Heathcare in Spain, doctors, hospitals and clinics in Spain. Advice about healthcare in Spain, spanish health system
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Healthcare in Spain - the health system for foreigners

For health and travel insurance for the over 50's, Staysure offer fantastic deals - Staysure Insurance

 

 

For advice for elderly persons visiting Spain, see here

 

When on holiday in Spain, Nationals of EU countries can get free medical treatment in Spain on production of the relevant paperwork (Form E111 for British people), although for holiday-makers, private insurance is highly recommended. Spain has a very good national health service that works alongside a wonderful private health sector. Hospitals are of a very high standard. You are still however best advised to take your own private travel insurance - try one of our sponsors and please mention Idealspain. Residents of Spain MUST take out private healthcare cover although by paying into the Spanish social security system, you are entitled to free healthcare. A married couple can be covered on one sicial security contribution between them.

Chemists
Chemists (farmacias) are plentiful in Spain and are marked with a large green cross, (see right). The law states that farmacias must operate on a rota system so that there is always one open. Local press carry details of the duty farmacia. Details are also posted on the door of the farmacias. You can obtain basic medical advice here. There are also alternative chemists such as Chinese clinics and herbal clinics. Most speak English.

Farmacias usually have heart monitors and blood pressure monitors that you can pay to use.

Most farmacias have english speaking staff.

If you need to replace or replenish an English drug, take the packet along with you. You might not get the same brand but they may have a generic alternative. You can pay over the counter when you collect. Not all drugs are available without a prescription.

Related pages
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Dentists
Any dentistry carried out will normally have to be paid for as they are all private clinics. The yellow pages of the telephone directory carries a good list of dentists (dentistas). You will often find a dentist in the large supermarkets. Prices are similar to the UK but the service is much better. Many dentists in Spain are ex-national health service that have moved to Spain.

Drugs
Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from chemists (farmacias), distinguished by large green crosses. Many drugs available only on prescription in the UK and other countries can be purchased over the counter here. You are still advised to seek a doctors advice.
 

Tap water
Over recent years the water system in Spain has undergone great improvements and tap water in built-up areas is relatively safe. Unfamiliar water can still cause minor stomach upsets and you may wish to purchase agua mineral, bottled water. Agua con gas is fizzy water and agua sin gas is still water. In small villages, the water may be well water and not mains so if in doubt, ask. See a full feature about the Spanish water system here

 

Take care of yourself
For those not used to the climate of Spain, especially summer visitors, there are several things to watch out for:

 

1.The heat - Make sure you drink plenty of liquids. Always carry a bottle of water with you when its very hot - Alcohol is not the right liquid !

 

2. Prickly heat - An itchy rash caused by perspiration under the skin. If it happens to you, keep cool, bathe often and use talcum powder on the rash.

 

3. Salt deficiency - Sweating can lead to a loss of body salt so make sure you have plenty of salt with your meals.

 

4. Funny tummy - new and strange diets can cause minor tummy upsets. If you find yourself unwell, drink plenty of fluids and avoid fatty foods. Fish and shellfish from the Mediterranean should only be eaten cooked and from a good restaurant.

 

If you suffer from any health problems, consult your doctor before you set off for Spain. Any medication you take with you should be kept in their original containers and if possible take copies of your prescriptions with you. Make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your stay. If you intend to live in Spain, get your doctor to write out the generic name for your medication and not the brand name, this way, a drug can be matched with the Spanish equivalent.

 

Contact with animals
Take care with wild animals such as cats and dogs in Spain. Many can carry diseases.  A bite from an infected animal can be a disaster. Stray cats and dogs roam all over Spain and the best thing to do is avoid contact with them. If you bring a pet to Spain:

see our advice section about taking pets to Spain

 
 
 

 

   
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