Sorry, Your Health Insurance Plan Does Not Cover You For That

All too often people think that once they have paid their health insurance premium they are covered for all medical treatment but, as can be seen from this article, this is a long way from being the case.

All too many people assume that once they have a medical health insurance plan they are covered for all eventualities but this is not the case and most healthcare plans will exclude a range of treatments. Many people also think that once they have paid their premium that their medical bills are covered. Once again this is not the case and you will almost always be expected to meet a proportion of your medical costs.

The first important point to understand is that there are different forms of health insurance and that each provides cover for different forms of treatment. A traditional indemnity plan for example will not normally cover preventative treatment, such as annual check-ups and immunization, although this is usually covered under an HMO plan.

This situation is beginning to change and an increasing number of insurance companies are realizing that they can save money if they concentrate their attention on encouraging policyholders to stay healthy in the first place. As a result more and more plans are now covering preventative medicine and some even go so far as to offer discounts for the use of such things as health clubs and programs which help people to stop smoking.

Today most plans cover annual check-ups, annual eye checks, routine medical care, immunization, pre-natal care, well baby visits, urgent and emergency care and hospital care, including x-rays, blood tests and other laboratory work.

The precise mix of treatment covered however will vary between plans and so it is important that you check your plan document carefully to see just what is insured. Equally, you must read through the plan carefully to see what treatment is specifically excluded. Most health insurance plans will clearly specify any excluded treatments which will typically include such things as dental and eye care (except for routine annual eye checks), as well as a sometimes lengthy list of treatments for anything from acupuncture to weight loss.

Another thing that you need to look at carefully is the cover provided for prescription medicines. A growing number of insurance companies are excluding payment for prescription medicines from their plans as the cost of medicines continues to rise rapidly. Where cover is excluded it is often possible to arrange cover through a separate plan, as indeed is the case with dental and eye treatment.

Health insurance plans are complex legal documents in which the detail really is to be found in the ’small print’. Simply purchasing a plan and assuming that you are covered for all medical events is likely to result in your being told, "Sorry, your health insurance plan does not cover you for that" when it come time to make a claim.

MedicalHealthInsuranceToday.com provides information on all aspects of medical health insurance including individual and family health insurance plans, short term health insurance, expat medical insurance, health insurance for pre-existing conditions and much more.

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Posted under Health Issues

International Medical Cover : Friend In Need

Tremendous improvement in communication methods like telecommunication and Internet, and economic liberalisation in countries all over the world have given rise to insurance sector, too. Several of bigger and private companies are crossing the border, and opening their business in other countries. Several of insurance companies going global have given boost to the term International medical cover. This medical cover, in true way, appears to be a friend of your in need, when you are living outside your domestic location.

The official figures state that market for International medical insurance is growing all over the world at the rate of more than 10% annually. The need to be insured when living abroad has originated the dire need for several private insurance companies to come up with different plans.

Normally the insurance will cover the compensation sum varying between 50,000 to 5,000,000 depending upon the nature of accident you have met. Post 9/11, International medical cover insurance has become a necessity for expats living outside their country. In addition to world health insurance like income replacement insurance, travel insurance and kidnap insurance have become in favourite list of expats to be availed.

To avail an International medical cover insurance, it is important that you have understood the underwriting terms of plans. Having not an inappropriate underwriting can lead your insurance application to get rejected. Besides, if you are applying for this insurance for the first time, you need to be careful about choosing the right insurance. Premium cost comparison is the best way to decide about the suitable International medical insurance you need. Look for the specific benefits, and check also the range of compensation they are giving you. Taking care of such small issues might give you a good deal. Having a good insurance deal especially when you are living in foreign land is like having your best friend always close to your bosom.

By: Darlene Kaitlin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The author is associated with UK’s leading healthcare and medical insurance broker, Essential Health Ltd, which provides medical benefits, to its clients in UK and around the world, for Cancer, Medical insurance, Accident insurance, Life, Travel insurance, International medical cover and even dental insurance. She writes on various topics and latest news related to medical, insurance and most importantly on Cancer.

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Posted under Health Issues

5 Easy Stress Management Tips For Children

Is your child stressed out? Some people think only adults experience stress, but it affects our children too. Here’s how to help your child manage their emotions.

We often view our kids as happy-go-lucky beings without a care. But children can also experience stress. Not only do they get anxious about things in their own young world– school, friends, peer pressure–but they also can be deeply affected by outside factors such as war, natural disasters and other unsettling world events.

