Staying healthy – or getting treatment for health problems – is a priority for most of us. But if you do need treatment, what do you do without the good old NHS?

Most EU citizens living in Spain are entitled to free state healthcare, though it does vary from region to region, and depends on your personal circumstances including your resident status and if you’ve ever worked in Spain.

If you work in Spain it’s pretty straightforward – as long as you are registered with social security and contribute to the National Insurance scheme then you can get state-run health care on the same basis as a Spaniard.

If you spend less than six months of the year in Spain then you can use your UK European Health Insurance Card to take advantage of state-run health care. Anyone can get this card if they have a valid UK address. It means you can get all necessary treatment – that means treatment that can’t wait until you return to the UK, as determined by the Spanish health service. So you might be asked to pay for some services. The EHIC card only covers you - any other family members will need their own card.

I know that many British residents are here enjoying their retirement. Due to an EU-wide agreement, if you’re in receipt of a UK State Pension, long-term Incapacity Benefit or Bereavement Benefit, you’re covered for state-run health care in Spain. You need to register for this by applying for an E121 form from the International Pension Centre (IPC). Dependants can be included on this form by the INSS, who will get new information directly from the International Pensions Centre.

If you are an early retiree in Spain you can apply for an E106 form. The length of time you’ll be covered depends on your contributory record in the UK, but with a full record cover will normally last up to two and a half years. During this time you’ll also be entitled to access NHS care in the UK (but you need to use your UK EHIC if you need health care when visiting another EU country). After this period, if you don’t qualify for an E121 form, you should arrange private health insurance. Dependants can also be included on this form by the INSS.

So far so good? Catalonia residents also have a different option. The regional health authorities run a quota scheme whereby you pay a monthly amount and can register for the full range of state-run health care. It’s similar to a private insurance scheme but is open to all and doesn’t discriminate on the basis of pre-existing conditions.

You can always look at our website for more information – and in the meantime – the very best of health!