Health
The Costa Blanca in Spain is renowned for its beautiful coastline, 212 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline and as one of the healthiest places in the sun to live.
The region in and around Torrevieja has been voted by the World Health Organisation as one of the healthiest places in the world to live. The stunning Crevillente mountain range helps to create the areas unique climate where the average temperature ranges from 18-28 degrees Celsius.
The two salt lakes of Laguna de la Mata and the Salinas de San Miguel surrounding Torrevieja also help to create its fantastic climate. They are Europe's largest lakes and are sparkling flat expanses where salt water evaporates to produce sea salt that is still widely exported. The high concentration of salt, together with the temperature forms a microclimate recommended by medical specialists the world over for its beneficial health properties in particular for heart disease, skin disorders, rheumatism and bronchial illness.
E111 and E121
When on holiday residents from the UK and Ireland can receive free medical care under a reciprocal agreement between EEC Governments, UK citizens should obtain an E111 form from their local post office. Those who wish to live permanently in Spain and OAPs should obtain an E121 form. Please note that private medical centres will not accept these forms as a means of payment.
If you retire to Spain, your medical care is completely covered but you must be aged 65 years for men and 60 for women. If you are a citizen of the European Union and are not a pensioner, self-employed or in paid employment you are entitled to full health care under the Spanish State Social security system.
The cost of Private Health Insurance is less expensive than in the UK. There are a number of large companies such as Sanitas (owned by BUPA), Previaso, Asisa and Adeslas that provide coverage for ex-pats.
Prices may vary depending on your medical history and age. As a guideline, if you are under 60 you can expect to pay approximately €75 per month. For a family of five, family cover including dental care can be obtained for approximately €190 per month.
If you use the Spanish National Health Service, you can still carry a comprehensive medical emergencies policy from one of the private emergency medical companies who will respond to call out 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The cost is approximately €95 per person or €210 for a family of five.
Medication prescribed by the Spanish State Health System is free to pensioners. Always carry a photocopy of your E111 form and your passport when visiting the doctor or the chemist. If you are working and paying Spanish taxes and insurance contributions, you will stay pay for your prescriptions but at a reduced cost than over the counter. Many medications are freely available without prescription; however it is always advisable that you consult your doctor before taking any medication.
If you are self-employed, you should have your ASSESORE obtain your residence card from the police (guardia civil) and the ALTA FISCAL from the tax office (hacienda). These documents must be presented to the office of the Tesorería de la Seguridad Social, and an application made for the "Alta de Autónomo" and "inscription en la Seguridad Social". Your medical card entitles you to full medical cover and must be presented every time you visit a hospital or a medical clinic.