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During September of 2009 important changes were implemented for foreigners resident in Spain. It is therefore important to understand the effects these changes have had on us all.

Spains public health system offers health care free or  at a low cost so long as you are either paying social security here or are in receipt of a UK state pension.

However, as with many other countries the public health service has waiting lists to see specialists and for non-urgent operations.

How the system will work for you

As a contribution based economy Spain will provide free medical treatment to British nationals whilst on holiday. However when you take up residence you have to pay the Spanish National Insurance, currently €260 per month.

As Spain is part of the EU you are entitled to free care if you receive a British pension.

Please note that as from September 2009, any foreigner who is not in one of the above mentioned categories will not receive free medical assistance.

Getting tougher on who can use their health system

It was recently reported that because Spain cannot afford to look after it’s own people under the system, they have decided to stop all treatment to foreigners. If you don’t contribute, you don’t get the benefits.

The E111 is ONLY for use whilst on holiday and new systems in operation from September will ensure that this is the case! The EHIC/E111 allows reciprocal emergency health care during temporary visits to other EU countries. Strictly speaking it is not a permanent entitlement nor a full entitlement to all treatments available under each nations state health care systems.

Why have private health insurance Spain?

If you do not qualify for public health care then it is essential that you have private health insurance. No insurance will mean no treatment. Everyone hopes they will never need to use any kind of health professional, however accidents and emergencies do happen. For that reason alone, not to mention pure peace of mind, it’s worth investigating your options.

Even if you are under the public health care system it is still advisable to have private health insurance as well in order to skip the waiting lists and receive treatment quickly, when needed.

For more information about health insurance click here.

The basics

Driving UK plated cars in Spain is one of  the most miss-understood subjects of motoring for expats. Here I will lay out the very basics that will keep you on the right side of the law. The points referred to here are not just relevant to UK plated cars in Spain but as I understand apply to any foreign plated car driven in any EU country other than its country of registration.

• Firstly you can drive your UK plated car on Spanish roads for a maximum of 180 days.
• After 180 days the car should be transferred on to Spanish plates.
• The Vehicle must be fully legal in it’s country of registration. A UK registered car must have a current MOT, insurance and road tax. An ITV is not a substitute for a UK MOT!
• If your car is insured in the UK, then generally the extended cover for driving abroad is only 90 days. If you intend to continue using your UK plates for the full 180 days you will need to re-insure your car in Spain.
• If you fail in your responsibility to ensure that your car is fully road legal, to the standards set in it’s country of registration, you could render your insurance invalid and the insurer may refuse to pay the claim.

The consequences

The Spanish Police are of course aware of this and they now have on in-car technology to check your status at the touch of a button. Should you be stopped in a vehicle that is not legal  I understand they have the power to instantly impound your car and issue a fine of up to €2000. In addition they also have the option of arrest.

The solution

If you are resident in Spain there is only one real solution and that is to have your vehicle transfered onto Spanish plates.

The question

A question I have been asked a lot recently is one that concerns a Spanish ITV replacing the MOT on UK plated cars. Having made some in depth enquiries I am happy to share with you that information.

The ITV is no substitute

The Spanish ITV is a ‘Certificate of Roadworthiness’ and is valid only for Spanish registered vehicles. Spanish ITV’s are not a legal alternative or substitute for a UK MOT. Driving a UK registered car in Spain without a current and valid UK MOT is illegal.

The penalty

The Spanish Police are of course aware of this and should you be stopped without the appropriate MOT certificate I understand they have the power to instantly impound your car and issue a fine of up to €2000. In addition they also have the option of arrest.

The options

There are really only two options to ensure that your car remains legal on Spanish roads. Firstly, have the vehicle transferred on to Spanish plates with the correct ITV passed or return to the UK to have the appropriate MOT inspection and certificate issued. Bear in mind of course that a foreign registered car can only be used on Spanish territory for a maximum of 6 months, something the authorities here are now very keen to enforce.

For residents

For UK expats that are resident here in Spain the only real answer is to have the vehicle transferred on to Spanish plates. Yes there is a cost but it may well prove more economical than loosing your vehicle and paying a fine!

Planning your holidays?

It is usually about this time of the year that we are thinking about planning our holidays and trips back to visit our loved ones. For expatriates this often includes several journeys and the purchase of an expensive annual travel insurance policy.

Free travel insurance

Here’s some great news and an opportunity to save money! Did you know that Caser Seguros, Spain’s 4th largest insurance company offer FREE TRAVEL INSURANCE as part of their expatriate home insurance policy?

And things get even better! Caser are also offering a 20% INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNT ON ALL HOME POLICIES contracted through Insure Expats before the 31st January 2011.

Introductory discount

Why not request a no obligation quote now and see how much you could save this year?