HEALTH CARE IN SPAIN
The good news if you're planning to buy a property in Spain is that its healthcare is among the best in Europe. The excellent state SALUD system is one of the best in Europe, far outperforming Britain's NHS, and is complemented by a first-class private sector available through Spanish and international medical insurance companies.
ELIGIBILITY FOR STATE HEALTHCARE
UK & EUROPEAN NON-RESIDENT VISITORS
If you're below retirement age and on a short visit to Spain from the UK, EU or some non-EU European countries, you're entitled to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment. This will be equivalent to the treatment Spanish nationals receive, though it may vary from what is offered in your country of residence.
Before you are treated you'll need to produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, known in Spain as a Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) which has replaced the former E111 form, and several other healthcare forms.
You should note that this only covers you for medical emergencies within the state sector and does not include repatriation due to illness, so it's not an alternative to private insurance.
The EHIC card is available and valid in all European Community countries, as well as Switzerland and the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
Apply for the EHIC card in your country of residence prior to departure. In the UK, EHIC forms are available free of charge from post offices and travel agents. For further information or to download an application, log on to: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers
EU (&EEA) VISITING PENSIONERS
If you're a pensioner resident in the EU or European Economic Area (see above) you're entitled to receive, subject to certain criteria, the same free or low-cost state emergency medical treatment as Spanish pensioners, provided that you are in possession of an E121 form, issued in your country of residence.
In the UK, the E121 can be obtained from The Department for Work and Pensions.
Contact them on 0191 218 7777 or visit: www.dwp.gov.uk
You'll need a separate E121 form per person, which must be shown to the doctor or hospital before receiving treatment. It does not entitle you to non-urgent medical or dental treatment, or repatriation, and is no substitute for private health insurance.
NON-EUROPEAN VISITORS
In a life-threatening emergency Spanish state hospitals are required to provide vital primary care treatment irrespective of the patient's ability to pay. Non-European visitors should always be covered by appropriate medical insurance, usually private, and in many cases will not be able to obtain the necessary visa without proof that such cover exists.
RESIDENTS OF SPAIN
If you are resident in Spain, you'll have to pay monthly Social Security (Seguridad Social) contributions to qualify for state healthcare. If you are an employee, part of the cost will be borne by your employer and the state. If you are self-employed, you will be responsible for making the payments yourself (the same applies to those neither working or yet of pensionable age).
HOSPITALS IN SPAIN
Spain has many major hospitals serving the state and private sector. Many doctors and nurses are fluent in English and there are volunteer translators on hand to help.
DOCTOR'S SURGERIES AND CLINICS
There are state-operated medical centres (ambulatorios) in every town and village, offering a wide range of medical services. Unfortunately, these GPs tend to speak only Spanish and are often booked up for days in advance.
You may prefer to visit one of the many private GPs, family practitioners and paediatricians in the area. Many allow you to drop in without an appointment, with some open 24 hours a day.
The British Consulate in Malaga can provide you with a list of doctors from the UK in practice on the Costas, and there are other English-speaking GPs from Spain, Scandinavia and Germany.
DENTISTS
There's a vast network of private dental clinics in the area, but very few state dental practices.
PHARMACIES
Chemists or pharmacies are called farmacia in Spanish and they usually have a green or red cross outside. They're open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8.00pm. Details of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) will be displayed on all pharmacy doors.
Non-prescription drugs are only sold in pharmacies in Spain, you won't find them in supermarkets or elsewhere.
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