Health Care for senior Expats

Member since 17 March 2024

njadwriterActive member05 June 2024 18:18:20

My wife and I are buying a home in Valencia, Spain. When we do I will be 80 and my wife will be 78. What I have seen online makes it look very difficult for people our age to get either national or private insurance. Can someone please supply more information? Thanks, Bob Kramer

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert11 June 2024 02:53:20

2365

@njadwriter

Yes, it's a challenge, but not an insurmountable one.

Typically, you start with private health insurance as it's required for your visa/residence application. This might be expensive, but it's usually available.

The comparison engines (acierto and rastreator) are helpful in showing companies and prices. You can also contact these companies directly. I recall Sanitas, Asisa, DKV, Mapfre, but there are more.

The public health insurance option is excluded for non-EU citizens who are not "economically active". But after 5 years and you become a Permanent Resident, this restriction is lifted. So the problem is not an indefinite one.

Additionally, there is the Convenio Especial, which I believe is available after only 1 year as a Spanish resident. This addresses the issue of those facing overly high private premiums due to their age / health conditions by providing access to the public healthcare system.

As a guesstimate, maybe $400 a month for a retired couple.