It is not necessary to have private health insurance in Spain, and although there are many such insurance companies in the country, they are used mainly by people who feel more comfortable with private health insurance.
If you have been brought over to Spain by a company you are probably provided with health insurance anyway, but there is no need for concern if you don’t have it. The public healthcare system in Spain is extremely good.
EU residents
Under a reciprocal agreement between European Union governments, residents of EU countries can receive free medical care when visiting another country. To make sure you qualify, get an E111 form, which is standard for all member states of the EU, before coming to Spain. It is usually available at post offices.
If you are receiving a benefit for a disability or as a pensioner in your home country (within the EU) you should also ask your local Social Security office for a E121 form as this will be required for you to receive free prescriptions.
Doctors
You may choose your doctor from the phone book or from passing his or her clinic in the street, but it is always best, no matter what country you are in, to go by recommendation of a friend or neighbour.
If you are unable to visit the surgery, a doctor will visit you at home at any time of day or night.
If you need a doctor or medicine in a non-urgent situation and are unable to contact a doctor, ring the telephone information service 1003 or your local police station, either of whom will give you the telephone number of a doctor on call or the address of the pharmacy that is open.
You may also choose to go to a healthcare centre, which usually has about half dozen doctors. They try to ensure you see the same doctor, although it doesn’t always happen. You need to make an appointment first.
All healthcare centres are listed in the Yellow Pages (www.paginasamarillas.es).
Dentists
Unless you have private health insurance which covers dental work, you must pay for treatment at the dentist. This is not overly expensive though, and as with many businesses and services in Spain, if you need time to pay, most dentists will allow this rather than making you pay on the day of consultation.
The dental service in Spain is generally very good and efficient, with most practitioners having access to the latest in dental technology.
You do not have to show any forms when visiting the dentist — simply make an appointment. It is, however, always advisable to take some form of identification with you.
Hospitals
Hospitals are generally very good, with an efficient and fairly rapid service. If it is an emergency you do not, of course, have to be referred by a doctor.
You should ensure you have either your E111/E121 form or your medical card as they will wish to see this. The hospital might also ask for identification, as this is routine everywhere in Spain. Either your passport or residence card will suffice.
You do not have to pay for any service other than prescriptions (if you are not a pensioner).
If you are alone and an ambulance has brought you in for, perhaps, an x-ray to check something is not broken, an ambulance will also return you to your home, even if nothing is found to be wrong.
If you have to stay in hospital and do not speak Spanish, you will find that even in smaller cities there are usually a couple of doctors and a nurse or two who can speak English. But if not, they will do their best to help you. If you do not speak the language it would be wise, if you do not have a friend who speaks Spanish, to at least take along your Spanish/English dictionary or phrasebook.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are plentiful and marked with a large green cross. You can buy many medicines over the counter in Spain that you may not have been able to at home, but if you are a pensioner it would be cheaper and more advisable to see your doctor and to get a prescription from him. Each item is priced differently but still a lot cheaper than prescription items in most counties. Pharmacies usually open from 9.30am-2pm and from 5-9.30pm Mondays to Fridays and from 9.30am-5.30pm on Saturdays. Even in small villages there will be a 24-hour pharmacy or contact number.
Emergency treatment
Throughout Spain the number to call for a medical emergency is 061. In each province however it would be wise to familiarise yourself with the address of your nearest hospital and its own emergency number.
In any city there is more than one hospital for accidents and emergencies.
