There have been various announcements about the recent change in arrangements for getting a new EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).

I understand that if you are a British National on a state pension, resident in another EU country, you now have to apply to the DWP in Newcastle to get an EHIC card, which gives free healthcare while travelling in other EU countries (including Britain).

Does anyone know how to get one of these if you are NOT on a state pension?  Mine runs out next month.

Hi.

Mi situation is quite different, surely, but just to let you know I have recently received UK EHIC cards for me and my family, based on mostly being in the NHS systems, if there’s something (such as paying UK NHS/Taxes) that entitles you to have a UK National Insurance number, it should be sufficient to get an EHIC card too.

Hope that helps..

See here

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/travel-insurance/ehic

Thanks for replying both of you, but as a non-working Spanish resident (without a fake UK address)  it looks as though I am no longer eligible and I?m going to have to try and get the Spanish equivalent. 

Once I get my UK state pension I will be entitled to a UK EHIC for travel outside Spain, and free healthcare in Spain.

I don’t think you are entitled to one in Spain unless you are paying into the system.

Oh well, better make sure I stay healthy then - I can’t afford private insurance!

Never thought I’d actually find myself looking forward to being an old age pensioner, but there do seem to be a lot of associated benefits.  Only 4 years to go ...