A Busy Year in Britain
This year sees the UK host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as holding celebrations up and down the country for the Queen‟s Diamond Jubilee.
Many British expats will head back to the UK to join in the fun. But whether you are going back for a week or a couple of months, if you are normally resident in Spain you will need to ensure you have sufficient medical cover in case you are unfortunate enough to need to access medical treatment whilst in the UK on holiday.
As the article ‘The EHIC: The Basics’ shows (see right), it is important to take a valid European Health Insurance Card with you when visiting the UK. As a resident in another country, you may be charged for any necessary medical treatment in the UK without it. For details on access to healthcare in the UK, and a list of exemptions that may apply, visit the NHS choices website (below).
If you are working in Spain, or in receipt of a Spanish Pension, you will need to apply for your EHIC (Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) from the INSS (www.seg-social.es). However, if you are registered for healthcare in Spain under an S1, E121, E106 or E109 form from the UK, you will need to contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on 0044 191 218 1999 for your card. And for more information, please see www.nhs.uk. Happy Holidays!
The EHIC: The Basics
Although the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may be one of the first things some holiday makers pack, others are unsure as to what it is and why they might need it. Read on for a few basic facts:
* The EHIC replaced the E111 – this form is no longer valid
* The EHIC is free of charge to obtain for those who are entitled to it
Every family member needs their own card
* The card has an expiry date and will only be accepted when valid
* The card will cover you for any necessary medical treatment in a public health centre or hospital while you are on a temporary stay outside your country of residence
* It ensures you have the same access to public healthcare as a national of the country you are visiting. Some countries may charge for public healthcare but if you do have to pay, you may be able to claim a refund from the authority that issued you with the card
* The card will not cover you, however, if you go abroad specifically to obtain treatment for a pre-existing illness or injury
* If you lose your card or it expires, contact the authority that originally issued it for advice.
The EHIC & Travel Insurance – A Reminder
The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance as it will not cover you for all costs, such as if you need to be repatriated to your country of residence. Save yourself money and heartache by taking out a suitable travel insurance policy for your trip.
Engaging The Community on Crime
Community associations, charities, local press, tour operators, social groups and local authorities were all guests at a special event organised by the British Consulate in Malaga aimed at increasing awareness and support for British nationals who are victims of crime.
Attendees heard from the National Police who talked about robbery, theft, sexual assault, and internet fraud – an issue on which the British Embassy has recently circulated advice for British nationals in Spain and back in the UK. Presentations were also given by the Civil Guard on traffic regulations, a local barrister who offered some Do‟s and Don‟ts for British residents, and a local funeral director on what to do if someone passes away in Spain. Mijas Town Hall Foreigners‟ Department also gave information about some of the services they provide.
British Consul, Steve Jones, said, “Supporting victims of crime is as much about prevention as dealing with the consequences. The aim of events like today‟s is to provide key organisations with a range of helpful advice and encourage them to cascade that information to their members, colleagues and friends.” For more information on Living in Spain, see http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk.
Suffering Health Problems Whilst Visiting Spain
ACASA would like to endorse the Department of Health‟s message regards ensuring you have a valid EHIC card and comprehensive travel insurance before you visit Spain.
We sometimes receive calls on the INFOLINE from people who find themselves in trouble because they failed to pay attention to this message.
A typical call is for financial support when an accident or health issue leaves a person medically unfit to fly for an extended period. For example you may be unable to fly for 3 months or more after suffering a stroke. Whilst your health costs may be met under the EHIC the costs of remaining in Spain for 3+ months will not. Rent, travel expenses, food and general subsistence all add up and make an already stressful situation far worse.
Beyond providing advice there is little ACASA can do and without insurance people find themselves reliant on the generosity of friends and family to provide financial assistance.
So please make sure that you have a valid EHIC and comprehensive travel insurance before you come to Spain, and enjoy your visit. And if you have trouble accessing Spanish healthcare, call the Healthcare Team on 902 109 356.
Age Concern España Launches Its New Website
Check out our fantastic new website at www.acespana.org All you ever needed to know about Age Concern España including how to access our services, how to volunteer and how make a donation.
We are also updating our range of INFOSHEETS giving advice on the various issues faced by the over 50s in Spain. They will be with you soon so watch this space.
30th Anniversary of the Falklands War
On 2nd April 1982, Argentina invaded the Islands in a bid to claim sovereignty, believing that it had inherited them from Spain in the 1800s. The UK had at that point ruled the Islands for 150 years, and in response swiftly launched a task-force of 28,000 troops and over 100 ships. After just over 2 months the Argentinean Forces surrendered and Port Stanley was liberated.
255 British Service personnel and three civilians were killed in the war. An estimated 300 service men were wounded and an estimated 655 Argentine Service men died. Many are still feeling the effects of the war today.
Blind Veterans UK
The service charity formerly known as St Dunstan´s has changed it s name to Blind Veterans UK.
Blind Veterans UK, offers support to ex-service men and women blinded in action and those who have lost their sight through accident, illness and old age – www.blindveterans.org.uk
Partners Input to Caseworker Update Course in Portugal
Volunteer caseworkers in Portugal attended an annual update course on 21st March and were very pleased to receive a presentation on Pensions and Benefits from Darryl English of the PBHT.Darryl emphasised the importance of informing beneficiaries planning to repatriate to the UK of the requirements of Habitual Residency Testing.
Annual update courses for volunteer caseworkers in Spain are planned for April, May & June.
For further information on the conflict and to read about the personal experiences of veterans who will never forget the Falklands war visit the following website:
www.britishlegion.org.uk