British Health Care System in Spain

Where British subjects in the Valencian Community are in possession of the Valencian Health Card by virtue of the agreement made whereby persons who had not reached pensionable age and were not contributing to the Valencian system were eligible to receive health care, an expiry date for this care was extended to September 2009. 

Since September 2009, a temporary Health Card will be issued ONLY if you produce a EHIC card from your home country, which will entitle you to Urgent Necessary Care ONLY.   The temporary health card will NOT entitle you to after care treatment, blood tests etc.  

In September 2009 the Valencian Health Authorities brought in a Private Health Insurance Scheme for all pre-retirees not in the Spanish contribution system, ie employed people with NO employment contract or self employed NOT paying contributions into the Spanish system (Autonomo).  This private health insurance scheme aimed at early retirees, ie: police personnel, military personnel and fire fighters, have to pay €90 per month (€270 per quarter) into the scheme to qualify for healthcare provision.    Children under the age of 18 should qualify for FREE healthcare provision according to the SINDIC of Alicante, (The Ombudsman)  BUT, €90 a month is the charge for everyone, whatever your age, children included.   

Should further clarification be sought please contact the Valencian Health Authority, Tel 900 662 000.

Universal FREE healthcare provision according to EU legislation is being sought in spanish central government.  We will keep you informed, watch this space !!

More information can be obtained on the following website:  www.puma22.org