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Spain refutes scale of health card problems for Britons

Spain's director of general services and pharmacy has said that hospitals in the country always ask people whether they want public or private care.

Agustín Rivero was responding to complaints that a number of UK holidaymakers were refused care in Spain, despite showing an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

They have sent us four very specific cases. Four cases. We're talking about 500,000 [foreign citizens receiving health care].

Even if it were only one case, logically it would have to receive the same treatment as a Spaniard, and we have talked to health services and hospitals about those four cases.

What the insurance companies have told the UK government does not coincide with what our hospitals report. In those four cases, the patients themselves signed their consent requesting private care.

– Agustín Rivero, Spain's Director General of Services and Pharmacy

Mr Rivero said 50 million people visit Spain every year, adding: "I'd like to know if other European countries have the same percentage of this problem as we do."

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Bon Jovi to perform for free in financially-stricken Spain

American rock band Bon Jovi will waive the fee for their concert in Madrid because of the economic problems the country is facing.

The concert, due to take place in Madrid on June 27, was originally left out of the European tour in case they couldn't sell enough tickets.

US singer Jon Bon Jovi has revealed that his band have waived their fee for a concert in Madrid next month Credit: DPA/Press Association Images

But lead singer Jon Bon Jovi told Spain's El Mundo newspaper that the group decided to perform for free as a thank you to Spanish fans for 30 years of support.

Tickets, priced between €18 and €39 (£15 and £33), have already sold out.

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What is the European Health Insurance Card?

  • The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the E111 form in 2006
  • The EHIC lets you get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free
  • The card covers treatment of pre-existing conditions and routine maternity care
  • It is valid in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries

For further information about the EHIC, visit the NHS website

EU probes Spain over hospitals' rejection of health card

The European Commission has requested information from Spain about complaints Spanish hospitals are refusing to recognise the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The European Commission is investigating reports Spanish hospitals are refusing the EHIC. Credit: NHS

The Commission says it is concerned Spain might be failing to fulfil its obligations under EU law to provide emergency healthcare to temporary visitors from other member states on the same terms and conditions as are available to Spanish nationals.

The request for information follows an increasing number of complaints that hospitals, in mainly tourist areas of Spain, are refusing to treat citizens on the basis of their European Health Insurance Card and instead request a travel insurance policy and credit card details.

Arrested fugitive was 'relaxing by swimming pool'

Fugitive Andrew Moran was captured in a dramatic raid at a luxury villa in the Costa Blanca, police said.

An elite team of armed officers swooped on the robber while he was relaxing by a swimming pool.

Andrew Moran was captured by police on Friday
Andrew Moran was captured by police on Friday Credit: SOCA

They recovered two handguns, 60 rounds of ammunition and a machete at the property.

Moran was on the most wanted list for Crimestoppers' Operation Captura campaign.

'Most wanted' British fugitive held in Spain

Moran fled Britain after he vaulted the dock in a Burnley courtroom
Andrew Moran fled Britain after he vaulted the dock in a Burnley courtroom Credit: Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)

One of Britain's most wanted fugitives has been arrested in Spain, police said.

Andrew Moran, 31, from Salford, Greater Manchester, was arrested in the resort of Calpe in Alicante on Friday, the Serious Organised Crime Agency said.

Moran, who has been on the run for over four years, fled the country in 2009 after he vaulted the dock in a Burnley courtroom as he went on trial over a £25,000 armed robbery of Royal Mail guards.

He was convicted in his absence for the theft in 2005 in Colne, Lancashire.

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