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Moving to Spain for a slower pace of life, good food and lots of sunshine was meant to bring more pleasure and comfort to our lives. For years, ex-pats have had a good rate of exchange, great weather and generally a pretty good Spanish State Health System, with comparatively shorter waiting lists and cleaner hospitals than the UK.
However, 2008 has been a devastating year for many people and businesses alike. The appalling weather coupled with the “credit crunch” in the UK has meant a slump in tourism and of course, the inevitable knock on effect to businesses directly and indirectly in the seasonal business, which relies upon the thousands of tourists each year.
Then the recent news of the Valencia Regional health authority cancelling SIP cards for all, except pensioners (who hold an E121) or those that pay into the Spanish Social Security System. Of course, there are many who would say, about time, those that have been working and paying into the Spanish system for years and indeed the Spanish themselves, all whom have been paying to support the early retirees.
Since then the Valencia Government has had cause for reflection and has reopened negotiations (that is the only update officially.) On June the 25th there was a directive issued confirming the cancellations of free SIP cards to early retired UK ex pats. No further directive has been issued and, until that happens nothing has or will be changed.
I understand the British/ Spanish Government, to include the Valencia regional Government, will, over the following months be discussing the full economic situation and who will be entitled to a SIP card before becoming a pensioner. The Dutch have already had similar negotiations, which took some time to conclude, and now I understand pay an average of 1.100 euros per person per year, after proving that they are tax residents in Spain and that they have a Padron Certificate.
To all those people waiting for news, remember this is Spain and everything takes time, in the meantime assume nothing and do not be persuaded by rumours, until the directive appears in the BOE (Boletin Oficial Español) which means it has been approved by the Spanish Government, it is just that a rumour.
Until a wise conclusion has been reached, which I am sure will take time, I still suggest that private health insurance, is a sensible option. If the yearly contribution is similar to the Dutch (why wouldn’t it be?) private health with all its benefits might turn out to be a better option, for those without a serious pre condition. Not forgetting the huge waiting lists, the many cancellations of appointments and tests, due to a tremendous lack of doctors, together with the language and culture differences. It also may be timely to mention the Valencia health authority has a huge black hole as far as money is concerned. A good example is that the newest hospitals in the Region are being subsidized with private investments.
If you would like to have a no-obligation discussion with my Health Insurance Specialist, please call the number below.
Along with Health Insurance my company is happy to provide insurance quotations for your home, car, community, travel, dental and funeral. As a fully regulated and registered S.L. company who works in collaboration with two of leading Insurance companies in Spain, ASSSA and Liberty Seguros, I am confident we will be able to advise and offer you competitive and comprehensive insurance.
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