In fact, the list of contributors to childhood stress can be quite long. Many stressors are the result of family problems, like divorce, a death or a parent’s job loss but here are also less obvious triggers such as moving to a new city or the birth of a new sibling.

As a parent, you can become attuned to what’s a normal amount of anxiety for your child and what is not. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use the following tools to help your child handle it better.

Tuning into Anxiety Attack symptoms

1. Tune in to their moods.

Pay attention to your child’s behavior. Take the time to talk to your child to get to the root of the problem.

Ask questions like:

"How are you feeling?"
"What’s happening at school?"
"How are things with your friends?"

When you show concern for their problems and issues, it’s reassuring to them and they’ll be more responsive to that attention.

2. Watch the same shows they do.

If you have younger children, you certainly don’t want them watching the doom and gloom of daily news shows. Children’s minds are like sponges in they absorb almost
everything they see or hear.

They are especially sensitive to negative energy, pain or suffering. Shows like the news can be traumatizing and anxiety-producing for younger children.

It’s important to discuss with them what they’ve seen. You can’t tell them that it’s never going to happen to them but you can say, "We’re going to do everything we
can to protect you". It’s also a good idea to let them know whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency.

3. Focus on the positive.

There is obviously no way a child can be shielded from a major trauma such as a death in the family, a house fire or a natural disaster. Instead, help children count their
Blessings!

Comfort and reassure them by saying, "We’re strong and we’re going to make it." And as difficult as it may be, try to maintain everyday routines.

For many young victims of floods or fire, for example, going back to school, even in another city, can help bring some normalcy back to their disrupted lives.

What can also help is to make sure children have positive outlets like physical activity, going to the movies or spending time with friends.

4. Lead by example.

Children often learn to deal with stress by mimicking how you respond in challenging times. Even if you don’t tell your child that you’re about to be laid off from your job
or that you’re worried that your marriage is on the verge of breaking up, they can still pick up on your stress.

They may not understand the underlying causes but they can hear the strained tone and elevated volume of your voice, which gives them the message that something’s going on that may affect them too.

That’s why it’s so important to show them good coping skills. If you light a cigarette, have a drink, or use foul language when you’re under pressure, your little one may
internalize that as a coping method.

Instead, model healthy behavior during difficult times, such as writing in a journal, de-stressing in a hot bath, sharing how you feel without blaming, or taking a walk.

5. Instill confidence.

When children are young, there are times when you will have to come to their defence and help them handle tough situations. But as they get older, you also have to let them champion themselves, which builds their confidence in their ability to resolve problems on their own.

One of your missions as a parent is to know when to step in and when to stand back. Your response will depend on the child’s temperament, maturity and the situation.

For example, your third grader may be able to confront a taunting classmate on their own, whereas a serious case of bullying may warrant your intervention.

Still, always make sure your child knows you’ve got their back. Tell them, "Try it on your own first, but if you need help, let me know and I’ll be there."

Michael Atma, author of numerous personal development books and audios, helps thousands of people every month to enjoy easy stress management tips for improved health, happiness and peace of mind. In less than 3 minutes you can get started on instant relaxation techniques for your mind, body and spirit.

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Posted under Health Issues

Relocation: Helping Your Children Make the Move

Moving your family to a new home can be difficult for children; here are some tips on making it a more positive experience for everyone in your family!

Charles Dickens wrote "Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration." As accurate a description as that may be for many of us, the feel of "home" is especially important for children, making the decision to move your family to a new home a weighty matter indeed. For adults without children, moving to a new place can feel like a fresh start, an exciting adventure. For children, moving may be unsettling or even frightening, but there are some positive and reassuring ways to help guide your children through the moving experience.

If you are moving by choice and not out of necessity, first, consider the timing of your move in terms of the impact on your children. Summer can be a relatively good time to move in to a new neighborhood: children are out of school, allowing for plenty of time to make new friends before the next school year begins. However, if all of the neighborhood children are already signed up for organized summer sports and activities, summer can turn out to be a lonely season for your child, so make sure to look into those activities well ahead of your move, even registering them for some if you can. Park Districts and faith communities in your new city are a good place to start looking.

