From 1st April 2008, the UK Department of Health has announced that, British nationals, who permanently reside in Spain, will have to present the Spanish equivalent of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if they need medical treatment whilst visiting the UK or any other EU member state.

The new rule applies to UK nationals who live in Spain and make Spanish Social Security contributions or live in Spain while receiving a state pension or long term incapacity benefit from the UK through the registration of an E121.

The lack of a Spanish EHIC could result in people being considered as a private patient. The Spanish equivalent of the EHIC can be applied for at a Spanish social security office (INSS). More....