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Retired Military Living in Spain

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rsommer
  6/6/2017 02:21 EST

My husband and I are both retired military and are looking to start the residency to move to Spain at the end of the year - my question is does Tricare insurance meet the third party residency requirements or will we need to get additional coverage?

gvb
  6/6/2017 14:37 EST

My husband and I are also both retired military and plan to move to Spain in about a year. We would be interested to hear from other retired military about this issue, although we believe Tricare satisfies the requirement. We are planning to move to Girona--what city/area are you considering?

Gail

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Hassle-free health insurance policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. Innoinsure provides health insurance for expats to obtain Spanish visas such as the non-lucrative, digital nomad, golden visa and student visa. Our insurance also meets the requirements for Spanish residency, TIE and NIE applications and renewals.

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Hassle-free health insurance policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. Innoinsure provides health insurance for expats to obtain Spanish visas such as the non-lucrative, digital nomad, golden visa and student visa. Our insurance also meets the requirements for Spanish residency, TIE and NIE applications and renewals.
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rsommer
  6/7/2017 03:19 EST

We are looking to go to the Malaga Province. As retired military you would be able to receive space available medical and dental at Rota NAS but Moron AB doe not have retiree. Both are a fair distance from Girona.

ronald1234
  10/5/2017 10:57 EST

Deear Sir/ Madam,

I am seeking employment to enable me to remain in Spain over the next few months (or longer) where I can assist with general chores and house maintenance/cleaning etc. I have lived in Spain for 45 years and speak fluent Spanish. I am a trustworthy, well mannered and respectful individual who could help in many ways regarding Spanish life and the workings of Spain.

Thank you.

dzharris
  10/10/2017 10:46 EST

I am also retired Military, but I have never used Tricare, how are you sure this qualifies for coverage in Spain either for the Retirement Visa?

How does the cost compare to private insurance which is very competitive?

gvb
  10/10/2017 16:40 EST

I have read that Tricare is sufficient but also that the medical insurance must be zero deductible, zero copay. I haven't talked to the consulate yet, but Tricare has a deductible and copays. If it doesn't suffice, we could maybe get a supplemental plan that covers those. Or depending on price, get local insurance. I would love to hear from other retired military about this.

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Hassle-free health insurance policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. Innoinsure provides health insurance for expats to obtain Spanish visas such as the non-lucrative, digital nomad, golden visa and student visa. Our insurance also meets the requirements for Spanish residency, TIE and NIE applications and renewals.

InnoinsureInnoinsure

Hassle-free health insurance policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. Innoinsure provides health insurance for expats to obtain Spanish visas such as the non-lucrative, digital nomad, golden visa and student visa. Our insurance also meets the requirements for Spanish residency, TIE and NIE applications and renewals.
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cwells67
  10/12/2017 08:54 EST

gvb is right, and I know this firsthand - the insurance must be 0% copay, $0 copay. I got Cigna global (I am sure there are others that are cheaper!) for a short while... it was very expensive and only covered major medical, but it allowed me to get my residence. Once I was there, I switched to Sanitas, which was $100/month, and covered all medical at $0 and included vision and dental (for a copay). So, when I went for my residency renewal after a year, there was absolutely no problem. I highly recommend that you visit the Spanish consulate website... they have a list that you can follow, but when they say total insurance coverage, it MEANS 0%/$0. I misinterpreted this, which meant that I had to make another trip to the consulate once I got my paperwork in order. Here's a link to my writeup of the experience: http://valenciaatlast.com/fumbling-on-the-visa/ Good luck! -Christopher

thebrownmoose
  10/29/2017 02:43 EST

All: my spouse and I are considering moving to Spain in the next year or so once he finishes his master's degree. I'm retired military too, he's not. I know that the VA will cover your service connected medical cost abroad so contact them to inquire about the procedures for Spain. You can also contact Tricare to find out what they can do and Medicare if you receive it too. Let me know what you find out as we got another year before we move. I did check with the VA when we were considering moving to Canada or Spain (before we made out decision). Good luck and save travels.

gvb
  10/29/2017 14:04 EST

What I have found out so far in my research: We are both retired and have Tricare, which will indeed cover us overseas but with the standard $150/each deductible and 25% copay (for out of network services.) However, apparently for a visa Spain requires medical insurance with zero deductible and zero copays and repatriation insurance, none of which TriCare has. The San Francisco consulate webpage just says for medical insurance requirement that you must show proof of international insurance, but everything I have read says it will not approve insurance without the above no deductible, no copay. Neither of us is enrolled in the VA medical system (we are over the income limit) so I can't speak to that specifically, but if they only cover treatment for service-connected disabilities, I suspect that will not be enough to satisfy the visa requirement for you, nor will it do anything for your spouse. I do know that Medicare will not cover any expenses while you are overseas. I don't know if you are close enough to a military medical facility (Rota) and receive all your care there if that would be acceptable because of how the TriCare eligibility letter is worded. We plan to live far from Rota so that is not an option for us. I have also read that travel-type medical insurance is no longer acceptable. So, looking at non-travel insurance companies, I have received several quotes for the two of us (aged 62 and 64) that range from about 200 euro per month to over 2000 euro/month. I am still trying to find a company that might cover us for the very minimum needed for a visa. I have also emailed the consulate to see if they would accept TriCare with the minimal deductible and manageable copays, but based on what I have read, I don't really expect them to answer at all. If they do, I will post what I learn and would appreciate if you (and anyone else interested) does the same.