It is also wise, if moving by choice, to consider the ages of your children when contemplating a move. While moving with a baby can be higher stress for parents, as a rule, babies seem to experience less moving-related stress than older children. The prevailing rule of thumb used to be that the older the child, the more difficult the moving experience will be. Indeed, many experts agree that adolescence is not the ideal age for a child to be moving away from their established peer relationships. However, a new school of thought is emerging regarding the impact of moving on younger children as well. In his article "Best Practices in Assisting Relocating Families", Frederic J. Medway cautions that preschoolers, in particular, are also quite "vulnerable to moving-related stresses." Medway attributes preschoolers’ increased vulnerability to their lack of fully developed coping skills; their inability to completely understand at a cognitive level the need for their family to move; and an inherent difficulty in dealing with changes to familiar surroundings. The bottom line is that moving can be stressful for children at all ages, but seems to affect preschoolers and adolescents to the greatest degree.

Moving does not have to be traumatic for your children, however; there are many things that you can do as a parent to help reduce the impact for them, right from the moment you share the news with them.

Sharing the news: Your demeanor as you tell your children of the move will greatly influence their reaction to it. If you are glum or morose, they will view a move as a negative event; if you are upbeat and positive, they are more likely to receive the news in a similar fashion. If possible, be prepared with information about when the move will occur and what your new city and home will be like should your children ask.

Reassure your children: Younger children tend to be very concerned about what possessions may be left behind, so be prepared to answer repeatedly the question "Will we be bringing this?" Even if it is an item of little or no value to you, to your child, the item may represent security and a sense of permanence; now is not the time to break your child of his security blanket habit. One good idea is to make a "Same and Different" book for your child, highlighting what things will be the same after the move and what things will be different. Take some pictures of your old house, your child’s school or teachers, and your neighborhood. Try to get some pictures of your new house, school, etc., and place them in a booklet, labeling them, for example, "This is the park by my old house. This is the park by my new house." This will help reduce your child’s natural fear of the unknowns that lie ahead, making the new already seem familiar.

Make time for goodbyes: As busy as you are with all that a move entails, continue your child’s activities and playdates as much as possible. It’s very tempting to declare that you’re just too busy, but it’s important for them to maintain their scheduled activities. It absolutely may be difficult to schedule individual playdates for your children to say goodbye to their friends; in that case, schedule one large playdate for your children and a few of their favorite friends. Hold it at a park or a restaurant playland and distribute your new address and telephone number to children and their parents as they leave.

Introduce the pen-pal concept: Work with your friends, your children’s teachers, and your neighbors to create a photo address book for your child. Ask your children’s friends to provide a photo and their name, address, and phone number (you may even provide a sheet for them to use, so that the pages of the book will be uniform) and make a book. It doesn’t have to be fancy; in fact, if you use a simple paper folder, your child can have fun decorating it while you’re working at unpacking boxes in your new home. Present the pages and folder to your child after the move, just as they may be beginning to miss some of their old familiar friends. Encourage your children to write letters as often as they like, providing them with special stationery, stamps, or even address labels. It’s great writing and reading practice, it helps your children learn their new address quickly, it really helps keep those old friendships alive, and children love to receive their own letters in the mail! For younger children, allow them to send drawings or to dictate their letters to you, and help them read the letters they receive in return.

Get a sitter for moving day: For children, seeing their home, in their minds, "torn apart" piece by piece on moving day can be a very traumatic experience, whether you move yourselves or have a professional moving company doing the job. In addition, professional movers move quickly and have their own systems for getting the job done; children in the way will slow down the movers’ progress, and may actually present a dangerous situation for your children as well as for the movers. If you can, arrange for a babysitter to have the children away from your house until it’s all over.

Getting settled in your new home: While it’s important for children to see their new house start to feel like a home quickly, it’s also important for them to make new friends and explore the new neighborhood, as well as to have your attention and caring during the moving transition. So have one box or bag set aside full of a couple of your children’s treasured itemsmaybe a special nightlight or a figurine from a beloved grandparent. Unpack that box or bag first, along with the minimum items you need in order to get along for the first day or two. Then set unpacking aside to go exploring and to begin meeting new neighbors and friends. Those boxes will be there tomorrow (and tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow), but your children need to settle in now. Be flexible about the rhythms of life in your new community, especially if there is a time change. Maybe your children always go to bed early, but in your new neighborhood, they play until much laterrelax your schedule a little bit, and let them make some new friends.

Set a good example: If you want your children to explore, to make new friends, to learn about their new community, they will need to follow you as an example. Even if you are normally a shy person or don’t read maps particularly well, this is the time to learn to strike out on your own, to start utilizing online maps, and to try new activities yourself. How you handle the transition will help your children learn how to handle it as well, so remember that your children will be looking to you for their cues.

