Hospital Invoicing query

Posted: Thu Mar 7, 2019 11:54am

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dinnerout

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I turned 65 in October 2018 and have what i understand to be a full SIP cover. My original SIP in October was temporary, then replaced by a permanent SIP card in November. I'm due to have a very minor operation at Denia Hospital. At the pre-op consultation the administrator told me to be sure to bring my private health care card even when I had shown her my SIP card. (She didn't examine the SIP and reject it, she just saw I had one and asked for the private medical one)

Now, as it happens, I was going to cancel the private cover but opted to keep it in place for a year to see what post Brexit brings.

My question is I suppose, what advantage do they have by invoicing my Health Care provider? Are they able to charge them more than they could charge the NHS?

Any theories, ideas or advice appreciated. Steve

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Posted: Thu Mar 7, 2019 10:36pm

dinnerout

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Posts: 2191

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Location: Beniarbeig

Joined: 18 Sep 2015

Posted: Thu Mar 7, 2019 10:36pm

This post that was quoted has been deleted.

Thanks Ray. As i understand it my SIP is full and valid, obtained with the correct DWP S1 paperwork from the UK. I'm over retirement age and in receipt of a UK state pension. My understanding is that this entitles the holder to FREE healthcare. (?)

Again, my understanding may be incorrect but I thought the reciprocal UK/Spain arrangement is that any health costs I incur here will be free to me and invoiced back to the NHS. And consequently private healthcare cover wouldn't be required.

I'm resident (September 2016) but not yet permanent resident.