Valencia and Alicante Expats To Pay Medical Bills
June 26th, 2008 - Chris MarshallI have a feeling that this news could lead to a bit of stampede to the Doctors here in Almerimar and El Ejido as people ‘rush’ to get existing ailments sorted out in case the same happens to us:
The provincial government in the Costa Blanca is changing the law because it claims elderly people who have made their home in the region are placing too high a burden on the health system.
The decision by politicians in Valencia has caused uproar in the area and the British consulate in Alicante has been deluged with calls from concerned expatriates.Many people moved to Spain on retirement believing they would be covered by the country’s medical system. Now they are being forced to take out expensive private insurance.
It does seem like this is particular bad timing with the current financial climate making it harder for everybody, and is certainly against the spirit of the 2002 agreement where he provincial government offered free healthcare to all expatriates of all EU nationalities in a bid to get foreign investment in the area’s property market, which at that time was booming.
“The ruling only applies to people who took early retirement and moved to Spain, mainly aged in their fifties. Older retirees and individuals on long-term incapacity benefit are unaffected, as they are covered under a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK.”
About Almerimar
Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar
Almerimar is a great place to live as an expat amongst the expats, or to work amongst the Spanish. There are all kinds of properties including villas, apartments and town houses for rent or sale. It is a very traditional part of Spain, with traditional Spanish foods so if you plan to travel to Spain either to look for jobs, for your company to trade with companies in Spain, or to learn Spanish and enjoy the Spanish weather then come and take a look.
If you are interested in purchasing a property in Almerimar please visit our sponsors Mediterraspain. If you have purchased a property and need it furnished please check out our Sponsors DBJ who will give you a Exclusive 5% discount with the code AL2008.
If you want to learn Spanish, get help with anything to do with the legal issues in Spain, or want WiFi access in the marina please check out our sponsor CentrePoint who will give you a 10% discount off all services with the code AL2008.
If you want an amazing activity based day out in the mountains and to learn how to ride a motorcycle off road then check out our sponsor The Long Way Round and get 5% off with the code AL2008.
Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 births and excellent boatyard facilities.