gvb
  10/29/2017 14:12 EST

Christopher, I checked with both Cigna and Sanitas and Cigna was very expensive. Sanitas was doable, at about 250 euro/month for both of us. Do you know if after a year, you can switch to Spanish public medical? I have read that but can't find where to double check. Thanks for any info you can provide. I was going to just try to submit TriCare paperwork and see if it got approved for the visa, but based on your experience, I think we will just get some kind of private medical. Just hate to pay for what we already have, but living in Spain will make it worth it!

dzharris
  10/29/2017 15:36 EST

What I found out thus far is that TriCare will not work due to the deductibles, Also after you reach age 65 TriCare can only be used with Midicare, So if your going to pay for medicare, great you can use Tricare as a secondary coverage insurance.

Don't forget, if you choose to not sign up for Medicare at age 65, there is an ever increasing penalty for each year you delay signing up.

For me, I am going to go with a Spanish plan, it is affordable and easily accepted for the Visa process.

Great conversation, keep it going.

Oh yeah we are planning to retire in 2019 unless something changes.

We are from the Atlanta area.

InnoinsureInnoinsure
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Hassle-free health insurance policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. Innoinsure provides health insurance for expats to obtain Spanish visas such as the non-lucrative, digital nomad, golden visa and student visa. Our insurance also meets the requirements for Spanish residency, TIE and NIE applications and renewals.

InnoinsureInnoinsure

Hassle-free health insurance policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. Innoinsure provides health insurance for expats to obtain Spanish visas such as the non-lucrative, digital nomad, golden visa and student visa. Our insurance also meets the requirements for Spanish residency, TIE and NIE applications and renewals.
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cwells67
  10/29/2017 19:04 EST

Hi! Well, I never did try to go for Spanish public care, but the $100/mo for me was a very reasonable alternative, especially since the cost of living was so low. Plus, since I was working as a contractor, I didn't really have any other insurance I could lean on... and I could actually use Sanitas in the US as well for limited treatments if I was back for a period of time. Another thought - you may be able to take the insurance expenses off of your taxes, so you may get a filing break at the end of the year. Good luck! -Christopher

gvb
  10/29/2017 19:14 EST

Thanks! I'm guessing you're not in Spain anymore. I do appreciate the info and your experience. Take care.

AlPavarotti
  11/1/2017 19:02 EST

Keep in mind you can only use Tricare for Life while living overseas if you're paying your Medicare dues. And if you drop your Medicare, the penalties to get it reinstated will cost you an arm and a leg.

Indnsct
  1/4/2018 13:27 EST

Hello,

I too am retired and plan to purchase in the next year. I am kind of in your same boat with the health coverage but a friend how resides in Madrid also gave me the name of their coverage provider which is nothing more than around 39-54 a month. I plan on posing the question to the Los Angeles consulate regarding Tricare. How are things coming with your transition?

gvb
  1/4/2018 16:09 EST

Hi, Indnsct. We are still planning on moving to Girona in July. I have not yet started the visa paperwork but we will make an appointment at the SF consulate for early May. I haven't found any full coverage health insurance less than 250 euro per month--would you share the name of the company your friend recommended? Also, for anyone who has gone through the visa application process, do we need a permanent address with a lease for the visa, or will they accept an AirBnB address for temporary so we can find an apartment when we move? I greatly appreciate any info anyone can provide.

Gail in Reno, NV

Jerry4Spain
  1/26/2018 12:59 EST

I am retired military moving to Malaga, Spain in the next 5 months. I found this blog helpful. (http://www.twobadtourists.com/2014/07/18/how-to-apply-for-a-long-term-residence-visa-in-spain/ ).

In addition, today I called Sanitas, Spain Health Insurance, located in Madrid, and they offered an 85 Euro per month insurance (just for me) to satisfy the Spain Consulate requirements for Retiree Visa. I also emailed Tricare at Rota Air Base and they indicated that Tricare for Life is not enough to cover Spain requirements. So, I will be getting Sanitas and pay it with my Credit Card from states.

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Hassle-free health insurance policies that meet all Spanish visa and residency requirements. We are Innoinsure and we offer policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. 100% success rate for VISA and residency applications.
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InnoinsureInnoinsure

Hassle-free health insurance policies that meet all Spanish visa and residency requirements. We are Innoinsure and we offer policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. 100% success rate for VISA and residency applications.
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Hassle-free health insurance policies that meet all Spanish visa and residency requirements. We are Innoinsure and we offer policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. 100% success rate for VISA and residency applications.
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InnoinsureInnoinsure

Hassle-free health insurance policies that meet all Spanish visa and residency requirements. We are Innoinsure and we offer policies from the 2 leading health insurance companies in Spain: DKV and Asisa. 100% success rate for VISA and residency applications.
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