For over 6 months in a year you are classed as a resident and therefore cannot use your EU health card.
Here is a link that may help
Accessing healthcare in Spain
Health Cover
Hi,
I've looked at the stickies and I cant find anything that answers my question. Apologies if it is already covered.
My wife and I (late 50's and UK citizens) would like to buy a place in SPain and then spend around 6 to 8 months of the year in Spain. We would not be planning to work or claim beneifits and would live off our savings and private pensions. I had done all the calculations except one. Health cover.
Is there any way we can get that without having to take private medical cover?
Any advice around this area (and dentistry) would be appreciated.
Melwood.
I've looked at the stickies and I cant find anything that answers my question. Apologies if it is already covered.
My wife and I (late 50's and UK citizens) would like to buy a place in SPain and then spend around 6 to 8 months of the year in Spain. We would not be planning to work or claim beneifits and would live off our savings and private pensions. I had done all the calculations except one. Health cover.
Is there any way we can get that without having to take private medical cover?
Any advice around this area (and dentistry) would be appreciated.
Melwood.
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
Here is a link that may help
Accessing healthcare in Spain
If you want to play it by the book your only options are private insurance or paying into the public health system (depending on area). If you live in Spain for more than 183 days you are classed as resident and lose your right to use your EHIC card.
A lot of people who stay for this amount of time pretend to be "tourists" (and don't register on the foreigner list and padrón), when something comes up they use their EHIC, which is for emergencies only. Hospitals and medical centres won't accept the EHIC for any kind of regular longterm treatment, and you would need to pay for private treatment. This is a risky, but common practise. This is not really legal and you are breaking a lot of rules. And to play devil's advocate a bit more: As soon as you live in another country for more than 183 days you are not a resident in the UK anymore, which will have further impact on health cover (or the lack of - NHS cover is not generally free and is only available for residents) and certain benefits in the UK for the rest of the year.
A lot of people who stay for this amount of time pretend to be "tourists" (and don't register on the foreigner list and padrón), when something comes up they use their EHIC, which is for emergencies only. Hospitals and medical centres won't accept the EHIC for any kind of regular longterm treatment, and you would need to pay for private treatment. This is a risky, but common practise. This is not really legal and you are breaking a lot of rules. And to play devil's advocate a bit more: As soon as you live in another country for more than 183 days you are not a resident in the UK anymore, which will have further impact on health cover (or the lack of - NHS cover is not generally free and is only available for residents) and certain benefits in the UK for the rest of the year.
Looks like the answer is to spend five and three-quarter months in Spain, and remain a UK resident. 
As for dentists, they are't covered by the Spanish NHS or the EHIC. You can expect to pay around €40 for a filling.
As for dentists, they are't covered by the Spanish NHS or the EHIC. You can expect to pay around €40 for a filling.
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
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