Healthcare in Spain

Healthcare in Spain

Healthcare system in Spain is of a very high standard and is among the best in Europe. State hospitals are of a high standard and are very well managed. Visitors to Spain and foreign residents are able to use the Spanish National Health system to a certain extent, alongside Spanish nationals. However, there are many situations where the only alternative is private healthcare. There are ample companies offering this service in Spain. You pay a subscription and in return you are entitled to certain free and/or reduced price services. When you move to Spain from another EU country, as a pensioner, you are entitled to be affiliated to the Spanish social security system, without any changes here in Spain.

Social Security as a Pensioner

When you move to Spain from another EU country, as a pensioner, you are entitled to be affiliated to the Spanish social security system, without any changes here in Spain. Before you leave the UK you need to obtain an E121 form from your local social security office. Make sure that the form is duly stamped and signed. This document de-registers you for social security in your home country. The same form is used to register you into the Spanish system. Once you have this document, take it to your local social security office in Spain. You will need to show your passport and your application for residency, plus photocopies of all forms.