Listen to Pliny: The most important bit of advice about moving is an ancient one, from Pliny the Elder: he wrote "Home is where the heart is." No matter where your family moves, or the reason why you move, remember that it is not the walls and the roof that make your house a home: it is the love shared within those walls. Be extra patient and extra loving with your children throughout your move; everything will eventually fall into place, and your new house will transform itself into a new home for you and for your family!

 
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Posted under Health Issues

The Psychological Effects of Emigrating

Emigrating can be emotionally taxing. The transition is a heavily emotional occurrence. How can you manage your emotions? And, how can emigration really affect you?

Emigrating is not a simple process. Besides the formal side such as applying for a visas and completing a citizenship test, emigration involves leaving your memories behind. Emigration also involves leaving your close connections with loved ones behind. Not to mention the life that has helped morph you into the person you are today.

There’s no doubt about it; Emigrating is a life changing event.

You have to very significant decisions to make; you can decide that emigrating equates to living a lonely existence in country that you are possibly not very familiar with

Or,

You can view this phase in your life as a fresh new start with awesome possibilities awaiting you.

However, no matter what your outlook, your transition will certainly bear a few bumps every now and then. In fact, according to many expats, it takes approximately two years to settle in.

Take note that whether you are considering the emigrate or even if you are in the process of emigrating, you are in fact already feeling the psychological effects of emigrating…

Emigration Companies will often set you up in almost every aspect such as shipping your pets and how to move your goods. In view of the fact that you’ll be starting you life almost from scratch, it seems a logical choice to have a professional in place to help clients to prepare psychologically.

 Often described as an emotional rollercoaster, the transition causes stress levels to rise as the day of departure draws closer. You may wonder if you’ve made the right decision, you may be concerned about the process going wrong and think to your self, "what if I don’t take up the great opportunity, will I regret it for the rest of my life?"

Feelings of irrational indecisiveness and fears may occur. These emotions can sometimes manifest into a host of physical symptoms such as headaches and sleepless nights.

Are there valid solutions?

There is a therapy referred to as "talking therapy" or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is considered a quick fix cure for many psychological needs, these include Bulimia and Schizophrenia. CBT could be explored as a suitable therapy to deal with the psychological effects of emigrating. According to practitioners of the therapy, CBT can help clients deconstruct and deal with their overwhelming emotional problems by sectioning the issues they have into smaller parts. In effect, the therapy helps clients to deal with these issues in manageable chunks.

The aim of this therapy is to unveil and communicate about issues related to your mental state. The therapy uses self-awareness to break free from negative thought patterns.

Can you handle change right now?

We all differ. You may be more careful about the decisions you make. Your friend or partner may enjoy spontaneity and make flash decisions without a care in the world. However, being afraid of change is a natural emotion. Most people may be concerned about whether everything will go according to plan and more importantly, whether the right decision has been made.

According to CBS specialists, you should not think about a life-changing decision such as this if you are going through clinical depression or anxiety.

Even is you are not suffering from problems such as these, it will do you good to find ways to enhance your coping skills. Also ask yourself these questions to establish if you’re ready for change or just fleeing from an existing problem. Do some soul searching…

Are you trying to fix an existing problem?

Are you running away? What from?

Are you aware that you’d be far away from your support systems if you’re trying to deal with an existing problem?

These questions may be tough and painful to answer, but you’ll certainly gain a clearer and more rational perspective. Find a trustworthy friend or family member to support you through the process.

Are you in good form?

It is important to put your thoughts down on paper. This can help you organise what you’re thinking and feeling. You’ll also be aware of the benefits and disadvantages of immigrating. Remember, whatever your decision, it will have repercussions.

List the Pros and Cons. Give a score to each item on your list and then simply add up the scores of each of the columns. This will give a numerical basis for your decision.

How to ensure a smooth transition?

Give yourself time to research the psychological effects. Talk to others as much as you can, particularly those who’ve made the move themselves. Perhaps draw on expat forums on various expat websites.

It is imperative that you socialise with positive like-minded people.

IF you’re going through the immigration application process, compile a list of your goals and what you will do in order to reach these goals. Then pack it away for a while. When you hit an emotional bump, reach for your goal sheet and read it again to remain focused.

Should you ensure that you have a strong support system in place?

You’re family may be your strongest connections. Perhaps your friends are your strongest supporters. Whatever your situation, ensure that you have the full support of your loved ones. It will make the transition harder without the support of those that you hold dear. If you don’t have their assurance, it may be difficult to settle.

Will you be short on cash but high on positivity?

