Consulate continues to ‘pop-up’
HEALTHCARE remains a key question for teams from the British Consulate in Alicante as they continue to stage ‘popup’ advice sessions along the Costas.
On Tuesday, the latest ‘Living in Spain and Brexit Pop-up’ was held at Help of Dénia and the Marina Alta’s Activities Centre in La Xara - part of an ongoing outreach programme across Valencia and Murcia.
Michaela Robinson and Elena Jurado from the consulate were available to answer questions from expats over a range of topics including for when Britain leaves the European Union.
“Healthcare is still one of the main questions,” Michaela told CBN. “People are still very worried about this and how it will affect them and we have hand out an information sheet containing the most up-to-date information.
“And there is some confusion about obtaining an
EHIC card; British pensioners those getting a state pension from the UK - need to apply via Newcastle and the Department of Works and Pensions.
“They can use it throughout
Europe, in the UK they need an S1 form to get treatment, if they don’t have one they can apply through the Overseas Healthcare Team.”
Michaela and Elena also advised on obtaining residency under EU rules - appointments to make an application are currently centralised in Alicante and there is an exclusive online booking system for UK citizens.
Expats have to show they have an income of €7,000 to qualify, with money arriving into a Spanish bank account.
“For pensioners, you must show you have your UK pension being transferred to Spain,” said Michaela.
Official advice for expats is available at this website uk.gov/living-in-spain.