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This is how you obtain Spanish state healthcare if you are a posted worker or an early retiree living in Spain.
In most cases, an E106 is issued to people who are posted to Spain to work for a period of 2 or more years, and who carry on paying National Insurance contributions in the UK. In this case the E106 is issued by:
HM Revenue and Customs CAR - Residency
Room BP1301. Benton Park View
Newcastle upon Tyne NE98 1ZZ, UK
Tel: 0845 915 4811
From outside the UK: +44 191 203 7010
Early retirees in Spain who have worked in the UK prior to their move may be entitled to an E106 for a limited period. In this instance the E106 is issued by:
DWP International Pension Centre
Room TC001. Tyneview Park. Whitley Road
Newcastle upon Tyne NE98 1BA, UK
Tel: +44 191 218 1999
Remember that:
* treatment given privately and repatriation costs to the UK are not covered. Think about whether you want to take out private health insurance.
* some social services may not be available.
In order to register your E121 you will need to obtain the following documents in Spain:
i) Certificate of Residence in Spain (Certificado de Residencia/Numero de Identificacion Extranjero) - available from your nearest National Police station;
ii) Certificate as a Local Resident (Certificado de Empadronamiento) - available from the Local Town Hall (at the Padrón Office).
Advice on how to get these certificates can be found in the Living in Spain section of UK in Spain - the official website for the British Embassy in Spain.
Be sure to check what documents you'll need to take and what will be the process to complete your application successfully. Also remember to make your own photocopies before you get to your appointment. If you forget something you will be unable complete the process and will probably have to go back another time.
Once you have your certificates, take them, along with both copies of your E106, to the local Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) office. They will keep one copy and return the other copy signed and stamped. This copy can now be used in order to access the healthcare system.
Take the accreditation to the local health centre. Once you are registered you will be able to access the Spanish state-run health scheme.
The E106 is valid until the expiry date shown on the document and you may be treated as a private patient if the form has expired and you haven't got any other right to Spanish State healthcare. If there isn't an end date, the document is valid until the International Pension Centre (IPC) tells Spain that the cover has to end.
When visiting the UK, you will still be able to access NHS services under the normal rules.
E106 holders should continue to use their UK-issued EHIC when visiting another EU Member State.
You can find more information on the health system in your region in Spain by visiting the webpage of the Autonomous Community you live in.