Expats in Spain told 'check health insurance'

Expatriates living in Spain have been advised to take out health insurance as they may not be eligible for free care.

According to Shelter Offshore, expatriates under the age of retirement (60 for women, 65 for men) who move to Spain but do not intend on working, are not eligible for free health care in the European country.

This band of the population, who may be relying on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), have been warned that they will only have minimal access to health services.

Shelter Offshore reported that Spanish officials have accused this section of the expat population, who rely on the EHIC, of 'draining the system'.

To ensure good healthcare is available when needed and to avoid perpetrating a negative image of Britons in Spain, the expat advice website suggests that these people should organise private health insurance.

People who are eligible for free medical care include those over the age of retirement and those who are working and paying taxes in Spain.

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Posted by Chris Barber