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Advice for the elderly visiting or living in Spain

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.

 

See how to avoid disasters here

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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.

 

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

 

 

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. Many will deliver your requirements to your hotel or apartment.

 

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.

 

 

 

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

 

Investing your money in Spain
If you feel happier leaving lump sum investments in UK banks then a good option is to set up a regular transfer into Spain in Euros. Rather than let the bank take care of this, consider an FX company that will give you a far better exchange rate than the bank.
 
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