Know your EHIC Rights
As you may have heard recently in the news, there have been questions raised around the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) being accepted in Spanish public healthcare facilities.
The UK Department of Health is aware of this issue and has raised it with the Spanish authorities.
It is important for visitors to Spain to know that they can use the EHIC to access all necessary medical care in public hospitals and healthcare centres and that this cover is not just limited to emergency care.
Even if someone has taken out travel insurance, they have the right to insist that their EHIC is accepted. Tourists that do not have their EHIC with them can call the Overseas Healthcare Team (OHT) in Newcastle to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate. They can be contacted on 0044 191 218 1999.
You should also note that there are hospitals in Spain that offer both private and public health-care and it is up to the patient to make sure their EHIC is accepted if they want to be treated under the state scheme.
If you find that you or someone you know visiting Spain is being denied necessary care on their EHIC, please call the Healthcare Team at the British Consulates in Madrid and Alicante on 902 109 356. Alternatively you may also contact the OHT on the number given previously.
Change to Passport Service for British Nationals
From Monday 13 May, all applications will need to be sent directly to the Identity & Passport Service (IPS) in Belfast in the United Kingdom, instead of the regional pass-port processing hub in Madrid.
All the necessary information about the new passport application process, including a new IPS overseas application form, can be found at www.gov.uk/overseas-passports.
Andy Hamilton, head of the regional passport processing centre in Madrid, says “In real terms, all that this means is that British nationals living in Spain now need to send their applications to a different address. Current pass-port processing times remain the same. If you are renewing your passport, you should allow at least four weeks from the date the fee is taken and all the correct documentation has been received.
If you are applying for the first time or you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, you should allow at least six weeks”
The only other change is that the current passport helpline call charges are being removed. In-stead of paying for a premium rate phone line, customers will now only have to pay for the cost of a call to the UK. British nationals who lack internet access or want advice are able to call the IPS Customer Service Centre on +44 (0) 300 222 0000.
People who need to travel urgently but whose normal pass-port is unavailable should contact their nearest British Consulate via 902 109 356 or email info.consulate@fco.gov.uk. Your local Consulate may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document to help you travel.
Life Certificates
A ‘Life Certificate’ is a form sent by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to UK state pensioners living abroad to check their continued eligibility to receive their state pension.
The DWP has made changes to who can witness a Life Certificate. This is now the same as the list of people who can countersign a pass-port photo for a British passport and can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/countersigning-passport-applications
Note, however, that if you live in Spain your witness does NOT need to be British NOR resident in the UK.
Get Involved!
This quarter our “Get Involved” section features the U3A association in Spain. U3A is an acronym for the University of the Third Age.
The main goal of the U3A in Spain is to encourage lifelong learning and friendship for those no longer in full time employment, by providing Educational, Recreational and Leisure Activities for its members. It is open to all English-speaking adults of any nationality and age.
There are many U3A groups throughout Spain, all doing different but similar activities. Groups can be found in Fuengirola, Torrevieja, Moraira-Teulada, Vall del Pop, Oliva, Javea, Calpe and Denia amongst others and if there isn’t one in your area, then why not start one!
We spoke to the The Costa del Sol U3A group based in Fuengirola. Activities available to their members range from painting, drawing and photography to talks on art and art history. Game players can enjoy bridge, scrabble, Mah Jong and canasta and for those who prefer to be more active there is walking, yoga, table tennis and modern jive classes on offer.
Members also have the opportunity to attend monthly lectures on a wide range of interesting topics. Talks on notable British crimes, larger than life people, heraldry and The Golden Age of Spain are expected to be popular in the year ahead as are travel talks, drama, psychology, museum visits and even a dining and relaxation group. If you like reading there is a Book Circle and a Poetry Group and for those keen to improve their Spanish, there are various levels of Spanish classes available. There is also a short story writing group for beginners and a writer‟s circle for the more experienced.
So as you can see, there really is some-thing for everyone. Whether as a couple or someone on their own it is a great way to make friends.
Each group is run by the members for the members. Group members are all voluntary and groups are always happy for people to join who want to share their knowledge and skills.
If you would like to become a member of the U3A in your area, check out your local group‟s website. For further information on joining the Fuengirola group contact Ann Matthews, President, by calling 952577671/ 635837417 or visit their website: www.u3acostadelsol.org
(News: British Embassy Letter – Andalucia)