For most, when emigrating there is very little money in the bank. It may be hard to remain positive but it is possible. If you’ve emigrated already, make contact with expats from your country. A familiar social group will do wonders for your emotional stability. You’ll stick together, work hard and stick it out together! Money is very central to your survival, but positivity will get you through those rough patches.

In truth, there is no quick fix solution to preparing yourself. If you create ways to help overcome your worries and anxieties and change the meaning that you give to emigrating towards excitement and challenge, you’ve made a good start.
Any question? Why not contact a clued up consultant.

Immigration Unit
Immigration Lawyers

 
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Posted under Health Issues

Health Care in Spain

The health care service in Spain is excellent for both Spanish nationals and ex-pats alike. Find out how you can be sure you can receive treatment if necessary whilst visiting Spain.

Health care in Spain is of a very high standard with good local health centres or Centros de Salud and here on the Costa del Sol we have an excellent central hospital, the "Costa del Sol", at Marbella. In addition to which there are of course many other hospitals both private and public but most ex-pats tend to gravitate towards the "Costa del Sol" and you hear very good reports of the treatment people have received there.

Certainly my own experiences through attending the A & E, or "Urgencias" when the children were little were very positive. On one occasion my son broke his foot and we were in and out within and hour having had the offending foot, x-rayed and plastered.

The staff there are kind and caring and there are translators on hand if your Spanish is limited. They have a very positive attitude to relatives and in fact are quite happy for one to be present at the hospital 24 hours a day.

When my other son of 15 was in with a broken leg he shared a room with a younger boy and they pushed the beds together so that the boys father could sleep there. A bit unorthodox by some standards perhaps but the Spanish are extremely family oriented and they made every effort to include my son in their visits.

Your E111, or European Health Card as it is now called, will suffice for many of your needs in relation to your health care in Spain and in fact both the incidents sited above were taken care of by my E111 even though the latter involved quite a complex operation with my son’s leg being pinned. Follow up treatment needs to be paid for however so private health insurance is advisable if you are living in Spain or travel insurance if you are just visiting. You can apply for this new card online here.

If you are living and working in Spain and therefore paying social security then you will be entitled to the same health care in Spain as Spanish nationals. If you are in receipt of a U.K. pension and intend to live in Spain then you need to get a form E121 and this should be taken to your nearest Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (INSS) office for registration. You will then be issued with a medical card which you must produce if you require treatment anywhere and you will then receive this free of charge.

Spanish chemists, or Farmacias, are a great part of health care in Spain and are a good port of call if your symptoms are not serious enough to worry your doctor or take you to the A&E department of the hospital. You will always receive good advice there and probably be recommended something for whatever ails you. If you are receiving prescription drugs at home then bring the packet with you and you will probably find that you will be able to buy your medicines over the counter without the need of a further prescription. I must say however that I think their rather free practice of dishing out antibiotics to anyone who asks is not really to be condoned.

In conclusion the level of health care in Spain for both residents and non-residents is of the highest standard and waiting lists are probably shorter than in the U.K. Accident and emergency treatment is provided free for anyone with a European Health card and the full medical services are available for pensioners who have registered with the appropriate authority and for anyone paying into the social security system.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak the owner of www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com A web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.

Posted under Health Issues

Retiring In Spain

More people are retiring to Spain from all over northern Europe than ever before, it has become the number one destination for pensioners looking to spend their retirement years abroad. Find out how to avoid the pitfalls and make it a worthwhile and positive experience.

Every year many people from all over Northern Europe, but predominately Britain, consider retiring to Spain. The reasons for this are varied as are the experiences of those who take the plunge and decide to spend their retirement years in Spain. Here we take an objective look at the pros and cons in the hope to make your move and life here as smooth and as satisfying as possible.

The first reason for retiring to Spain probably has a lot to do with the weather. After suffering a cold winter in northern Europe many people look toward warmer climes. Not only is it a lot more pleasant but as we grow older our bodies certainly benefit from the higher temperatures as do our pockets with the lower fuel bills. Many people report that their arthritis and other aches and pains are much improved by their life in the sun.

The cost of living is another important consideration as, although prices in Spain have undoubtedly risen in the last few years, so they have in the U.K and generally speaking ones pension does go further in Spain. Although the winters can be cold and wet they are never as cold as northern Europe so less is spent on fuel. If you are already in receipt of your winter fuel allowance before you leave the U.K. then this can still be claimed from Spain although you will probably find yourself keeping it to help pay the cost of your air conditioning in the summer! Additionally the cost of running a car in Spain is a lot less than in the U.K. so that is another added bonus.

