HEALTH INSURANCE

Has anyone used a company called DKV for their health insurance, we have been given a very good quote and have looked on their website, all seems ok, but we all know the old sayings.
Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi, biggest issue is, will DKV serve your area as regards Physicians, etc. For us in Cullar, its a trip to Policlinica, Baza under our Sanitas cover. Sanitas is also not a 'pay your money over and claim it back' system, you just produce your card...... but its all a matter of choice.

The rules changed again in the Summer. But this is an extract of what is available and it covers existing conditions. Over 65s are entitled to free healthcare but have to fulfil some simple requirements. If you want more info go to the Britidh a embassy Website.

Purchasing public health insurance
If you are not covered for state-run healthcare through any other means, the Spanish regional health authorities offer a special pay-in scheme (convenio especial). This is a public health insurance scheme available nation-wide where you pay a monthly fee to access state-run healthcare. The scheme is managed by each autonomous region.

Policy holders pay on an individual basis for access to public healthcare, regardless of pre-existing conditions, anywhere in Spain. Children do not have to join the Convenio Especial as they are protected under Spanish law and can access state healthcare for free.

The basic monthly fee is 60€ for the under 65s and 157€ for those aged 65 and above. However, prescriptions are not subsidised at this rate so you would pay 100% of prescription costs. This form of cover doesn’t give holders the right to an EHIC at this time, so if you wish to travel, you will need to take out private travel insurance. The scheme is now available in:

Andalucía (No link available yet. Please enquire directly at your nearest local health centre).

Hi, Please bear in mind that you HAVE to have been a 'resident' for at least one year prior to applying for the Convenio Especial anywhere in Spain. You need health cover to get residency, so it has to be private for at least 12 months until you qualify for the Convenio. Over 65's, as Ken says with an S1 are in from the start, limited time S1's are no longer issued to 'early retirees', so again its back to private cover.
Catch 22 really, or at least for the first 12 months of official residency! A couple will pay 120 a month under the Convenio, Sanitas cover for two late 'fifty somethings' with no existing conditions (the tricky bit if you have any!) is not THAT much more!

Been through it..............................

And I have no connection with Sanitas, other than using them for health cover! Can only comment on their service in that case. As said, you pays your money......
Also make sure ANY cover gives you at least the same cover as basic Spanish NHS cover including Hospitalisation (they don't all cover that) and emergency care (they mostly do), otherwise it won't be suitable for residency purposes and you'll be back to square one.!!

What does 'residency' mean? I don't know if I've got it or not. I've got a certificate of residencia dating back several years, a NIE number and a padronomiento from the local town hall. I've got a social security number, again dating back a few years from when I was working here full-time. Would that make me a resident?
Let me know what you think please!

Hi, Everyone calls the latest process 'residency', but in fact it just allows a non Spanish person who is an EU citizen to remain in Spain for more than 90 days and puts you on the 'Foreigners register'. The fact that you can essentially remain indefinitely on those terms gives it the 'feeling' of residency. If you are here for more than 183 days in the Spanish financial year, you become a 'fiscal' resident by default, its a cumilative period, whereas the 90 day is a continuous period.
Under current rules, you can apply for FULL Spanish residency after being here for five years under the auspices of the above.
That's my understanding of the latest rules, now I have to 'duck out' as yours was granted a good while ago, and things MAY have been different then and I don't want to cause problems based on my lack of knowledge of stuff at THAT time, its worth a call into Baza CNP station to get it from the horses mouth I should imagine.
Gut feeling, I don't think you have any worries.

Thanks! One last question - whar is the CNP station?

If in doubt check the British Embassy website. If it is not clear or you are not being issued with what you believe you should have because of some over important funcionario at the Social Security office, and they are there. Ring the consulate in Alicante and speak to Martin Standing or his deputy. They specialise in everything Medical and I know he has intervened in the past. But please check the website first to ensure you have done everything that is required.

n:

Alhóndiga N º 18 - 18800, Baza (Granada)

If you go up Calle Alamilos (bank street) turn right at the top (last street on the right) police station on left about fifty yards down.
The office you require is through a doorway just past the main entrance inside a Court yard

Good advice from Ken, just a note that the British Embassy website omits to mention the 12 month residency bit before becoming part of a Convenio Especial for health, although it is clearly stated on the Spanish statutory instrument / empowering act and is generally well known (but not apparently by the British Embassy). As stated, its so important, if in doubt..........ask the people responsible.

Sorry for any confusion, the CNP are the National Police responsible for all 'Foreigners', residency etc., Clarky's directions are right on the button. Its my 30 years plus in the British Police that has caused me to think in abbreviations, apologies!

Thanks for all your replies, guess I will wait until we come over in February and make further enquiries.