Healthcare in Spain explained

One of the first points of consideration when planning a life in Spain is the health care that awaits you.

Fortunately, you will be moving to a country which consistently tops tables as far as healthy places to live. In fact Spain has the highest life expectancy of all countries in Europe, and the Costa Blanca is your area of choice, you are also moving to an area cited as one of the healthiest in the world by the World Health Organisation.

Since August 2012 foreigners in Spain that do not have residency or work permits will not receive free Spanish healthcare automatically. This excludes pregnant women and children and those in need of emergency services.

If you are moving from the UK to Spain and are receiving a state pension or are on long term sickness benefit you will be included in the free healthcare system in Spain. Before you leave the UK obtain an S1 form (previously E121) from the International Pension Centre (0191 218 7777). You should register your S1 with your local INSS office in Spain.

If you are an early retiree and a resident in spain but under 65 and are not paying taxes then you have two options:

Option 1 – take out private health insurance.

Option 2 – join the convenio especial – state-run insurance scheme (convenio especial) which costs €60 per month for under 65 years old

If you have a work contract in Spain or are self employed and paying your taxes in Spain you and if applicable your partner and children (providing they live in the same house) will be included in the state healthcare system.