In association with <strong>Costa</strong> Cálida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com Spanish Health Care Changes in <strong>2012</strong> As part of Spain’s austerity measures, the Government has announced the end of free public health service which has previously been open to all. Whilst the key changes will mainly effect immigrants who do not have residency in Spain, there will also be a number of changes which will affect Spanish nationals, residents and pensioners as well. Recently the Spanish Government has announced a number of reforms to the state healthcare system which will affect everyone who lives in Spain. The changes that have been enforced also apply to other European nationals living in Spain. Two key groups who need to be aware of these changes are UK State Pensioners who live in Spain and those who are still of working age and contributing to the Spanish State in Spain via the Social Security system. Under EU regulations, the UK pays Spain an average annual cost to provide healthcare for its pensioners. Healthcare is provided to UK state pensioners resident in Spain and registered with an S1 form, on the same bases as healthcare given to Spanish pensioners. This includes co-payments for medicines. EU Nationals People from the countries of the European Union will get treatment in Spain only if the country they come from has a reciprocal arrangement to give health treatment to the Spanish. If that is not the case, the European visiting or living in Spain will Page 28 have to take out private insurance or pay the bill when they visit the doctor. If you are applying for your residence certifi cate, you may be asked to show proof that you are covered for healthcare in Spain when making your application. If you are a UK state pensioner for example you may be able to use your S1 form to meet these requirements. If you are working in Spain and contributing to the Social Security system you will continue to have access to free public health treatment. Prescriptions A co-payment system of contributing towards the cost of prescriptions will be introduced over the Summer. Most people will be required to pay a percentage of the cost of their prescription medication. Co-payment will be handled by each autonomous community. The amount each person pays will be calculated by annual income and the individual’s situation. Various treatments are no longer available by prescription in Spain meaning they have to be paid for in full. Information taken from the British Embassy Madrid website Annual income Social situation % of contribution Capped at: Less than €18,000 Between €18,000 and €100,000 Over €100,000 In a time of recession, when the funding runs out, the local authorities are bound to suffer as they are now facing cuts within their departments. The Health Service will also suffer and therefore it is advisable for expat residents to consider Private Health Care. Ibex Insurance can offer you a range of products to choose from, fi nding the correct product for you and your family’s needs and budget. We can also offer many policies which are suitable for pensioners. Ibex Insurance currently operates with the top medical insurance companies in Spain, such as ALC, AXA PPP, Aetna, ASS- SA, DKV, Exeter Family Friendly, IMG Coversure, BUPA and Groupama. To fi nd out more or to request a quote or further information, contact Ibex Insurance, C.C. Upper Local 2, Avda Doctor Meca S/N, 30860 Puerto de Mazarrón, Murcia Tel: +34 968 595 945 Fax: +34 968 974 731 Email: mazarron@ibexinsure.com Working Age 40% No capping State Pensioner 10% €8/month Working Age 50% No capping State Pensioner 10% €18/month Working Age 60% No capping State Pensioner 60% €60/month Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the <strong>Costa</strong> Cálida <strong>Chronicle</strong> To place an advertisement with us please see page 4 or contact Teresa 619 199 407 www.costacalidachronicle.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the <strong>Costa</strong> Cálida <strong>Chronicle</strong> To place an advertisement with us please see page 4 or contact Teresa 619 199 407 www.costacalidachronicle.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com Page 29 In association with <strong>Costa</strong> Cálida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com