Private Health Insurance

We all have European Health card and annual travel insurance - if we are staying for any length of time - hopefully at east 6 months - in Spain should we be buying private health insurance - I don't have it in UK - not been let down by NHS yet - but wondered if we need it where we don't feel too confident. BUPA recomends Santitas. Anyone got any thoughts?

Thank you O wise forum

Well Lisa,
I worked on the front line within the NHS for 40 years. It never let me down either. However, my general opinion is that the Spanish equivalent is far superior than Britain's. I never imagined I would say that!
I am unable to comment on the need for private medical insurance. I believe you are 'covered' for unexpected events with your European Health card.
Other 'wiser' forum members will be able to help you with insurance issues I am sure. Ken for instance, knows his stuff, I am sure there are others equally qualified to comment.

I think I'm right in saying that people who have been paying National Insurance contributions in the UK are covered here for the first 2 years? I certainly was. x

Hi Lisa

I agree with Sally. I believe you are covered for two years with the European Health Insurance Card. I know many people that have used it for all sorts of things but I do also know (for example the doctor surgery in Castril) has on occasions refused people on this card when they know they have been living in the area beyond two years. For more information on the European Health Insurance Card visit the Foreign and Commonwealth website to see what they say:

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I don't know much about Private Medical Insurance in Spain as we are lucky enough to be covered by the Spanish Social Security system. However, you might be interested to contact Elida at Santalucia in Huescar (she speaks English).

I recently visited them to get an insurance quotation for house insurance and she talked to me about an insurance policy which includes medical cover and funeral costs. I said that I have medical cover in Spain but she said to take a look at the policy which I did, and it may be worthwhile you looking at too.

The policy is called a Family Plus Insurance policy. It can cover individual, couples or families and as with anything the cost does depend upon your age.

We have been quoted 20€ per month for a family of 4, which I think is very good value for money. Not only will we have additional support for medical cover but it also covers funeral costs and everything associated with it, and there is a payout for accidents, not massive, but obviously a help!

I have tried to upload the document on here but it didn't work, so I have put a link to the list of information on my website, so please feel free to find what you need there and if you are interested in speaking with Elida in Huescar, here are the telephone numbers.

Office: 958 741 479
Elida's mobile: 634 282 917

The Sierras - web link : [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Regarding the medical services here in Spain, I have to say that we have had a lot of ongoing medical problems recently with one of my children, and the service we have received with the hospitals here have been great. The speed at which we had all the tests done etc. were in my opinion, very quick compared to the UK.

She had a blood test one week and the next week we had an appointment with the Specialist. Although some of the more specific specialist consultations took a little longer, within 8 weeks we knew exactly what we were dealing with, whereas we might still have been waiting for an appointment in the UK......

I am not sure that this is the type of policy you will be looking for but if not, I hope the above may be helpful other people too.

Lorraine

Lorraine, I am covered by the Spanish Social Security system do you think it is advisable that i also get another insurance then? I just presumed the SSS covered everything.

Oh and Lisa I can totally recommend Baza hospital for my pregnancy experience (if you do decide to have more!!)

If you are in the Spanish Social Security system I don't think you necessarily need any additional policies for medical cover. However, for me, the accidental insurance (for my better half working in the building trade) is worth having (its about 20,000 euros cover for a couple) and obviously the funeral side of things. If either of us died or even worse still - went together, for the family (in particular the children) I think it would be beneficial to have some help at a time when it is most needed. Also, you get help with dental care for the whole family, which again is not free here, so an added advantage. If anybody has any questions, put them on here as Elida is coming to my house on Monday, so I can put any questions to her at this time....hope this helps. Lorraine

Just just called Elida she is going to email me info. Thanks a million everyone