Vacation time is coming to an end for many of us. In our minds and on our phones, we hold images of distant destinations that have made us dream and enjoy, but not all is lost, as we are preparing new getaways (this time closer to home) to satisfy our need to explore the world. Meanwhile, while many of us are back into our routines, our seniors are getting ready to relax with Imserso trips. If you're already retired, it's time to discover the requirements and how to apply for these trips.
What are Imserso trips?
There are surely few senior travelers who do not know what Imserso trips entail, but if there's anyone confused in the room, it's time to clear things up: on one hand, we have the Tourism Program of the Institute for Seniors and Social Services, and on the other, the Thermalism Program, which is what we will discuss today.
This program was created with the aim of enabling seniors to enjoy active and healthy aging, as it addresses unwanted loneliness in this demographic; furthermore, it helps boost the economic development of the thermal tourism sector, reducing seasonality and thereby maintaining employment and economic activity during the off-season of this sector.
Requirements to participate in the Imserso thermalism program
To participate in the Imserso thermalism program, one must meet a series of requirements detailed in the Article 3 of the Imserso Resolution from November 27, 2023.
Eligible participants are residents in Spain who meet any of the following requirements:
- Be a retirement or permanent disability pensioner of the Spanish Social Security System.
- Be a widow's pensioner aged fifty-five or older of the Spanish Social Security System.
- Be a pensioner for other reasons or a recipient of unemployment benefits or subsidies, aged sixty or older of the Spanish Social Security System.
- Be a insured person or beneficiary of the Spanish Social Security System, aged sixty-five or older.
In addition to meeting the previously mentioned requirements, the traveler wishing to participate must be prepared to comply with the following points:
- Be able to care for oneself in performing basic daily activities.
- Need the requested thermal treatments and have no medical contraindications for receiving them.
- Achieve the score required, according to the established criteria, to be able to access one of the requested spas and shifts.
- Also, Spanish nationals residing abroad may participate, provided they receive a pension from the Spanish Social Security System. Beneficiaries may be accompanied by their spouse or, if applicable, their partner or someone with whom they have a stable union.
Services included in the Imserso Thermalism Program
The Imserso Thermalism Program includes accommodation and full board in shared double rooms. Basic thermal treatments, which will include a medical examination upon admission to the spa for treatment prescription, the treatment itself, medical follow-up, leisure activities, and insurance policy.
There are shifts of 12 days and 10 days each, which will be conducted until December 2024.
If you wish to apply for a spot, it is best to submit the appropriate form through the Imserso online office, as it allows you to easily, quickly, and safely complete the process.
And now it's time for the news... with both good and bad. The bad news is that the application deadline for the Imserso thermalism program closed on May 15 for those interested in shifts occurring from September to December. The good news is that there is still time to sign up for the waiting list until November 15 to fill any spots that may become vacant due to cancellations or other circumstances.
In short, if you are passionate about thermal tourism and are retired, it's time to get to work to access the Imserso thermalism program that will run until late 2024.