Oops!

Hi all,

I have just sent my first post and manged to send it it 'webcams' Doh! But you have to start somewhere.
So please forgive my beginers blunder.
Thanks,
Susisoo.

Forgiven immediately Sue... and welcome to the forum.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and which area you are living in. Do you live in a cave, that sort of thing. As soon as you manage to post ten times, you automatically get access to the rest of the forum.

Hi Rosie,
Thanks for your reply.
At present we are in not so sunny South Wales but lived in Archez near Competa (Malaga Province) a few years ago.
Looking to be cavewellers in the not too distant future.
Regards,
Susisoo

Susisoo
Your questions about healthcare can be answered by goung to the following website [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
It is really important to register at your local town hall and get a residencia certificate. This is because if you need to access any Social Services t a leter date, entitlement is determined by a minimum time you have been registered here.
If you have been paying NI contributions in the Uk before come over, contact the DWP and you maybe able to arrance op to 2 years free reciprocal healtcare.
Other options are, you buy cover fom an insurance company. You get a job and pay your social security payments. (Jobs are as rare as hens teeth here for the Spanish, never mind foreigners). There is another option if you are self employed.
Perhaps you may want to contact the new Shop in Baza that has opened offering a whole rangeof sevices relating to Ex Pats in Spain, Lisa is the lady who runs it.
I don´t know their contact details but you will see posts from them elsewhere on the forum.
Good Luck

Hi Ken,

Many thanks for your reply.
We will certainly look at the link you have supplied - it's always useful to get as much info as possible.

Regards,
Susisoo.

Hi and welcome to the forum, good question, and a good answer Ken. Dont worry about making mistakes its all part of the fun, and can be put right. So keep posting!

Hi Susisoo

Welcome. Keep asking the questions, there's normally someone who can answer.

Don't make mistakes with your medical cover, the consquences can be a nightmare

Ken, it is called a 'padron' - residencia is totally different which you need to get from Baza, but is not now necessary (tax changes changed about 2 years ago so taxed as a Spanish national if selling your home).

Healthcare, they will cover you for emergencies on your E111 card or whatever it is called now, (if you are below pensionable age) but you can register at local medical centre (as I did in Huescar) and it will cover you for 12 months for 'minor' treatment etc. Then you have to renew it after it expires. I had to have a mammogram at Baza Hospital as mum had been diagnosed with breast cancer - went to Huescar, filled in forms, then a week later appointment came through. Went to Baza for test, got results same day and went to see doctor to explain results to me. All done within 2 weeks. Doctor will send me for another mammogram in 6 months time. No charge at all. That is my experience in Galera and we have never had any problems with healthcare for me or my son who suffers from a lot of ear infections.

Yes registering on the Padron, is a must, getting a residencia certificate is easier than it used to be. You are fortunate with the service you have received. It is not the same elsewhere.
Many others haven´t and have had problems. By following the advice on the Embassy website, you wll not go wrong.
Once properly informed, it´s all about choices.
Still it´s fun in the sun.