Nearly 600,000 Britons reside in Spain.
The imminent departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Brexit), following the notification sent by the British Prime Minister to the European Council, may have significant consequences on the health rights currently enjoyed by British expatriates in Spain. situation of uncertainty that many of these expatriates solve with a contracted health insurance in Spain.
The time it will take to leave the European Union is not very clear at the moment. It is stipulated that it will be about 2 years until it is finally consumed. The British may lose free health care in Spain, since by leaving the EU there would be no free movement of people. The United Kingdom could establish particular agreements with the different States but at the moment it is not known what its policy will be in this sense.
Today, healthcare for British people in Spain is very important. It is the EU country that carries out the largest number of these types of actions. Currently a Briton has the same rights as a Spaniard to access healthcare. The only difference is that when a Briton goes to the doctor in Spain, the bill issued is passed on to the United Kingdom. In 2015 the United Kingdom paid 300 million euros as a result of the health services provided to the British in Spanish territory.
When the UK is outside the EU. Both British expatriates and those on vacation will have to pay for healthcare in Spain. The British public service would not bear the costs.
The exit would also affect Spaniards who want to go to work in this country. In the case of health professionals, the number of those who want to go to work in the United Kingdom is greatly reduced. It is estimated that requests to carry out their professional activity there were reduced by 90%.
On the other hand, an important industry such as the pharmaceutical sector is going to see its exports greatly reduced as a result of Brexit.
In addition to the consequences that residing in Spain could have for the pockets of the British, the British health system could be seen to collapse due to the large number of English people who would have to be forced to go to the British health system. All this added to the professionals who consider the option of leaving the country as a result of Brexit.
It is estimated that 55% of European doctors will leave, according to a survey carried out by the General Council of Medicine).
The enormous uncertainty that currently surrounds the country means that at the moment it is not very clear what Brexit is going to end and if the policies are going to be as restrictive as they currently seem. Private health insurance can be a very good option for prevent whatever the future situation. If you need advice or want to consult us about something, do not hesitate. We advise you without obligation!