GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES

Posted: Tue Sep 3, 2019 8:40pm

5 replies154 views3 members subscribed

LeeB

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Hi all.

I dont think I have ever come across a topic that is so difficult to research.

My wife and I are looking to retire and make Spain our permanant home in the near future, and getting healthcare cover is high on our to do list. Pre-Brexit, there isnt a care in the world as UK pensioners have free healthcare anywhere in the EU.

However, trying to get solid information about Post-Brexit is like trying to select the correct numbers for the National Lottery. In fact the 14,000,000/1 odds of a lottery jackpot win look quite generous in comparison.

Yep, we can get cover from BUPA for a mere €22,000 per annum, clearly one for the rich.

I keep hearing about what a good system Spain's NHS system is, and also that one can join it by paying contributions. Finding out how much those contributions actually are, has thus far eluded me.

General info websites are totally useless as there isnt even a hint of acknowledgement regarding Britain's imminent exit from the EU, if it actually happens this time, of course.

I've attempted to get information by asking how a non-EU immigrant to Spain could pay into the health system, but again, knowledge is elusive.

So, I'm appealing to you good people, particularly if you have retired, what provisions you have in place for your healthcare as a resident in Andalucia?

My wife and I are absolutely prepared to pay and we are not looking for a free ride. However, we simply couldn't consider any "BUPA" sized monthly fees.

Any advice or recommendations will be most gratefully received.

Best wishes..........Lee

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Posted: Tue Sep 3, 2019 8:56pm

PuffTheMagicDragon

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Posted: Tue Sep 3, 2019 8:56pm

Lee, the reason you can’t get a definite answer to‘what will happen after Brexit’ is, no one knows for sure yet!

The best place for this sort of information is CAB Spain https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/

Puff

Posted: Tue Sep 3, 2019 9:03pm

LeeB

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Posted: Tue Sep 3, 2019 9:03pm

I fully agree, which is why I asked what might apply to a Non EU person moving to Spain, and still nothing worthwhile.

Thanks for replying anyway. Lee.

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Posted: Wed Sep 4, 2019 11:30pm

chrisso50

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Posted: Wed Sep 4, 2019 11:30pm

Lee, are you and wife retired? If so is it that you are concerned about health cover post-Brexit in Spain? We are in that position too. We are optimistic that the U.K. & Spain will continue the existing reciprocal agreement.

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Posted: Thu Sep 5, 2019 12:34pm

LeeB

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Posted: Thu Sep 5, 2019 12:34pm

Not retired yet, but will be very soon. Our house is on the market and once we have a completion date, my last days work will be two weeks before that date. Madam has already retired.

Yes, you've summed up our worry very well. Please dont think I'm being rude, but I think a plan based on a bit more than hope is needed.

All that said, if you haven't heard the latest news from Westminster, it's well worth half an hour of your time to check it out. Try not to laugh too much as Brexit is supposed to be a serious topic.

Best wishes. Lee.

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Posted: Thu Sep 5, 2019 7:11pm

chrisso50

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Posted: Thu Sep 5, 2019 7:11pm

Hi Lee. Good luck with the house sale. We decided not to sell our U.K. home but to instruct a letting agent and rent it out. So far, after a year that’s working well. I guess you could call it our English Backstop 😂

I’m very much aware of what’s going on with Brexit and remain hopeful of either No Brexit (or failing that a Brexit deal) being the outcome. Either would be likely to reassure us on pensions and healthcare continuing. Yes, it’s true that ‘hope springs eternal’ but cannot be relied upon...

All I do know is that even with No Deal, health cover for retirees will be covered until at least 2022. If all else fails there is the Convenio Especial here in Andalusia, but that would cost us rather a lot.

Best wishes

Chris