Some expats living on the Costa Blanca are in a state of perplexity as to what health coverage they shall be entitled to in 2010, to whom they should be applying to and what card they are entitled to carry.
As of March 1st 2010, new regulations shall come into place that may affect those who receive long-term incapacity benefits, a state pension or free healthcare under the present E121 system. At the moment the UK Government front all costs for health cover provided by the Spanish authorities however proposed changes to the system will mean that people who are in receipt of this service will now have to obtain their EHIC cards from the relevant UK authority.
Authorities in Newcastle have been telling Valencian Community SIP Card holders that they can apply for a replacement card in Spain. The information handed out in Spain would beg to differ. At present, Torrevieja residents cannot apply for an EHIC card locally, they have to travel to either Elche or Oriheula to submit their application.
The good news is that those who do not receive the above benefits from the UK and hold a current SIP Card can apply for their EHIC card in Spain upon presentation of their SIP plus proof of identity.
To add even more confusion, in early 2009 the Valencian Community stated that they would no longer be offering free healthcare for early retirees. Nothing seems to have been done to implement this scheme leaving many expats in a health cover no-man’s land.
I hope all of that makes perfect sense to you! One thing is certain, after March 1st there is bound to be confusion and upset caused to some expats, who are unable to obtain a definitive answer to their questions and concerns over health cover.
