Which British Expatriates Qualify for Free Medical Care in Spain?
If you’re a British expat and you’re at or above the age of retirement when you move to Spain then you are usually eligible for free medical treatment thanks to a reciprocal agreement in place between the UK and Spain. Additionally, if you move to Spain permanently and are in receipt of invalidity benefit in the UK before you go, you are likely to be eligible for free health care in Spain. You need to apply for forms E121 or E106, depending on your particular circumstances. Use the DirectGov website to get assistance with applying for these forms. Note: If you intend to split your time between the UK and Spain you may want to keep your access to what’s called ‘universal health care’ in the UK – in which case, you may find that actually, you too will need at least a basic level of health insurance to cover yourself and your time in Spain. Others who qualify for free medical care in Spain are those who are of working age and who are in employment and paying taxes!
