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Where to apply for certificate which says I'm not entitled to health care in England?... Am English, but resident in Spain.

juna profile image
juna
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Although English, I've lived permanently and been resident in Spain for several years now. I'm 59, so do not yet come under the rules which apply to retired people. All my papers in Spain are as they should be, and I neither claim nor receive any type of benefits from the UK. However, as I do not work, I'm not automatically covered for health care in Spain, and have been told by the health department here in Spain that I am entitled to health care here, but need a certificate of some sort from the UK stating that I'm not entitled to free health care in the UK. Where should I apply for this? Any help would be much appreciated. Many thanks.

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juna
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Harveyuk profile image
Harveyuk

Not too certain if this link would help nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcar...

I don't think the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) would be valid, as its aimed for short trips in Europe such as holidays & business trips.

Another option might be to contact your old GP who might be able to write a letter, or the British consulate in Spain who might be able to sort this out for you.

juna profile image
juna

Many thanks for your reply, Harveyuk. :)

In the end, I phoned the British consulate in Spain, and they gave me a number to phone in England where I could ask for the appropriate certificate - a legislation letter. I rang England, and it took very little time and went very straightforwardly. They say it will take a couple of weeks for the appropriate certificate/letter to arrive.

Just in case anyone else is interested, if you're under retirement age but not covered for health in Spain by a work contract etc, you can still claim free health cover, as long as your income is under 100,000 euros a year. You need to be a resident in Spain, provide your resident papers, empadronamiento, and Spanish tax declaration, plus, of course, this legislation letter from England to say that you're not entitled to health care in the UK.

I'm glad to hear you got this sorted - as an Overseas Visitor Manager within the NHS I would have said the S1 document confirming your residence in Spain which is (as I understand it) available from the Newcastle Overseas Visitors Team (+44 191 21 81999) It would be what we would need from any Spanish resident making a permanent move to the UK and I think it works in reverse.

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