Healthcare in Spain

[scharlack]

Hello all,

Any word on how the healthcare system works for foreign residents in Spain would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

[SteveHall]

Sorry to sound negative but your question is too vague.for us to be able to help.

Can you please explain your situation or what you are specifically asking or what you are trying to achieve? We will assist I am sure.

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by scharlack

Hello all,

Any word on how the healthcare system works for foreign residents in Spain would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

Well, as a general answer:

If you are an EU citizen pre retired and not working then you may get up to 2 years Spanish state cover when you move here and after that you need private

If you come here to work then you will pay into the system and get Spanish state cover

If you are of retirement age you will get Spanish state cover

If your partner is of retirement age you will get spanish state cover as a dependent

[scharlack]

Thanks guys. I am a non-EU citizen and I am not on retirement age. I will be on a "visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena".

Cheers

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by scharlack

Thanks guys. I am a non-EU citizen and I am not on retirement age. I will be on a "visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena".

Cheers

If you are a non EU citizen and not working then you will need private cover
Private cover here is relatively cheap, about €110 - €120 a month for a couple in mid fifties

If you are, as it seems, working and contributing to the Spanish system then you will have Spanish state cover

[scharlack]

Thanks gentlemen!

[SteveHall]

Trabajar por cuenta ajena - this would be an employed position and you and your dependants would be covered under the excellent state system. Your employer will be paying into the system on your behalf. Enjoy!

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by SteveHall

Your employer will be paying into the system on your behalf. Enjoy!

SHOULD BE! - check it as there have been examples where employers did NOT despite the LEGAL requirement. It's RARE for this to happen now though.

[TakeItEasy]

If you can afford it, go for Private, it's amazing how you get to the front of the queue

[chris(madrid)]

Originally Posted by TakeItEasy

If you can afford it, go for Private, it's amazing how you get to the front of the queue

Depends what ails you ime.

I use Sanitas for simple stuff and dentistry - But anything serious (esp if you need a sick note ) - Social Security. Also medicaments - Social Security.