The following is a press release from the British Consulate regarding newly appointed Steve Jones’s visit to the Canary Islands in the New Year.
British Consulate helps residents to get informed
Have your friends told you that you can get medical treatment at the health centre in the town where you live just by showing your UK-issued European Health Insurance Card?
That if you were thinking of going back to the UK, you’d have to wait at least 6 months to access NHS health care?
And that you need to have worked 15 years in Spain to be entitled to a Spanish pension?
Are you one of the thousands of “swallows” recently arrived to the Canaries, escaping the cold UK winter? And have you been told that your European Health Insurance Card will cover everything from on going hospital treatment to repatriation back home?
Well things might not be quite as they seem - the statements above are all false. Don’t listen to misleading rumours, come and hear from the experts. The British Consulate is holding a series of open events throughout the Canary Islands, to offer advice on some of the issues that matter most to the Brits that live here.
Consular assistance, your pension and benefit rights as a British resident in Spain, and your responsibilities as residents in the Canaries are just some of the areas that will be covered.
How to correctly register for healthcare is an increasingly hot topic among residents and this will also be on the agenda, as will where to apply for the European Health Insurance Card.
Newly appointed British Consul to the Canary Islands, Steve Jones, who will be hosting the events said: “These open days are a fantastic opportunity for our British residents in the Canaries to hear the most relevant, up to date information, from the experts. I would urge those that do attend, to ensure they pass on information to friends in the community. “
Those attending can submit questions in advance and should do so when booking their place at the event. The question and answer session will follow the main presentation.
The events will take place between 29th and 31st January 2013 as follows:
Gran Canaria: Playa de Inglés– Tuesday 29th January - 16.30hrs (doors open 16.00hrs)
Centro Socio-Cultural de Mayores
C/ Santa Brigida s/n
San Fernando
San Bartolomé de Tirajana
Fuerteventura: Caleta de Fuste– Wednesday 30th January - 11.00hrs (doors open 10.30hrs).
Hotel Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach – Salon Lanzarote
Urb. Fuerteventura Golf Resort,
Carretera FV-2 KM. 11
Lanzarote: Puerto del Carmen– Wednesday 30th January - 18.00hrs (doors open 17.30hrs)
Centro Cívico El Fondeadero
C/ Lanzarote, nº 1
Puerto del Carmen
Tenerife: Puerto de la Cruz– Thursday 31st January - 10.30hrs (doors open 10.00hrs).
Hotel Palmeras Playa – Salón Teide
Avenida Venezuela 12
Puerto de la Cruz
Tenerife: Los Cristianos– Thursday 31st January - 18.30hrs (doors open 18.00hrs)
Auditorio Infanta Leonor
Avenida Juan Carlos I
Los Cristianos
To book a place online, please visit www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/opendays. If you experience any problems booking or do not have Internet access, please call 902 109 356 (alternative number 913 342 194).
Please note places are limited and can only be guaranteed if reserved in advance .