I am retired but my wife is not can she get free health care

Mar 7, 2010 · jacqui.brian · 3 replies · 1847 views

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Hi
I am retired and receive a pension from the u.k. my wife is only 53 and worked part time back home, but does not have a pension.
Does anyone know if she would be entitled to free health care in Spain because she is totally dependent on me.
Cheers Brian

Mar 7, 2010 · shaggymon

Assuming you got your healthcare registered via an E121 from Newcastle, then you need to phone Newcastle DWP, ask for a new E121 which names your wife as a dependent, then when you get the new E121 go to your local INSS and register her - presumably as you did for yourself. Once in the system, you will get a new notice of affiliation from the INSS which includes your wife. This can then be used to register with a doctor. Some months later she will get her health card.

Aug 6, 2010 · shaggymon

But then again it is never as straightforward as you think....My wife got her E121 in 2008, registered at INSS and then with a doctor - no problem. When we discovered that I could be on it as a dependent. Phoned Newcastle, got new E121 in January this year, went to INSS. Waited until last month (was told there could be a 6 month wait) to be told A) they had no record of my application and B) there is a new system whereby you take E121 straight to health centre. Since original E121 lost in Fuengirola INSS, phoned Newcastle, got a new copy of E121 last week, went to Health Centre - they said to go to INSS - they know nothing about new system!!! Here we go again!!! Good job I have private health care!