Pensioner and Wife who Spend Winters in Spain Fear this will Finish if UK Scraps Reciprocal Health Arrangements

Hmmm. Difficult one. Any extension to leave at the end of 2020 would commit the UK to £ Billions in continued membership costs and also undermine the Conservatives firm election promise and commitment to "get Brexit done".  Also, from what I have read and heard from the British Consul meetings and briefings published and indeed held in Spain, reciprocal arrangements are well advanced in the field of healthcare provision. Perhaps  this gentlemen should acquaint himself with that on the gov.uk website. Personally I think he is worrying unnecessarily. And, Monsieur Barnier would just love to see the UK falter to save the EU from it's own financial excesses - another flute of champagne anyone?

Having read the article, it seems Mr Gordon has been relying on the EHIC to cover any medical problems during their time in Spain and he,s been very lucky for 20years if he has not been buying travel insurance as well. He has a motorhome which if involved in an accident and either party would need repatriating, he would not have been covered nor any common medical problems not considered an emergency. I am in similar age group, visiting 3 months at a time and wouldn't dream of not taking a private travel insurance to cover all medical problems given our age group and medical history which causes us a hefty premium, and yes after this pandemic is over everything will go up in price but that has to be expected. If Mr Gordon can not afford travel insurance to cover all his needs, he should think of ways to cut back on other non essentials to afford the premium or just not travel. The article is more "how can I get looked after for free on future visits" than demonstrating he already covers himself with insurance but maybe the premiums will go sky high. Travel insurance is a must for many reasons or just dont travel. I,m often sickened by the "Go fund me" articles where holiday makers neglected to take out travel insurance and want the world to pay their medical expenses. The premiums even if high because of age and/or medical history are worth every penny to have total peace of mind that every situation is covered. Other than the fact he will be restricted to no more than 90day visits after December, I dont think Brexit should have any bearing on his situation. This is my opinion anyway.

Regards

Pauline

So sorry Mr Marlow, I misquoted your name, not Mr Gordon,(senile moment) lol.

Pauline.

I would guess that Mr Marlow has paid his national health insurance contributions all his working life, so therefore he is entitled to healthcare with no charges in retirement. It is not a freebie it's already been paid for. I definitely think  there will not be a problem with the agreement between England and Spain because it is in the interests of both parties not to create one.