Healthcare
The
healthcare
system
in
Spain
is
of
a
very
high
standard
and
is
among
the
best
in
Europe.
State
hospitals
are
of
a
high
standard
and
are
very
well
managed.
Visitors
to
Spain
and
foreign
residents
are
able
to
use
the
Spanish
National
Health
system
to
a
certain
extent,
alongside
Spanish
nationals.
However,
there
are
many
situations
where
the
only
alternative
is
private
healthcare.
There
are
ample
companies
offering
this
service
in
Spain.
You
pay
a
subscription
and
in
return
you
are
entitled
to
certain
free
and/or
reduced
price
services.
For
more
on
healthcare
see
here.
Social
security
in
Spain
as
a
pensioner
When
you
move
to
Spain
from
another
EU
country,
as
a
pensioner,
you
are
entitled
to
be
affiliated
to
the
Spanish
social
security
system,
without
any
changes
here
in
Spain.
Before
you
leave
the
UK
you
need
to
obtain
an
E121
form
from
your
local
social
security
office.
Make
sure
that
the
form
is
duly
stamped
and
signed.
This
document
de-registers
you
for
social
security
in
your
home
country.
The
same
form
is
used
to
register
you
into
the
Spanish
system.
Once
you
have
this
document,
take
it
to
your
local
social
security
office
in
Spain.
You
will
need
to
show
your
passport
and
your
application
for
residency,
plus
photocopies
of
all
forms.
Once
the
E121
has
been
accepted
by
the
Spanish
office,
you
will
normally
receive
your
social
security
card
with
30
days.
Once
you
have
this
card
you
should
visit
your
local
hospital
and
register
for
a
local
doctor.
This
is
the
doctor
that
you
should
always
visit
or
will
visit
you.
For
pensioners
any
medication
obtained
via
a
prescription,
issued
by
your
main
doctor
is
free
of
charge
at
the
farmacia. |
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Retirement
Homes
Spain
has
a
long
list
of
private
homes
for
the
elderly
and
infirm.
These
are
expensive.
Age
Concern
in
the
UK
produces
a
leaflet
called
'Retiring
abroad'.
Apply
in
writing
to:
Age
Concern,
England
Astral
House,
1268
London
Road,
London.
SW16
4ER
See
www.ageconcern.org.uk |
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Disability aids for visitors to Spain
There are many companies that offer a specialist and dedicated service to elderly and disabled visitors to Spain, especially in built-up holiday areas. One such company that covers the Costa del Sol is Independent Living Spain. This company offers a professional service with the hire and sale of disability aids which can be delivered to your holiday accommodation and collected when you have finished with them. They can provide everything from walking sticks, bath lifts and commodes to wheelchairs and walking frames. To find out more and order on line, visit their website.
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Finances
The Euro has been accepted in Spain and is now running smoothly. You should not have any trouble adjusting to the euro from your own currency, however, for a full explanation of the euro, see here.
You will find banks very similar to those in your home country. Some will even have names you recognise. For a full guide on banks and cash machines (ATM's), see here. |
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Investments
Elderly and retired people moving to Spain may be concerned about investments. For a full guide, see here.Pensions for foreign residents
If you move to Spain and were receiving a pension in your own country, you can continue to receive it, even though you are living in Spain. You can have it paid directly into your bank account in Spain.
Taxes in Spain
If you become a resident of Spain and you are over the age of 60, purchasing a property then there are several important tax advantages that you need to examine. Take a brief look at them here.
Crime in Spain
As with anywhere in the world, there is crime and the elderly are easy targets. However, Spain is no higher than anywhere else and in general, crime is low. With the exception of major cities, most places are particularly safe. There are however, obvious precautions you can take.
Avoid quiet backstreets, especially at night
Don't carry huge amounts of money around with you
If you see a taxi, make sure it's a genuine, state managed one
Never invite strangers into your home or hotel |
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