Spain enables public insurance for immigrants

Undocumented inmigrants in Spain

Starting today, Monday, September 2, “undocumented” immigrants will received the Spanish public health benefits if they sign an agreement and pay 60 Euros a month, ages from 18-64 years and 157 if they pass that age. Thus, the Spanish government established a system that allows undocumented immigrants access to basic health care, but this does not cover drug expenses.

It is also likely that the cost can go up if one of the Autonomous Communities incorporate other welfare benefits.

The adoption and enforcement of this move coincided with the anniversary of the change in coverage of the National Health System in Spain. For more than a year is limited access for “undocumented” only in serious illness emergency or accident, assistance with pregnancy, childbirth and minors postpartum, asylum seekers and victims of trafficking shelter. Around 873,000 people remained outside the system.

To access this secure the “undocumented” must demonstrate at least one year of continuous residence prior to the date of application of the agreement. They must be registered and have no access to public health protection system.

The monetary value is similar to private insurance and in some cases exceeded.

The Ecuadorian Amelia Lopez said she needs medication for diabetes but this is not covered by public insurance. “It’s no use to me. Either I pay the medications or buy food for my children.”