HEALTH INSURANCE

When living in Spain it is very important to make provisions for healthcare and health insurance. In Spain, the public health care system is financed by salaried employees and the self-employed that pay a monthly fee to the Spanish Social Security System, this therefore makes the medical treatment in public hospitals and health centres free for them as well as their dependents.

If you obtain health insurance then the insurance company will agree to pay a fix amount of money if you become ill or in case of temporary disability. They also cover the cost of medical assistance.

There are two different types of health insurance. If you choose medical assistance, the insurance company will provide you various doctors that may assist you. The coverage in this type depends on the terms that are agreed in the policy. You may also choose reimbursement of for medical assistance expenses and in this case you can choose your own docor and the company will pay you back he money however there are limits to the amount they will pay and that varys depending on the health insurance polcy you have undertaken.

Health insurance does not cover certain cases such as, hospitalisation in case of transmissible diseases such as AIDS, medical treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction, labour accidents etc. It is advisable to contract a health insurance before the age of 60 because premiums can rise when you reach this age. Notice that some companies do not insure people older than 60. It is a possiblity that the company will cancel your policy once you have reached this age.

You should check the limits on the annual medical costs. Sometimes there are voluntary contributions or excesses that you can pay in order to reduce the price of your insurance.The maximium coverage period is 1 Year and the premiums can increase every year.

If you are a European Citizen and are living in Spain for a long period of time without working, you need the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to enable you to have the same rights as the Spanish citizens who are receiving medical care. Since the 1 of July 2004, this card replaces the current temporary forms E111 (for tourists and non-residents from the European Community) and E128 (for students). The period of validity is shown in the card.

If you need medical assistance in Spain without having the EHIC, you will have to pay all costs regarding your medical treatment such as hospital, medicine and doctors bills. If you keep all receipts and bills the Health Department in your home country will repay you part or sometimes the full costs of your medical treatment, however, it is much easier with the EHIC and so is advisable to apply for one before departing for Spain.

Notice that the European Regulation regarding the use of the European Health Card is invalid if you travel to Spain, or any other European Country, to receive specific medical treatment. In case of any specific treatment you need the E-112 form. Medical assistance in case of dental problems and repatriation medical care are not covered.

In case that your home country is not a member of the European Union you should contact the Spanish consulate before going to Spain. They can tell you about the forms you may have to take with you and inform you if there is a similar agreement on medical care.

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