British people over 65 and receiving a UK state pension can get free healthcare in Spain by filling in an S1 form. But what of those of us lucky enough to be living in Spain before pensionable age? Here are your healthcare options.
For a no-obligation quote from our Spanish healthcare partner, fill out the form at the end of this article.
A healthy outlook on life in Spain
For those employed in Spain
If you are legally working in Spain (either employed or self-employed) and pay contributions into the social security system, you are entitled to state healthcare.
As with everything, you will need to apply for a card called the SIP (Sistema de Información Poblacional). You will need this card each time you go to a medical centre or visit your GP, attend outpatients at a hospital or are admitted for an operation or other medical service.
In order to get the card, you will need to take the following to your local Social Security Office:
- NIE card.
- Passport, ID for children of 14 years or over (libro de familia).
- Proof of being in the social security system (document and or social security number) and the empadronamiento document.
When you are registered, you should apply for a temporary certificate valid until you receive your new health card. The Spanish Social Security Department has a website in English.
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Healthcare for the early retired
People who take early retirement or come to live in Spain without employment can still access State Healthcare through one of two means:
Convenio Especial
You can access State Healthcare by paying a voluntary monthly fee of €60, known as the convenio especial.
To apply, you will need to have been resident in Spain for 12 months. Each autonomous region will have their own application form, which should be found online. You need to look for the solicitud de suscripción de convenio especial de prestación de asistencia sanitaria. You can reach the website for the Andalusia region here.
Private insurance
The second option is private medical insurance. There are several companies in Spain offering different levels of health insurance. The benefits of starting a policy before retiring is that you get the same rate and benefits as you get older too.
A typical plan costs from just around €750 to €1,000 depending on the level of cover for the under 50s. It’s between €850 and €1,650 for those in their 50s and €1,050 to around €2,000 per annum for up to 65.
For the over 65s it goes from around €1,250 to around €2,900.
To enquire about cover from ASSSA fill in the form below.
