Healthcare in Spain Spanish health care


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Reciprocal healthcare Spanish hospitals and doctors are of a very high standard and as an EU national you are covered for treatment with the Spanish public health care system. Make sure you have the new version of the old E111 which is now called the European Health Insurance Card. The application form is sill available from post offices in Britain or from your Social Security office. Make sure you apply at least three weeks before you come to Spain. Spanish residents If you move to Spain permanently, you will need to apply for an official Medical Card at your local Social Security Office in Spain. Take your E111/E121 form, passport and proof of residence. For details of your local social security office, contact the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social, www.seg-social.es, tel. 900 616 200 (free information line). Private health insurance As in the UK, most Spaniards are covered for health treatment by the public health system, but about 6 million choose to take out a private health policy to avoid waiting lists and have access to more hospitals. In general, British report that schemes back home offer better cover than Spanish policies. Always check whether your policy covers you for treatment - and what kind of treatment - abroad. Seek the advice of an independent broker about which plan suits you and whether you require extra cover for your family, maternity care, dentistry etc. Providers who specialise in expat private health insurance include William Russell Group, InterGlobal Insurance Services, GoodHealth, ALC (A La Carte healthcare) and ExpaCare. BUPA International (who own Spain's biggest private health insurer Sanitas) and PPP Healthcare have three plans, depending on how much cover you require. Finding a doctor (for private insurance only) You can choose to join any practice, not necessarily the one nearest your home, and if you are not satisfied with that doctor, you are entitled to change to another practice. You will find lists of practices in the local Yellow Pages (Páginas Amarillas), but it is always advisable to go with a friend's recommendation where possible. You do not usually need to make an appointment. Patients are seen on a first come, first served basis. If you are too ill to get to your doctor's surgery, a doctor will visit you at home at any time of day or night. Health centres Local health centres (centros de salud) also have a number of doctors available, for whom you will need to make an appointment. See your local Yellow Pages for addresses. If you need to consult a doctor, take your E111 (and a photocopy) or your medical card if you have one. You do not need to pay for a consultation. Your details will be entered into a computer and the receptionist will determine whether you need to pay for prescriptions or not. Pensioners do not need to. Dentists You have to pay for dental treatment, unless you have private health insurance that covers dental work. You simply need to make an appointment and take a form of ID with you. Pharmacies Most medicines are far cheaper in Spain than in England and available over the counter. However, pensioners are entitled to free prescription medicine from pharmacies with a prescription from their doctor. Pharmacies usually open from 9.30am-2pm and from 5-9.30pm Mondays to Fridays and from 9.30am-2pm on Saturdays. In every town and village there is a 24-hour pharmacy or contact number. * Please note that the free guide is provided courtesy of Elite European who specialise in removals to Spain

Lighthouse Spain - Guiding you to your Spanish Home

EMERGENCIES

Ring 112 in case of an emergency. In Malaga you can also ring the Red Cross on 952 443 545 or call any of the 24-hour state medical centres throughout Andalucia which have ambulances. See your local phone book for first aid stations, local hospitals, health centres, doctors and keep a list by your phone. Most chemists will also display phone numbers of local clinics and hospitals with emergency departments.

In the case of an emergency, a hospital must treat you, regardless of your ability to pay. If you are physically able, you can go yourself to a hospital emergency or casualty department (urgencia) or a 24-hour public health clinic. If possible, always have your E111 (or E121) and some photo ID on you.

On the Costa del Sol hospitals will usually have some English-speaking doctors and nurses.