Whilst property prices have rocketed on the Costa del Sol it is still possible to sell your U.K. home, buy somewhere very acceptable in Spain and pocket a sizeable chunk to help cushion your retirement years which is an obvious incentive to anyone contemplating retiring to Spain. Areas of inland Spain are still very reasonably priced and the Costa de Luz is emerging as a good alternative to the Costa del Sol. Property prices there are still affordable but planned development looks as though they may well be set to rise thus making it a good area to invest in at the moment The other reason many people have for retiring to Spain is something less easy to define but none the less important, it is the "quality of life." This may mean different things to different people but even so those who have moved to Spain generally agree that there is an all important something here which has made life better for them. Perhaps it is the more relaxed attitude to life, along with plenty of sunshine and longer daylight hours. Certainly the pace of life is slower here and on the whole less stressful than "back home."

So having decided you are retiring to Spain, what is the next step?

The most important is decide which part of Spain you wish to move to. It is a large and varied country with something to offer everyone. Do you want to live in a typical Spanish community, a small pueblo somewhere or perhaps buy a Finca with plenty of space and peace and quiet, or like the majority of ex-pats would you prefer to gravitate towards the more popular Costas with the peace of mind that you will be surrounded by like minded people?

The Internet gives you the unprecedented opportunity to research areas of interest without having to leave home but once you have decided on the area for you then the foot slogging begins. Try to visit your area of choice at different times of the year and any properties you wish to view at different times of the day, to see where the sun falls etc. In the winter it can get quite cold even on the coast and you don’t want to buy somewhere that sees no sun at that time of the year or alternatively that has no shade in the summer.

Also take into account the surrounding area and neighbors. The Spanish, as lovely as they are, are a noisy, gregarious nation with little understanding of the northern European’s need for privacy and peace. You will not change this attitude, nor do we have a right to try, so if you don’t like it then don’t buy an apartment in a basically Spanish enclave but look for somewhere where you will be surrounded by like minded people. If you are visiting out of season then try to find out what the area is like in July and August as you may not wish to cope with an explosion of tourists.

Take into account the number a visitors you are likely to have and be sure to buy somewhere with sufficient space, it is surprising how many friends you suddenly have when you retire to Spain! You will also of course want your family to visit, in fact the tug of those you have left behind you can be very strong and something you need to think seriously about before taking the final step.

The financial implications of retiring to Spain are also something that need serious consideration. First and foremost you will be able to have your pension paid into a Spanish bank account and by law no commissions are chargeable on such income. The Department for Overseas Pensions in Newcastle will be able to advise you on the procedure. Be aware that the inheritance tax, capital gains and other tax differences are very, very, different from the UK so it is advisable to get good legal and financial advice on these matters and to make out a will. Inheritance tax in particular can be a very thorny issue as in Spain it has to be paid on the death of the first partner and the jointly owned property can not be sold until this has been paid!

In addition be sure to get proper legal advice when purchasing your property. A good legal advisor is worth his weight in gold and may save you a lot of money in the long run. The best way to find a reliable person is by recommendation as unfortunately there are a lot of unscrupulous people only to happy to part a "fool and his money."

The health care system in Spain is generally very good and of course as a U.K. pensioner you have full entitlement to all it offers. You will need to get a form E 121 before leaving the U.K. which you then take to your nearest Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social (INSS) office for registration. You will then be issued with a medical card which you must produce if you require treatment anywhere and this you will then receive free of charge.

Also bear in mind that after quite a short absence from the UK, National Health services will not be available to a returning or holidaying expat and the European Health card (E111 as was) must be obtained for visits to the UK.

On reflection then retiring to Spain can be a very positive move. Coming as it does at a period in your life when it would be all too easy to sit back and vegetate the pleasure and excitement from all the new experiences can have a very positive effect if well planned and executed.

Try your best to learn some Spanish not only is the mental stimulation good for the old grey matter but it will make your life in Spain more enjoyable and rewarding. The Spanish are basically very tolerant of all the foreigners that regularly and often permanently invade their shores but they do appreciate you making some effort to speak their lingo, it is only polite really.

Remember you are retiring to Spain, it is not Bournemouth with the sunshine! The Spanish culture and attitude to life is different to ours so accept that and don’t make your life miserable by trying to change it. So often you hear the lament, "it wouldn’t be allowed in England" well just accept the fact that you are not in England and people do things differently in different countries. After all it is your decision to retire to Spain so relax and enjoy it.

About the author:
Ruth Polak is the owner of www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com, a web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.

Posted under Health Issues