New EHIC European Health Insurance Cards
As from 1st May 2010 the Spanish INSS will not issue or renew EHICs for anyone other than those who are contributing to the Spanish Social Security system.
Until that date they should continue to issue any renewal, or new application as at present.
From 1st May 2010 EHICs will only be issued to British Nationals in receipt of a UK State Pension, or other qualifying benefit by the DWP in the UK.
From 1st May 2010 the Spanish INSS will not issue or renew any EHICs for those people.
All Spanish issued EHIC cards will expire on 30th April 2010.
If you currently hold an EHIC card issued by the Spanish Authorities, then in the next few weeks you should receive a letter from the UK Authorities, together with an application form for a new UK issued card. In this way, it is hoped that you will receive seamless and continuing EHIC cover.
If you do not receive this letter by the end of March 2010 then I recommend that you contact DWP on 0044 191 2181 999, and ask to have your new EHIC issued. You will be given an options menu of 1 to 4 – select option 2 to be connected to the correct department.
Or you can apply by post to :
EHIC Applications PO Box 115 Newcastle Upon Tyne NE99 1SW
If you are an early retiree officially resident in Spain, and are no longer covered by DWP Form E106, then you will not be able to obtain an EHIC card from either Spain or the UK.
The Spanish INSS will only issue EHIC cards to those who are contributing to the Spanish social security system.
Treatment covered by the EHIC
The EHIC covers:
• all medical care that becomes necessary during a temporary stay in any EU Country;
• oxygen and dialysis treatment, as well as treatment for chronic diseases or a pre-existing illness. You should inform healthcare authorities at your destination 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).
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