The state health care system in Spain is very similar to the NHS system in the UK. An important fact to think about when thinking about moving to Spain is to consider your health care needs when looking for an area to live in.

Many local clinics & doctors speak English but if you have health needs when moving to Spain, it is not a good idea to move into a rural area where the clinics cannot provide you with the health care you need in English. This could prove to be very difficult if you are not a Spanish speaker.

Since the influx of non-Spanish residence strain has been placed on the Spanish Health Service especially with the amount of ex-pats retiring to Spain, many of whom do not or have not paid into the system. This has resulted in longer waiting lists for procedures & non-urgent cases.

If you need to see a doctor, then you would have to show proof of entitlement like a social security card or proof of private health care (be aware that many private health care companies do not pay the hospital or doctor directly & you may initially have to pay any bill yourself and then claim it back later from your insurer).

Most hospitals & doctors have the facility to take credit cards.

E111 & EHIC
Many of you will know what an E111 form is, and that it basically entitles you to medical cover whilst on holiday in the European Union.

However, you may be unaware that it no is longer valid and has now been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The EHIC is normally valid for five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary due to accident, or illness.

The EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and it is recommended that you take out a private travel insurance policy in addition to having a EHIC.

All UK residents are eligible to apply for a EHIC, although you should be aware that it is not valid for people who are going to live abroad. It is designed purely for people visiting on vacation.

Applying for your Social Security number is like any other application in Spain.

You will need to go along to your local Social Security office, queue for a long time & present specific papers, usually your NIE & proof of address & income. However, don’t be surprised if you’re asked for other documents too.

You will be issued with a number there & then (& eventually a card) which is proof of your entitlement to health care in Spain. They will also allocate you a local doctor & health centre. where you go should you require a doctor.
Many families & retirees opt for private health care whilst living abroad & many find this a more suitable option from the point of view that most private clinics & hospitals will have English speaking staff.

Be aware that if you have an existing complaint most private insurers may have a clause excluding that condition. There are some who will cover you but at a much higher premium.

HIGH STREET PHARMACIES
Pharmacies (Farmacias) are readily available throughout Spain & are easily identified by the large, illuminated green crosses.

At weekends, holidays & weekends all town & village Farmacias work on a rota system meaning that there will always be cover & a Farmacia that is open.

Most Spanish Farmacias are able to provide you with emergency medication including antibiotics over the counter without you having to visit a clinic or doctor.
Many can also check your blood pressure, weight BMI, cholesterol & can also do glucose tests too.

Convalescing & after care is generally something that is not provided by the Spanish healthcare system as this is generally provided by the families at home.

Also, healthcare provisions vary from area to area & in the smaller villages, particularly inland of Spain, the health centres will not provide you with as comprehensive a system as say, for example the health centres in the resort towns or bigger cities. If you have someone who requires on-going treatment in your family this is something to consider when deciding where to live upon your arrival in Spain.

If you are retired & living in Spain without family close by, you need to ensure that the local facilities are adequate & suitable as you grow older in Spain.

Useful Words

doctor - doctor
enfermera - nurse
medicina or medicamento - medicine
medicación - medication
médico - medical
hospital - hospital
centro de salud - health centre
Siento enfermo - I feel unwell/sick
¿Puede usted ayudarme? - Can you help me?