European health card

[Guanche]

I'm not sure where us expats are supposed to get this card. Mine is from the UK and I think is valid for 5 years (when I find it!) The wife's just gone to get her's renewed only to find they don't give a palstic card anymore. Its just an A4 piece of paper and only covers you for the exact time your out of Spain. There was no problem getting it, but just thought I would share.

[Delderek]

That's strange, just renewed mine and got the plastic one one valid 5 years, are you sure you haven't been scammed?

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

[Delderek]

Sorry. just realised you are doing it the other way round i.e Spanish resident.

[Nova]

I don't know what Mrs Pelinor got but the Spanish EHIC can be renewed online HERE and it doesn't say anything about temporary or travel dates.  Are her travel dates soon requiring an urgent temporary certification, perhaps?

If you are in the Spanish system you should probably have a Spanish-issued card as well, but if you're here on a UK-issued S1 or something then your card will be issued (and renewed) by the British authorities.

My EHIC is up for renewal in November so I'll be able to share my experience then, but anything can happen between now and November.