Susan ... no optimism here!
When I arrived in 2000 to get the tarjeta de residencia I was askd to subscribe a private medical insurance. After 2 years I went to the nearest consultorio medico (in Alicante, Calle Portugal) and asked why, coming from an European Community country, I was forced to pay a private insurance policy. The woman told me that it had been a mistake (NO COMMENT) and since then I’ve never had any problems. And I know people from France and Germany who don’t have problems at all, like me…
Maybe you’re right ... maybe UK didn’t sign the same agreements as other EU Countries.
Sorry Susan ... hope you’ll be able to manage until you find a solution ...