The Spanish healthcare system is one of the best in Europe and offers an excellent service to both residents and non-residents. Depending on whether you are planning to become a permanent resident, or visiting for a short period there are a number of different services available.

Requirements for non-residents

If you are planning to visit Spain for up to 6 months of the year, you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which replaces the old E111 form. The EHIC can be used to cover any necessary medical treatment due to an accident or illness. The EHIC entitles the holder to the same medical treatment and service as that of a person paying medical insurance. You will, however, have to use the healthcare provided by the Spanish national health service (INSS). If you go to a private doctor or hospital you will have to pay.

The EHIC does not cover you for most types of non urgent treatment and treatment for ongoing conditions.

You can apply online for this card by visiting www.dh.gov.uk or go to your nearest post office for an application form.

Requirements for residents

If you have contributed to the National Health Service in the U.K. and are planning to stay for long periods of time or become a resident then you will need two E-121 forms. One of these forms will need to be registered with the local health centre (Centro de Salud) and the other should be kept for your own use.
You will eventually receive a card in the post identifying you as a person entitled to use the services provided by the INSS. It will also have the name of the medic and the location of your health centre.

Please remember that most medical staff do not speak English, even in resort areas. In some tourist towns a voluntary translator is occasionally available, but it is a good idea to find out if this is available, on your arrival.

The emergency number for Spain is 112.

Private health insurance is also widely available with many packages aimed at British ex-pats. Some policies only cover for emergency treatment or an ambulance to the nearest medical facility. You may have to pay for any treatment received after that. Please check your policy and be aware of what it covers.

Here are some Spanish phrases that you may find beneficial:

Hospital
Hospital

Emergency department
Urgencias

Surgery hours
horas de consulta

I need a doctor.
Necesito un medico.

My son/daughter is ill.
Mi hijo/hija está enfermo(a).

He/she has a temperature.
Tiene fiebre.

Is there a translator available?
¿Hay un traductor disponible?

Where can I get a translator?
¿Dónde puedo conseguir un traductor?

The Dentist

Most health centres have a dentist who will provide treatment for those registered with the social security system free of charge. You will also find a dentist offering emergency treatment in Spanish hospitals. It can often be difficult to get an appointment as waiting lists can be long. Private dentists are widely available and the costs can be considerably less than in the U.K. You can expect to pay around 10 euros for a check up or 50 euros for a filling.

There have been mixed reactions to the level of treatment on offer. Some say the dentists are very good while others say it is very poor. Just be aware of this before you go.

Below are some useful phrases you may need:

I need a dentist.
Necesito un dentista.

He/she has toothache.
Tiene dolor de muelas.

It hurts (me).
Me duele.

Can you give me something for the pain?
¿Puede darme algo para el dolor?

¿Cuánto me va a costar?

The Chemist (farmacia)

You will find plenty of chemist shops anywhere in Spain. These are called farmacia and have a green cross sign outside the shop.

Many medicines that are only available on prescription in the U.K are available over the counter at chemists in Spain. These include asthma pumps and antibiotics. Prescriptions are 60% cheaper if you are a registered with the Spanish social security or free if you are a pensioner.

Here are some useful words and phrases:

Duty chemist.
Farmacia de guardia

Prescription.
Receta médica

I don’t feel well. Have you something for …?
¿Me encuentro mal. ¿Tien algo para …?

A headache.
El dolor de cabeza.

Sickness
El mareo de coche.

Diarrhoea
La diarrea.

Is it safe for children? How much should I give?
¿Lo pueden fomar los niños? ¿Cuánto le doy?

antiseptic
El antiseptic

aspirin
La aspirina

plaster
Las tiritas

sore throat
El dolor de garganta