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HEALTH
40
Healthcare System
Spain’s healthcare system was once a byword for shoddiness. However, that
reputation no longer holds true for a system revamped and revitalised.
WHO CAN BENEFIT
EU nationals are covered for treatment by
a reciprocal agreement with the Spanish
public health care system. Bring an E111
form with you, or E121 if you intend to
live permanently in Spain.
If you are a British citizen over 65 and
have an E121 form, you are entitled to
public healthcare in Spain, but it's advisable
to seek advice from The Pension
Service in the UK (tel. 0044 191 218
7547/7777) as they can advise on what you
are entitled to abroad. Also see the 'Living
Overseas' section of their website
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk.
For those who plan to stay in Spain, you
need to get an official Medical Card
(Tarjeta de SS), also from your local Social
Security Office. To apply, take your
E111/E121 (if you are an EU citizen) and
other relevant documents such as your
residence card or passport.
Once you start paying Social Security contributions,
you and your family are entitled
to free or subsidised medical and dental
treatment on the same terms as
Spaniards.
To visit a public health service doctor is
free as long as you take your social security
card.
Non-EU citizens in Spain should contact
their consulate before leaving their home
country to find out what forms and documents
are required.
WHAT YOU GET
Medical care in Spain is administered
through the National Health Institute
(Instituto Nacional de Salud, INSALUD) and
benefits include general and specialist
medical care, hospitalisation, laboratory
services, discounted drugs and medicines,
basic dental care, maternity care, appliances
and transportation.
However, social security covers only
around 75 percent of the cost of treatment
and the other 25 percent must be paid by
the patient or a supplementary insurance
scheme. Completely free treatment is
available only in certain hospitals, where
waiting lists are very long. Members must
also pay a percentage of the cost of certain
treatment and items such as drugs and
medicines.
DOCTORS
You may choose a doctor, not necessarily
the one in your area, and you are entitled
to change practices. It is always best to go
with a recommendation from 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 nonurgent
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 (centro de salud), which usually has
about half a 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).
Take your E111/E121 or your medical
card. You do not need to pay your doctor
for a consultation, or when referred to a
SPAIN EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE WWW.EXPATICA.COM