Public healthcare - While on holiday, we ended up visiting the local health clinic for a sudden issue. We had to wait, but we were eventually seen. While in the clinic, I noticed several British residents who lived in Spain being denied healthcare, as the clinic checked their residency status. They checked our passport and hotel bookings to determine eligibility. There was a kind soul at this clinic - who was an unpaid volunteer and had a separate desk from the hospital who spoke English and translate for tourists and foreign residents. We then went to the pharmacy to buy the medicine. When I mentioned to a family member that we were able to see someone the same day, she was frustrated by what seemed like double standards, especially considering that local Spanish residents often face a two-week wait to see a GP. Of course, if the same things, I would opt for the private healthcare and use the travel insurance.
I once saw Spain as the absolute no-brainer EU retirement location for low-budget retirees. I even chose an initial city for retirement. Unfortunately, that was Valencia. Oh, well...gotta rethink this one, now.
I love Spain, but there have been protests against tourists in the popular destinations. Property prices going up making it harder for local to afford homes. Homes being used for holiday lets, rather then housing local people. There is over-tourism and over demand. Places such as Malaga have changed in character. It has lost its charm. Local shops selling ordinary things, replaced by big brands and the other shop replaced by row by row of restaurants all for tourists. Spain needs tourism, but it will not ignore its own citizens. That means laws which are not helpful to foreign residents.
Spain is the second most traveled to country in the world. Living in a desirable town or destination can be challenging to deal with. Thanks for sharing!
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Public healthcare - While on holiday, we ended up visiting the local health clinic for a sudden issue. We had to wait, but we were eventually seen. While in the clinic, I noticed several British residents who lived in Spain being denied healthcare, as the clinic checked their residency status. They checked our passport and hotel bookings to determine eligibility. There was a kind soul at this clinic - who was an unpaid volunteer and had a separate desk from the hospital who spoke English and translate for tourists and foreign residents. We then went to the pharmacy to buy the medicine.
When I mentioned to a family member that we were able to see someone the same day, she was frustrated by what seemed like double standards, especially considering that local Spanish residents often face a two-week wait to see a GP.
Of course, if the same things, I would opt for the private healthcare and use the travel insurance.
Thank you for sharing this! Where did you stay in Spain?
I once saw Spain as the absolute no-brainer EU retirement location for low-budget retirees. I even chose an initial city for retirement. Unfortunately, that was Valencia. Oh, well...gotta rethink this one, now.
Same. Now leaning toward Madrid. Grew up in a major City and miss that energy.
Excellent commentary gentlemen, thank you.
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How about capital gains tax? That’s the only thing which I have great concerns about.
With about 600-800 dollars a month I have been living comfortably in the beautiful mountains of Dominican Republic for the past 20 years.
Everyone, check taxes and visas first
I love Spain, but there have been protests against tourists in the popular destinations. Property prices going up making it harder for local to afford homes. Homes being used for holiday lets, rather then housing local people. There is over-tourism and over demand. Places such as Malaga have changed in character. It has lost its charm. Local shops selling ordinary things, replaced by big brands and the other shop replaced by row by row of restaurants all for tourists. Spain needs tourism, but it will not ignore its own citizens. That means laws which are not helpful to foreign residents.
Spain is the second most traveled to country in the world. Living in a desirable town or destination can be challenging to deal with. Thanks for sharing!
Step 1) Bring a lifeboat..