Understanding Healthcare in Spain..

Health-and-Fitness:Health Care

It can be a scary and confusing situation. You’re enjoying time in Spain when you suddenly fall ill. Now what should you do? Whether you’re planning to visit Spain or to take up permanent residency there, you should be prepared with some basic information about healthcare in Spain.

National Healthcare System

Like the UK, Spain has a national healthcare system. It provides free healthcare to citizens, foreign residents of Spain, and their respective dependants. Anyone who is employed in Spain and contributes to the Spanish social security system is covered under the national health plan. Additionally, retirees and pensioners from other EU countries are also covered.

The national healthcare system in Spain is generally very good. Much like the UK, emergent and urgent needs are handled in a timely manner but there’s usually a waiting list for elective procedures and surgeries. In more densely populated and tourist-focused areas, especially along the coastline, you’ll generally find the greatest number of healthcare providers and facilities. You’re also more likely to find practitioners who speak English in such areas. In more rural interior areas, though, healthcare is generally harder to find and you’re much less likely to find providers who speak English.

Private Healthcare Coverage

Spain also has a comprehensive private healthcare system that co-exists right alongside the public system. In fact, the private system is operated in a manner to compliment the public system and public patients are often referred to private practitioners when they need specialized care or services.

If you plan to be in Spain long term or take up permanent residency there you should consider obtaining private health insurance. There are a number of plans that are specifically designed for UK citizens who live in Spain, especially along the popular coastal areas. Coverage does vary with such policies, though, so read the details carefully. Make sure you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered, especially if you have ongoing healthcare needs.

What To Take With You

There is some basic healthcare information you should take along with you when you go to Spain. For tourists and visitors this includes details about any chronic health issues, medications currently taken, and emergency contact information. If you’re a long term or permanent foreign resident you should have a more detailed listing of your health history plus copies of your prescriptions. Most people are surprised to find that many medications that require prescriptions in other countries are available over the counter in Spain; however, they can be very expensive so it’s usually better to use a prescription and take advantage of the drug coverage provide via your healthcare system.

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