Public health care in Spain is freely available and there are also excellent provisions for private medical insurance as well. If you are intersted in moving to Spain read this report and find out what provisions best suit you.
Public Health Care
You can qualify for free health care in Spain if you or your employer pays your Social Security contributions. Social Security contributions will only cover 75% of the cost of most treatments received and you will therefore be required to either pay the remainder. If you are a tourist or non-resident, a registered European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is sufficient for most emergency health situations in Spain. Dental care, other than emergency tooth extraction, is not covered and Private hospitals or doctors will not accept the EHIC. The treatment UK residents receive on temporary visits to Spain is equivalent to that received by Spanish nationals, and may vary from that offered in the UK.
The EHIC can be obtained online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by calling (from outside the UK) 0044 191 203 5555. It is issued free of charge.
Repatriation due to illness is not covered by reciprocal agreements and private insurance is strongly recommended to cover such costs or to provide a choice of clinics or doctors.
Private Medical Insurance
Before you travel, always arrange travel insurance with health cover that is adequate for your destination. If you are unsure, talk to your insurer. The level of medical cover should be at least £1million for Europe. Take out a policy that has the benefit of a 24-hour emergency service. Serious accidents or illness will all be managed by the assistance company who will make any necessary arrangements, such as repatriation, and provide help and advice. No matter where you are going to travel, always check that your medical cover is adequate to meet whatever expenses you may incur. Always examine the conditions and exclusions of the policy and talk to your insurer if in any doubt.
Pre-existing conditions.
Declare anything that you think might affect the cover, such as current or past medical conditions. Otherwise you may not be covered by your policy.
Private Health Care in Spain
Sanitas is one of Spain’s largest private medical insurers, many expats sign up to this comprehensive service that covers a wide range of treatments. Rates vary with types of cover and age but are generally much cheaper than the private medical insurance in most northern European countries. We are able to advise on prices of this service, for further information, contact us to help with your enquiries.
Helicopteros Sanitarios are another private health care service but specialise in primary response cover. If you are in need of a doctor on call their 24 hour ambulance service is extremely good and quite reasonably priced. We are also able to provide this service.
