There has been considerable discussion over recent months concerning the Spanish economy, whether another Euro bailout will be required and the generally depressing statistics on unemployment, especially here in Andalucía.  This was then followed by the local phenomenon of Town Halls deciding to cut the lighting on major roads in order to save money.

Amongst all the financial doom and gloom there has also been speculation about the provision of state funded healthcare through the Spanish Social Security system and close on the heels of this, announcements of cuts to Social Security funding for hospitals and even cases of hospitals closing their doors completely for 24 hours at a time in order to save money.

Well the outlook for 2012 is no better and it has now become public that the British expatriate community here in Spain is now under fire from the medical elite themselves.  Recent reports state that various Regions in Spain have started to consider changes to funding for healthcare services which would mean that non-residents and those under retirement age who are not registered for work, would not receive any free healthcare.

In the region of Valencia, such a move has already taken place and Brits are now going to be charged around €90 each month to obtain healthcare treatment, if they are not working or do not have private health insurance arranged.  The changes follow a lengthy period of debate amongst doctors in Spain over whether expats are abusing the system by planning treatment in Spain or their home country to give them the most convenient timing and cheapest options, such as using the EHIC (European health) card for non-emergency situations.

Although the issue is due to be studied and appraised more closely as a whole, it is clear that the future of Social Security healthcare in Spain is looking bleak and that many individuals will see the benefits of the private health insurance option as the way to go forward in 2012.

HealthPlanSpain

28/12/11