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Emergency
The
emergency phone number is 112, valid and free in the entire Spanish
territory.
How
does the Spanish Health Care System work?
The
Spanish National Health Care System has a vast network of medical centres
and hospitals, spread across the country. ?They offer all primary care
services, as well as specialised attention.
As
a citizen of the European Union, what should I know about health care in
Spain?
You
are entitled to free medical and hospital care:
Having
shown your European Health Card (EHC), you will be seen by a GP at a local
health centre or at your accommodation if you are unable to make the
journey. If you need to see a specialist or go into hospital, the GP will
give you the relevant medical certificate or referral. Accident and
Emergency services are available at hospitals.
You
will require your European Health Card (EHC):
From
1 July 2004, the European Health Card will replace the current temporary
stay forms - principally the E-111 and E-128. It entitles you to the same
medical care as before, identical to that received by Spanish citizens. It
is valid for the period shown on the card.
It
is available from the relevant healthcare organisation in your country of
origin. Private doctors and hospitals in Spain do not accept the European
Health Card. If you require private healthcare you must settle your own
bills or take out an insurance policy that covers it.
When
are forms still necessary?
If
you need hemodialysis or any other type of specific treatment during your
stay in Spain, you will need the E-112 form, as well as authorisation from
the relevant institution in your country of origin. Remember that the
following are not covered in Spain: dental treatment (apart from emergency
extractions) and repatriation for medical treatment.
If
you forget your European Health Card (EHC):
You
will have to pay any hospital, medical or pharmaceutical bills in advance,
and then seek reimbursement from the relevant organisation in your country
of origin, providing all receipts.
Remember
that the European Health Card is not valid if you have travelled to Spain
in order to receive specific medical treatment. The same applies to all
other EU countries.
Some
countries do not use the European Health Card yet. If this is the case,
you should travel with the relevant document from your country, which has
been designated valid until the new card is introduced. In any case, you
should contact the relevant office in your country of origin for full
details regarding current requirements to receive medical care in Spain.
If
I am not a citizen of the European Union, what should I know about health
care in Spain?
Countries
that follow European Community rules: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and
Liechtenstein.
They enjoy the same health care benefits as member countries.
Countries with which Spain has bilateral agreements: Andorra, Brazil,
Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
You will receive free medical care and hospitalisation in the case of a
medical emergency, or accident, by showing the corresponding certificate
from your country of origin. If you forget your certificate, you will have
to pay upfront for hospitalisation, doctors, and medicines, and then ask
your insurance provider or health care service to refund your expenses,
always showing your receipts.
Other countries:
Although you will be treated in case of emergency, you will need to pay
for medical attention, so you are advised to purchase health insurance.
In any case, we recommend that you find out from your health insurance
provider, or social care institution, about their requirements and
policies about getting medical attention in Spain.
Spain,
one of the safest countries:
In any case, in general terms, Spain is one of the safest countries in
Europe for tourists who come to visit us.
As anywhere else, you should take basic safety measures…
You should avoid desolate, or poorly lit areas. It is recommended that you
only carry on you the amount of money you will need for each outing. Pay
special attention in areas with large groups of people, such as when
getting on and off public transport or in department stores. If possible,
try to park in a place where they will watch your car. When driving in the
city, keep the doors locked until you decide to leave your vehicle, and
when you do so avoid leaving valuables inside.
Keep in mind this advice from experts on public safety:
Prevention
is the best way to avoid unpleasant incidents.
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