HEALTH

Emergency medical assistance URGENCIAS = 061
Emergency Police, Ambulance, Fire brigade = 112

The quality of health care in Spain is excellent.  Spain provides universal health care to all of its citizens under a tax-financed scheme run by Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria.  www.seg-social.es

In order to consult a specialist, patients must first be referred by their general practitioner (GP), except in emergencies.

Citizens of the European Union are entitled to free medical and hospital care.

To receive free emergency treatment you need your European Health Card (EHC).

From 1 July 2004, the European Health Card has replaced the current temporary stay forms - principally the E-111 and E-128 and is available from the relevant healthcare organisation in your country of origin. It is valid for the period shown on the card and entitles you to the same medical care as that received by Spanish citizens.

Please note that private Doctors and hospitals in Spain do not accept the European Health Card. If you require private healthcare you must ensure that you have an adequate insurance policy or pay your own bills at the time.

PRIVATE INSURANCE

In recent years, the private health care sector has become more important.
The advantage of private insurance is that the companies have their own network of hospitals, clinics and laboratories. Policyholders usually do not have to wait long for treatment. The only downside is that these companies can insist that patients only use doctors who are members of their group (cuadro de medicos). However, most have programs that refund 80% of the fees charged by physicians outside the group.

AMBULANCE SERVICE

There are both private and state run ambulance services for emergency and non urgent needs.

Private ambulance services provide a 24-hour service in most towns.

Most clinics and private hospitals also operate their own ambulance services.

On the Costa del Sol, there is also an emergency private helicopter service (Helicópteros Sanitarios) to which you can subscribe annually for a small fee.

Social security patients do not pay for ambulance services and private patients are generally reimbursed by their private health insurance (or travel insurance). By law, taxis are obligated to transport medical emergencies to hospital when requested to do so.

HOSPITALS

University hospitals in the larger cities are typically better equipped than the provincial ones, and some specialise in particular areas of health and treatment.  The majority of doctors and nurses speak some English and most hospitals and clinics in tourist areas provide interpreters, particularly in large urban centres. 

PHARMACIES - FARMACIAS

Pharmacies are plentiful in Spain, it has one of Europe’s highest pharmacy densities, with one per 2,049 inhabitants.  You will never be far from one! 

Recently, legislation has been enacted allowing pharmacies to open for as long as they want. In cities and tourist area you will find some pharmacies open 24 hours, however each town has a local duty pharmacy that is open 24 hours.  This will be listed in the windows of all pharmacies in the area and also in the local newspapers.

Pharmacies in Spain can be used for all of your prescriptions and over-the-counter drug needs. They will also give advice about ailments and suggest remedies (usually in Spanish except in tourist areas).

Pharmacists cannot distribute prescription medications without authorization from a doctor. However, some drugs that require a prescription in other countries, such as antibiotics can be purchased over-the-counter in Spain.

It is also advisable to carry extra prescription sheets written by your doctor (with the generic names) in case you need refills during your trip and to show at customs as proof of the medication's identity and necessity. Always remember to check the expiration dates on all medications, whether they are from home or abroad.