The Spanish Health Minister, Ana Mató, has announced that all legal residents of Spain whose income from all sources is less than €100,000 a year will be eligible for free medical care from 1st September 2012.
This includes foreigners from the EU or elsewhere, whether or not they contribute to the Social Security system or are in work, who will be able to apply for a SIP card allowing them to register with a doctor and to be treated for all infirmities, even pre-existing conditions, by the State. EU citizens and other nationals from countries which have reciprocal agreements with Spain will be treated in accordance with the conditions of the treaties.
All spouses or partners of those who qualify for free medical services and who are registered on the padrón will also be entitled to State healthcare as will registered children or siblings under 26 years old. Those who retire early and are not yet claiming a State pension will be entitled to free medical care only if they earn less than €100,000 per annum before tax.
