But few take into account the fact that better quality of life also means being well cared for when taken ill.

Expatriates should not expect to get the same quality of national healthcare on the continent that they can in Britain.

The issue of quality has also now been confounded by the recent uncertainties around the future healthcare liabilities for some expatriates in the Valencia region. Health planners have yet to pronounce on a newly proposed tariff on expatriates who are ineligible for a SIP card i.e. the country’s passport to free healthcare.

The target date of 15 January, by which officials were expected to announce the tax rate, has long since passed. According to the British Embassy in Madrid, which has been in discussion with Valencia healthcare planners, the new tariff could fall between EUR 200-300 (GBP 180-270) on a quarterly basis.

For those affected, private medical insurance policies would be more affordable and the healthcare available on them far superior to that offered by the Spanish health authority.

Lee Gerry from Expatriate Healthcare, the medical insurance provider exclusively dedicated to expatriates, said: “We find it’s quite common for people to follow their dream to a new country and not give a second thought to their healthcare provision until they actually need to use the system.

“Until now, the standard of care may not have matched up to the health service in the UK, but it was at least free for expatriates. When the Valencia healthcare planners agree a national insurance premium it is likely to be the same price as our own private policies that offer much better care.”

Last month, Expatriate Healthcare launched a specially tailored and affordable product specifically for residents of Spain, Cyprus, Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra, with prices starting at as little as EUR 27 per month. Called the Primario Health Insurance Plan, the product offers the benefit of full medical cover for expatriates*, not only in their country of residence, but also their country of nationality. Unlike other providers, Expatriate Healthcare also insures for ages 0 – 70; and once accepted, expatriates are covered for life.

This should come as welcome news to those looking to escape the increased cost of living and economic slowdown sweeping across Europe. With Spanish property prices being at their lowest for some time, the attraction of taking up residence in Spain and its surrounding regions has never been greater.

Lee said: “Because we are totally dedicated to expatriates, we are best placed to offer the right cover and service, at the right price – protecting them from the high cost of private medical care. Unlike other insurers on the market, our Primario Health Insurance Plan is ideally suited to English speaking expatriates who want the flexibility to move freely between Spain and the surrounding regions, or enjoy extended holidays back in the UK. It even provides out-of-area cover for up to 30 days on any trip, anywhere else in the world.

*Only available to EU nationals.

For more information on Expatriate Healthcare’s range of cover please call
+44 (0)870 428 5140 or visit www.expatriatehealthcare.com.