Healthcare in Spain
MISSION STATEMENT"To provide our customers with more information than our competitors on the best properties from the best developers in the Murcia region whilst providing a personal and professional service from start to finish making the process of buying through us enjoyable and stress free." |
 |
The Spanish healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. Most hospitals are modern and well equipped and the doctors excellent. Most Spaniards can expect to see their GP within one day of making an appointment. You may choose which Doctor you go to and are entitled to change practices if you are unhappy. However it is always best to go by the recommendation if possible of a friend or neighbour. You may also choose to go to a modern healthcare centre (Centro de Salud) which usually has a number of Doctors, but you may not always get the same one. You will also need to make an appointment, whereas doctors with their own surgeries will normally see patients in the order they arrive. Under rights brought in by the Spanish health service in 1998, you are also entitled to be accompanied at appointments by a person you trust (this does not have to be a family member).
Documentation
Like the NHS, healthcare in Spain is free to all citizens of EU countries. Before moving to Spain you should make sure you apply for the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaces the old E111, which is available from most post offices. An EHIC will cover you for free healthcare treatment in Spain for up to 90 days at a time. If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days a year you will be classified as a resident and will need to apply for a residence card (Tajeta de Residente Comunitaro). The 183 days are computed as a total and are made up from each individual trip made.
The EHIC will cover you for treatment until you get an official medical card (Tarjeta de SS) from your local Spanish Social Security Office (INSS - Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social). Applying for the card is easy, you just need to show your EHIC, or if you are a pensioner form E121, which is issued by the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK, so you can obtain “UK Pensioner Living in Spain” status to enable you to receive your pension and free prescriptions. Once these forms have been shown to an official along with documentation such as your residence card and passport, you should then receive your medical card shortly afterwards.
Healthcare cover
If you are intending to become employed or self-employed when you move to Spain you will usually have to pay into the Spanish state sickness insurance scheme. If you pay these contributions you and any members of your family who are dependent on you will be able to get full benefits.
If you are not going to be working when you move to Spain you may be able to get healthcare cover from the UK for yourself and your dependents. This cover will be for a limited period of 2 years.
Private healthcare in Spain is widely available and there are many that are specifically aimed at British ex-pats. Always read the policy carefully as some things you might need may be excluded. From as little as 50 Euros per month you can obtain private healthcare, in some instances this will give you 100% cover in Spain and 90% cover in your home country and offers benefits such as being able to visit any professional medical centre in Spain, access to a second medical opinion, choice of private medical assistance in your own language etc. Sanitas is one company that offer this service and they have an English speaking agent: www.sanitas.es
Dentists
Unless dental work is included in your private health insurance, you will have to pay for treatment at the dentist. This is not overly expensive though and most dentists will allow you time to pay, rather than making you pay on the day of the consultation. The dental service in Spain is generally very good and most practitioners have access to the latest in dental technology. You don’t have to show any forms when visiting the dentist, simply make an appointment. However, it’s always advisable to take some form of identification with you.
Pharmacies
Many medicines that are prescription only in the UK are available over the counter in chemist shop’s in Spain, including asthma inhalers and antibiotics. If you are registered for free healthcare under the Spanish social security system you can get the medicines you require on prescription for a 60% discount or for nothing if you are a pensioner. There is not a standard fee for prescriptions as in the UK, in Spain each item is priced differently. You are likely to find that prescriptions in Spain are substantially cheaper than in many other countries. Pharmacies are usually open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am - 2pm, and 5pm to 9.30pm and on Saturdays from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. You can also contact the pharmacy in case of emergency 24 hours a day, even in the smallest villages.
Emergencies
The number to call in case of a medical emergency in Spain is 061. However it is wise to familiarize yourself with the address and emergency number of your nearest hospital and pharmacy.