Free Spanish Healthcare for kids

[Beachbabe]

Is a baby born in Spain to UK parents who are resident here, but do not have state healthcare themselves, entitled to any cover ?
- Not having any kids it's not a situation I'm in myself - I just wondered !

[OldTimer]

A neighbour of mine arranged this for his children a few years ago now. Neither he or his wife were working or paying into the Spanish system - they didn't want to start paying private care because they were both looking for work at the time, which would take care of their contributions (This was 5 years ago, so they were fortunate in finding work quite easily!). They were told that being on the Padron and/or having a valid EHIC card would entitle the family to free emergency healthcare, but in order to obtain free healthcare in full from the Spanish state, they would need to apply for a letter from the DSS in Newcastle (In Spanish) requesting that their UK entitlement be 'exported' to Spain.

(Many apologies if I am behind the times and that has now changed)

The address to write to in order to request the letter is here :

'Legislative letter – SPAIN.
Overseas Benefits Department
Tyneview Park,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE 98 1BA
England

[JoGreen]

Anybody under the age of 18 who can't get healthcare through their parents can be covered under the terms of ‘La Ley de Minor’ - and this can be got by applying to the social worker at your local health centre.

[ZedFed]

Could they not get cover through an EHIC card ? I'm confused.

[CostaGratis]

The EHIC card only provides emergency type cover. For instance, you won't get referals to a specialist for non urgent matters.

[ZedFed]

The EHIC card only provides emergency type cover. For instance, you won't get referals to a specialist for non urgent matters.

Basically a cheaper version of health / travel insurance provided by the state then ?

[JoGreen]

You also need to consider that the EHIC only provides basic emergency cover for people traveling within EU member states and that as soon as you become resident in Spain your UK-Issued EHIC card will become invalid.

[ZedFed]

You also need to consider that the EHIC only provides basic emergency cover for people traveling within EU member states and that as soon as you become resident in Spain your UK-Issued EHIC card will become invalid.

... So if I am a UK Citizen, but a Spanish resident going on holiday to another EU country what do I need ?