more than happy to get a quote for health insurance for you, so that you will be familiar with the policies available and prices applicable in Spain.
In regards to the heart and lung conditions depending on the policy this should increase you premium more than it would be if you didn’t have the conditions.  However depending again on the policy some of the syndicate we use, the underwritters may decide they want to exclude and problems relating to the conditions.

If I can help you in any other way please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards
Matthew

Thanks Matthew I will keep in touch. Not really any point in wasting your time about a quote as the UK housing sales market is ziltch at present and it may be months before we finally move across. Just really wanted the views of members on IF there is a need for private health care insurance.

Ray