Monte Paraiso


	LEGAL
	Health Benefits Whilst In Spain

By Sharon Naunton LLB

This Section is intended as a guide to the law as it applies to foreigners including some issues on British Law affecting foreigners. It is not however, a substitute for individual legal advice. It cannot be used as a basis for any claim against the Author or The Publication.

Form E121

If you are receiving a UK pension and have come to live in Spain, you may apply to the UK for form E121 This form provides full health cover for UK pensioners (and any dependants), under the health service of Spain, at the UK's expense. However, the form cannot be issued to people who have retired early, or who receive occupational or works pensions, as these do not count with the EC regulations. Form E121 is issued to women at the age of 60 and men at 65. It is interesting to note that whichever married partner (dependents) reaches one of these respective ages first, will result in both partners being entitled to free health service. Receiving all the same benefits as a Spanish National Pensioner such as free prescriptions, cheap bus fares, reduced cinema tickets and free entry to public buildings.

Form E106

The E106 is another Community form, which is commonly issued to early retirees, who are going to live, but not to work in Spain. The form is not issued automatically, and entitlement will rest on whether you have paid or been credited with National Insurance Contributions in the last two complete tax years prior to moving abroad.

Medical cover under the E106 arrangements can only be granted up to a maximum of two and a half-year. This is the maximum length of time that a person who is no longer paying National Insurance contributions can rely upon their existing account to entitle them to benefit.

Form E112

As a result of an emergency a person might be referred to a consultant at the Hospital. Normally the fee for a consultation is around 60 Euros. However, if a phone call is made to the UK International Health department it is possible for an E112 to be issued to cover the costs of the consultation and whatever tests or treatment are required.

The E112 form requires authorisation from the Department of Health in the UK and is issued only for a specific purpose as above - it is never issued on a "Just in case" basis. In addition the E112 form is time limited for the period of a person's temporary stay in Spain. It is not available to anyone going to live, or looking to stay, on a long-term basis in Spain.

If required an application should be made to the following:
Department of Health
International Branch
Room 512
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London SW1A 2NS

Whilst you are a temporary visitor to Spain you may receive treatment by presenting either E111 or E112. Treatment will only be given, and may not cover all of the things that a person would expect to receive free of charge from the NHS.