Thread: American looking to retire in Spain

Originally Posted by keith-sitges

what was your private insurance cdt.?

caser.
Cd

Hola all,
Don't know if you've been watching our health care reform battle over
here across the pond, but it looks like it may have come to a dead end.
Extremely depressing for all of us that still believed America had "a soul."
Now, not so sure. One more reason to go to Spain, see what we can
contribute in a country that cares enough to provide basic health care
to its people, rather than rushing to send missiles and bombs....

I'm an American - Michiganian - visiting Spain now, for 2 more weeks, have been here 4 - to see if I like it enough to live here winters going forward. Like you, apparently, I'm trying to determine (unsuccessfully so far) what niche Americans may/may not have in the Spanish health care system. Being 59, I don't yet have Soc. Sec. documentation; If I did, I'd just head to a Spanish Soc. Sec. office, plunk down my paperwork proving that I am 'on' US Soc. Sec. and take it from there - probably the easiest way to get good answers. But I'm not there yet, so I can't go that route. Finding American retirees living here in Spain by trolling expat sites hasn't be fruitful as yet either. I'm right with you politically (US politics); as US health care is, essentially, run by organized crime, we are almost forced to seek care in civilized countries. Try to stay in touch


Please do not advertise other forums on this one also please re read the forum guidelines.

Originally Posted by cynclem

Hola all,
Don't know if you've been watching our health care reform battle over
here across the pond, but it looks like it may have come to a dead end.
Extremely depressing for all of us that still believed America had "a soul."
Now, not so sure. One more reason to go to Spain, see what we can
contribute in a country that cares enough to provide basic health care
to its people, rather than rushing to send missiles and bombs....

I'm sorry, I do not understand what your comment about Spain providing "basic health care..." has to do with Americans obtaining health care insurance in Spain..Did I miss something? Thanks!

Originally Posted by donqzen

I'm an American - Michiganian - visiting Spain now, for 2 more weeks, have been here 4 - to see if I like it enough to live here winters going forward. Like you, apparently, I'm trying to determine (unsuccessfully so far) what niche Americans may/may not have in the Spanish health care system. Being 59, I don't yet have Soc. Sec. documentation; If I did, I'd just head to a Spanish Soc. Sec. office, plunk down my paperwork proving that I am 'on' US Soc. Sec. and take it from there - probably the easiest way to get good answers. But I'm not there yet, so I can't go that route. Finding American retirees living here in Spain by trolling expat sites hasn't be fruitful as yet either. I'm right with you politically (US politics); as US health care is, essentially, run by organized crime, we are almost forced to seek care in civilized countries. Try to stay in touch


Please do not advertise other forums on this one also please re read the forum guidelines.

Hi there: I am missing your point completely about "plunking" down your US Social Security documents (if you had them)...I don't believe that Spain cares one whit about your being (or not) on Soc Sec in the USA..there is no reciprocity of such things as medical services for Americans..only for other EU residents.

You will need to purchase your own, private health care from someplace like Sanitas. If you only plan to "reside" in Spain for a few months a year, you will not be considered a "resident" there anyway. All you would need is an international insurance seller to cover the time you spend in Spain. Just google for that. There are hundreds of companies that provide temporary medical coverage for Americans outside the US for a ferw months at a time.

Originally Posted by cynclem

Hi David,
Just found this thread and wondered if you have made the move, or
are still thinking about it? Where do you want to live in Spain? We are
two Americans, living in Oregon now, wanting to move to Spain in about
a year and a half. We'll visit this summer and check out the area we're
interested in - Murcia, more specifically Lorca. My husband knows
Spanish well, me, I just muddle through at this point but hope to learn
fast. I'm an English teacher, so in the past have been better at teaching
a language than learning one...

Let us know of your thinking and perhaps your experiences in Spain!
Cynthia and Clement

Hello, Cynthia and Clement.

We are also two Americans, living in California, planning on moving to Spain the end of this year (2011). We are both retired. Have you already moved to Spain? Would love to hear of your experiences so far and where you decided to live in Spain.

Thanks.

Joanna

Originally Posted by donqzen

I'm an American - Michiganian - visiting Spain now, for 2 more weeks, have been here 4 - to see if I like it enough to live here winters going forward. Like you, apparently, I'm trying to determine (unsuccessfully so far) what niche Americans may/may not have in the Spanish health care system. Being 59, I don't yet have Soc. Sec. documentation; If I did, I'd just head to a Spanish Soc. Sec. office, plunk down my paperwork proving that I am 'on' US Soc. Sec. and take it from there - probably the easiest way to get good answers. But I'm not there yet, so I can't go that route. Finding American retirees living here in Spain by trolling expat sites hasn't be fruitful as yet either. I'm right with you politically (US politics); as US health care is, essentially, run by organized crime, we are almost forced to seek care in civilized countries. Try to stay in touch


Please do not advertise other forums on this one also please re read the forum guidelines.

Hello, dongzen.

Have you taken the plunged and moved to Spain? My husband and I are in a similar situation regarding health insurance. My husband does draw social security from the U.S., so we will see what the options are at the social security office in Spain. I am almost 57, so not drawing social security yet. We are both retired from state government. From what I have read in numerous forums, in order to obtain your visa in the U.S. before moving, you must show proof of medical insurance. I have been researching insurance companies in Spain so we will have something in place before visiting the consulate for our Visa.

Would love to hear of your experiences so far and what you have found out about medical insurance.

Thanks.

Joanna

Once again these people have not posted in over a year. They are not active on the forum now therefore will be unable to reply to you. You can check if posters are still ative by cliking on their name and looking at last activity.

Thanks, Val. That is unfortunate, since it is hard to find Americans on various forums who have already moved to Spain to retire.

Thanks for letting me know.