Health insurance

If you are under State Pension age you will need Private Health Insurance when applying for Residencia, I would recommend that you speak to Alfonso at Gran Alacant Insurances, he is very helpful, professional and will take you through all the options, they advertise on the Forum or use the link below.

https://www.granalacantinsurances.com/

If you are over State Pension age contact DWP in Newcastle and speak to their Overseas Section to obtain your S1 Form to enable you to register in the Spanish Healthcare System.

I have just rang for my S1 the number is 01912181999.

You can only apply 4 weeks before you leave. They will post it to you new address in Spain.

Cheers

Joan

Thanks for the replies, very useful.

Healthcare in Spain 'free and universal' to all residents, legal or not

FREE and universal State healthcare for everyone in Spain has now been officially restored after years of undocumented migrants being denied all bar emergency treatment.

Have a look at Jim's Guides on this site.   Also the Citizens Advice Bureau Spain may have answers to some of the queries that you will have but be aware that many things will probably change after 31st October.   Also, many towns and provinces 'tweek' the rules and regulations for their own procedures.   Another helpful site is the N332 for anything to do with driving in Spain.   The latter is run in collaboration with officers of the Guardia Civil for English speaking people and has an English version of the Spanish equivalent of the Highway Code.

Hi Nakabandi,

It's worth reading a previous thread on this subject:

"FREE and universal State healthcare for everyone in Spain"

As I previously posted, I tried to pursue this, as we currently pay for private healthcare.  Frustrated by making any progress with the INSS (Spain's department of Social Security), I contacted a Gestor who told me that the new "free" healthcare will be means tested - so those of us who've already paid for private healthcare in order to obtain residency will have difficulty proving that we qualify.    

It would be really helpful to know whether you have been able to obtain free healthcare in Spain, under this new law?

 Kind regards, 

 Kim  

Alicante is a thriving City with building works ongoing and thousands of tourists arriving all year.    We live in a suburb near the main Hospital.   

We’ve employed a local Spanish company for small repairs but have not found any local English speaking companies.  

Nor have we seen any signs for podiatrists or any English speaking medical practices.  They may be incorporated within private medical centers.  

Perhaps the required documents to legally set up business are difficult to obtain?

Only know of ONE British restaurant in the city center!!   

But yes with advertising you both should in theory find plenty of work!!  There are many expats within and near the city who will need the skills and services you both have.

Wishing you every success.  

Hello Kim how are you.

No I have not because I have S1. I was only trying to advise which at times can be a dangerous hobby in Spain. Ask 10 people the same question and get 10 different answers. Even when you enquire at government offices they can make it up depending on the day of the week.

Maybe the "FREE and universal State healthcare for everyone in Spain" was a Candid Camera stunt. A bit like the sign in the pub ‘’free beer tomorrow’’.

All the best and have a good day.

Thanks very much ,sounds enco