Is A EHIC HealthCard Needed?

Aug 6, 2006 · maceo · 3 replies · 3813 views

Read-only legacy forum thread. Sign-in, registration, and replies are retired.

Hi All,

I've recently moved to Spain, but not from the UK. I have been away from the UK for some while and am now told that I need an EHIC card if I live here. Is the true, or is it that only Tourists need an EHIC card, if so, what do I need to get reasonably priced healthcare. I work for myself so am not in any company scheme.

Reason I ask this is that on the Department of Health Website, you have to have a UK address to get one.

Many thanks for your help.

Oct 2, 2006 · SpainExpat member

Have a look at http://www.spanish-property-today.com/spain/spain-in-focus.htm (http://www.spainexpat.com/spain?URL=http://www.spanish-property-today.com/spain/spain-in-focus.htm). They have a great section called Living in Spain which has Q & A about health. Follow the link and key in health and hit search key.

Good luck

Oct 4, 2006 · Expatriator

Actually you're probably best to dodge that site altogether...

Do check out the info we have on health care and insurance and then head over to the doctors in Spain page for more detailed info when you're ready for that. If you're self employed then you'd still have to pay for your national health care through your monthly payments (you're autonomo then right?) and taxes and all that jazz. If you're looking for a step up then you can consider expat health insurance. There's a link on that page for Goodhealth where you can get a quick quote online to get an idea of the costs for expat insurance as such.