A FOLLOW UP ON SIP CARDS                         

During the summer months there has been and, still is speculation regarding the SIP card.  At the beginning of June 2008 the Valencian Government issued a Directive in the BOLETIN OFICIAL del ESTADO of a new law, the “Ley de Aseguramiento Santitario.

This stated that as from 1st June 2008 no more SIP cards would be issued to those from the UK taking early retirement.  For those who already were in possession of a SIP card, it would no longer be re- issued when it came up for renewal.

Obviously, this sent a severe shock to all those carrying a precious SIP card.  Pensioners who receive state benefits are not affected, along with those who are fully registered in Spain or making Social Security payments.

The uproar from early retirees to Spain was heard and, the Valencian Regional Government issued a statement via the British Consulate that, they would look at the situation again and perhaps be able to come up with a compromise.  One suggestion would be a payment per month / annum towards their health care. There is no indication as yet, as to what that payment would be, but with the Regional Government in a crisis deficit of 276 million, I don’t think they will be in a position to offer anything other than a realistic price.  Also, taking into consideration for instance, that Denia Hospital is under enormous pressure, with the Spanish becoming more agitated every month about the long waiting lists they have to endure.

Despite the many rumors circulating, I can assure you, no decision has been made yet and I suspect meetings have still to be held.  The one and only directive issued in June is still in operation.  However, despite this, there are within the Community SIP cards still being issued to early retirees.  Good luck, but be careful.  Do not assume that the hospitals will allow a card to pass through that has been issued after the termination date.  You could be in for a nasty shock.

With the UK National Health in crisis, I do feel the Spanish are learning from the UK, they are already in a deficit position and with the Spanish economy suffering very badly – where does the extra money come from?  From those who are paying Social until retirement?  For the many that are waiting for a conclusion, remember this is Spain.  Nothing happens quickly, be careful you are not caught out financially if illness or an accident happens in the meantime.