Doctors & Insurance in Spain

Visiting a doctor in Spain

Seeing a doctor in a foreign country can always be a daunting experience, but rest assured that you are most definitely in safe hands with those you might visit in Spain. The first thing that you need before anything though is proof that you’re from the EU (if you are) which entitles you to free healthcare in the country. Without this small credit-card sized piece of plastic you might face the most ridiculous fee no matter how short the consultation.
You can usually apply for this card online before you go: www.direct.gov.uk and then carry it with you wherever you go in case of emergency.

To register with a local doctor you will also need to provide proof of the fact that you are living in the area, the necessity of which documents you need prove this varies depending on where you are registering but if you can, its better to take everything official that you have with you. It’s also important to ensure that you are not registering with a private doctor, as you will most definitely have to pay a fee for these services. The best way to make sure that you will be entitled to free treatment is to present your EHIC card before seeing a doctor, that way you will be put on the correct register. Once this process is complete you will receive a Spanish Health Card which will allow you to book appointments and receive health care. You will be able to claim back a decent chunk of money spent on prescriptions and due to the fact that the majority of drugs are available over the counter in Spain, prices aren’t necessarily high anyway.

There are a number of multi-lingual doctors spread around the country and it is very easy to locate these through an internet search or asking at your local surgery. When talking about health, it is very important to ensure that you can describe your illness as thoroughly as possible in Spanish if you must see a Spanish speaking doctor, otherwise it’s worth rooting out someone that you can communicate with easily.

In terms of dentistry, there are few, if any, state-run dentists still in practice meaning that any dentistry work that you will receive will be charged and your EHIC will not be accepted.

Insurance

No matter how long you plan to stay in Spain, it is highly recommended that you take out your own, private travel insurance with a reputable company. Although your EHIC is extremely beneficial when it comes to healthcare, insurance will cover you for everything else such as robbery and serious injury. Different types of insurance are available depending on your circumstances and plans, for example there are special deals available for students studying or working abroad, family holidays and long-term residences etc.
If you have already secured a job abroad, it is also advised that you enquire with your company as to whether or not they cover you already, this usually happens within large, international companies. If this is the case, you can suit your personal insurance package to your needs, which will probably work out as a cheaper option.

There are hundreds of companies offering various levels of travel insurance, most of which will be aimed to suit your personal needs, but it is advised that you get quotes from as many providers as possible in order to ensure that you get the best deal. However, you should always keep in mind that the cheapest isn’t necessarily the best, so make sure that you read the small print!