Healthcare & Retirement in spain - Spanish Residence
Healthcare & retirement
- When visiting Spain, you will be pleased to know that there is no need for inoculations.
- The most common complaint when visiting Spain is an upset stomach - this can be avoided by
- drinking bottled water, washing fruit prior to eating, and avoiding some of the spicier tapas dishes
For minor complaints - it is just as useful to visit the Farmacia -as they are highly trained and have the ability to prescribe some medicines that require prescription in the UK. Most of the pharmacists in Spain do also speak some English
- Not only is the climate in Spain one of the healthiest in Europe, it's health service is excellent one of the lowest costs per head. There is a public health care system in Spain offering free or low cost care to those contributing towards Spanish social security (including the family and retirees). If you are not entitled to healthcare, it is strongly recommended that you opt for private cover, as you will be unable to gain residence without it.
Life expectancy is quite high in Spain - in fact the Spanish are classed as one of the healthiest race of people with male expectancy to be around 75, and female around 80, the highest in the EU. This is partly due to the low number of heart disease cases (again dietary factors such as olive oil, red wine etc.. play a part). The way of life with reduced stress also is a major contributor to this healthier lifestyle. Do not become complacent however, as the sun is fierce in the summer months - and can cause a sever case of sunburn if not treated with caution.It is advisable to have a health check prior to moving to Spain (if your move is a permanent one) and do find out the generic name for any prescribed medication (as it varies country to country). If you have preferred non prescription medication - it may be advisable to take this with you (as it may not be readily available). Details of adequate health cover for short periods (such as 4 weeks) can be found at most health insurance companies. If you require permanent healthcare - private cover is the best option (remember that proof of this will be required when applying for residency), once your application for residency is granted, and you are contributing towards Spanish social security, you and your family should be entitled to free or subsidised medical & dental treatment, if you however, receive a state pension from another EEA country however, you should be entitled to this service (again you must check this with your solicitor at the time). Once this is granted, you will be issued with a social security card to show you are a member of INSULAD (the Spanish equivalent of Britain's NHS).
The number of state retirement homes are few and far between, and many foreigners end up returning home. It is advisable to plan ahead for this if you are thinking of taking up permanent residence in Spain - as there are private homes that can cater for your needs (of course at a cost). |
