Care managers using backhanders to divert Spain's tourists from free EU scheme.

Holidaymakers heading for Spain are being warned that hospitals and clinics are increasingly paying inducements and sweeteners to trap tourists with big bills for treatment. Tour operators, taxi drivers and even the police are offered backhanders for directing tourists to cash-strapped hospitals, according to insurers. These hospitals will refuse to accept European Health Insurance, or EHIC, cards, which provide treatment for free, leaving older travellers and those with pre-existing medical conditions particularly vulnerable. Instead, they are presented with hefty bills for their care.

So acute has the problem become that the European Commission has warned Spain that it could take formal legal action, known as an "infringement procedure", after receiving complaints from various EU nationals about the refusal of EHIC cards. Many young travellers also rely on the cards for part or all of their medical needs abroad. In total, around 24 million UK residents hold a current EHIC card, according to the Department of Health.....Read more here

EU sues Spain over hospitals' rejection of EU health card. The European Commission is taking legal action against Spain over the refusal of some of its hospitals to recognise the European Health Insurance Card. The EHIC entitles EU citizens to free healthcare in public hospitals. But some Spanish hospitals rejected the card and told tourists to reclaim the cost of treatment via their travel insurance, the Commission says. A BBC correspondent says the Commission is not accusing cash-strapped Spanish hospitals of trying to make money. The Commission, which checks compliance with EU law, has requested information on the issue from the Spanish government - the first stage of an infringement procedure which could eventually result in a fine.....Read more here