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The UK European Health Insurance Card is valid for holidaymakers and temporary visitors who need to use the state health system while in another EU country. If you are not normally a resident of the UK and spend less than six months of the year there, the Spanish authorities may decide to treat you as a private patient.
If you are a resident in the UK, you should apply for your EHIC before travelling to other European Union Member States. A UK EHIC is usually valid for three to five years - but if you stop being a UK resident, you need to return your EHIC to the Department of Health immediately.
In Spain, the EHIC covers:
* all medical care that becomes necessary during a temporary stay;
* oxygen and dialysis treatment, as well as treatment for chronic diseases or a pre-existing illness. You should inform healthcare authorities at your destination in Spain before you travel, to ensure that supplies are available;
* routine maternity care;
* 60% off prescriptions, and free prescriptions for pensioners (you may need to prove your pensioner status to get free prescriptions - see below).
The EHIC won't cover you:
* if getting treatment is the main purpose of your trip. In this case you need to get permission from your UK local healthcare trust who will issue you with form E112;
* for long term, routine or planned treatment;
* for private sector healthcare providers. You must use the State Health System;
* if you are a resident in Spain. If you live here, check with the Department for Work and Pensions whether you have any entitlement to free healthcare in Spain.
Additional documentation is often requested as proof of pensioner status to get free prescriptions when on holiday. If you provide proof of pensioner status and that is not accepted by the local health authorities, you can apply for a refund when you return to the UK. Send your receipts, along with a covering letter to:
DWP International Pension Centre
Overseas Healthcare Team
The Pension Service
Tyneview Park
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1BA
United Kingdom
Alternatively, your nearest British Consulate can issue a certificate, valid for 3 months, confirming that you are a pensioner.
For this you will need:
* UK EHIC;
* recent DWP correspondence, addressed to your UK address, regarding payment of pension.
The consular fee for this certificate is £34, charged at the consulate rate of exchange.
You can apply for an EHIC, free of charge, on this website by clicking on the 'Apply Now' link below. Alternatively, you can apply:
by calling 0845 606 2030;
or
by picking up an application form from the Post Office.
In order to apply ensure you have the NHS or National Insurance Number, Surname/Family Name, Forenames and Date of Birth of each applicant.
If your card is stolen or lost please contact our Enquiries Line on 0845 605 0707 or if calling from abroad +44 191 203 5555.
Don't forget to purchase Travel Insurance.
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