Thank you MTM and Flip Flap for those kind words. It's always a problem when people want to deal with a problem by pretending it doesn't exist. The more you delve into this little problem the more, perhaps, you realise you shouldn't! But you're right; I'm realising that this is a potential problem we should be aware of. So, reluctantly . . .
Ken points out that,resident in Spain, he uses his UK EHIC without any problem in Portugal having been told by the NHS that he could do so. But then a little research shows that Ken shouldn't even have the EHIC. The terms and conditions, signed when he obtained it, show that he should have returned it on moving to Spain permanently. Sorry Ken; you shouldn't even have the EHIC. It would be good advice not to use it in Portugal.
All of us who go abroad for extended periods should now know we might be affected. Especially if we go to the same place year after year. Especially if we are full-timers.
JohnH is resident outside the UK for longish periods (already close to six months, this winter). He has admitted to using the Spanish Health Service for continuing care - he regards it as "o
ne the most efficient, accommodating and FREE services he has ever come across" . Dangerous words! A little research, which I'm not about to repeat (but John should), shows that he might be classed as a health migrant and not entitled to the EHIC. Let's say some jobsworth sees multiple use of the EHIC - and perhaps not only in the same year. This year, and last year, and maybe next year too. This is possibly allowed, I don't know . . . but . . .
See what could be happening? Some jobsworth sees this multiple use and in these cash-strapped times says, "this family are health migrants" and says, "you must pay for this treatment and claim it back from the NHS when you return to England." No good protesting that this is acting illegally; you need your broken leg setting now - not after you've settled a legal argument. And, the jobsworth knows the rules; you might be in the wrong!
The jobsworth might not be in Spain or Greece or Portugal, he might be a chairborne warrior in the NHS in Newcastle responsible for paying the bill ultimately - and in these computerised days he might notice the multiple use, that JohnH is away at the same place in Spain for six months every year, and begin a process of investigation which includes the denial of the EHIC; perhaps only temporarily while John proves he's still paying water rates and electricity bills in the UK, or however else he can prove he's still resident in the UK and not his over-wintering place.
Look here - reports in Spain!
Are you resident in Spain visiting England for six months a year or are you resident in England visiting Spain for six months a year? The sort of argument jobsworths love! It's the sort of argument JohnH loves!
And then it spills over to other users, who come under suspicion, too. And then it leads to warnings on Martin's Moneysaver website.
And then it leads to this thread.
Ken, and John - you live dangerously. Not only that - you're spoling things for the rest of us (Wow! I never, ever, thought I'd use those words; hate them - I might use them again!!).
