Sickened British expats protest in Alicante

The Spanish region of Valencia’s regional government has drawn fire from the local expat community who took to the streets of the town of Alicante in protest over plans to strip early retirees of free healthcare. Some 200 people expressed their dissatisfaction with the move in the street march.

The issue stems from the regional governments decision back in 2003 to introduce free health care for those British expats who decided on a beach life of retirement, shunning the colder UK. At the time, the move was seen as potentially beneficial to the local community finances as retirees generally were in reasonable financial stead. The move aided the creation of mini-Britains in the areas where few Spaniards would bother going, with the hamlets even labeled Little Britain Ghettos.

Spain now plays home to around one million UK expats according to statistics from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), however less than half of these are believed to have officially declared Spanish residency. IPPR figures further indicate that some 250,000 Britons emigrate to Spain per annum which would mean the largest number in over 30 years. Many make little effort at integration which has brought about the healthcare reforms which aim to limit the millions of euros spent each year on foreigners.

The result is that a new levy of 1080 euros per annum has now been introduced except for those with chronic illnesses. While the move has not been meet with any great reaction by local expats it must be noted that till now Valencia was on its own in offering the waivers and the changes bring it into line with the rest of the country. Additionally, Spain offers excellent options for private health care so the news is not all that bad.