Job Discussion Forums

[lennon146]

Hello,

This question is for British/Irish posters really. I was wondering if I am legally employed in Spain, with NIE and all the rest of it, am I entitled to Spanish state healthcare under the European rules? My first instinct was to get an EHIC issued in Britain, but I've read that only really applies for people who are abroad on holiday or working for a UK employer. If you are living semi-permanently in Spain and working, what do you do?

Thanks for any help,
Paul

[Moore]

Basically you need a social security number (ask your employer how to get one) and with that you nip down to your local medical centre (ask a neighbour) and register there. As soon as you have done that you can see a doctor. They will send you a "Targeta de Sanidad" (health card) in due course to save you taking the registering papers with you every time.

When you get medicines prescribed by the doctor they give you a big price reduction in pharmacies.

This is for day to day medical stuff: emergency hospital treatment is always free (you show your passport if you're able to) and this even includes non-EU passport holders (in theory their embassy is charged, but it never happens).




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[Pauleddy]

When I left Spain and then returned last year, they said I had dropped out of the healthcare system. I could enter again when I had a job. There were no jobs around anyway.

I am a Brit with previous social security records in Spain until 2006.

It seems they are stricter now.

I have a residencia too!

Can anyone advise me? I belive that Spanish people arriving in the UK can join up even without a job.

I was told that I have to get a private insurance. This was not the case 10 years ago--I obtained Spanish healthcare even before I had a job. I am an EU citizen etc.

Eddy

[ludhilltoysoldier]

Hi,

You are entitled to National Health Care so long as you are either in employment or on the dole (Spanish dole). If you have neither of these things you are not entitled. UNLESS, your spouse/partner has either of these things, then you can get national health as their beneficiary. To do this you need to see your local town hall for the necessary documentation which you then take to your local doctor/medical centre.