Healthcare : Going Private 'Could beat Spanish Contributions'

Investing in expatriate health insurance is likely to be cheaper than paying for the new Spanish state contributions, says a migrant advice site.

According to Shelter Offshore, expats living in Valencia who are not paying contributions already and have not yet reached retirement age are required to spend €90 (£80.41) a month to ensure they stay covered under the state scheme.

Although some may find paying the quarterly bill simple, the website warns against accepting the scheme passively and suggests expatriates look into overseas medical insurance.

"With private medical insurance in place you can jump queues, go private and get seen, treated and cared for far more quickly and comprehensively," it notes.

The advice service explains expat insurance is no longer inflexible or complicated and is available in a number of affordable modular packages, with 2009 offering a "buyers' market" for health cover.

Last month saw Shelter Offshore advise customers to research the healthcare system of their adoptive country carefully before taking out expat medical insurance.