Sun, 22 November 2009
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Tony Roberts has lived in Spain since 2001. He frequently writes about his experiences in this popular expat destination and is a regular contributor to both Spanish magazine and A Place in the Sun. Tony writes about his first experience with healthcare in Spain.Whenever we think of healthcare in a foreign land, we immediately think, will it be expensive and of the same quality as what we are used to? In fact, the quality of healthcare in Spain is excellent and many doctors and nurses speak English.
The health service is run along a two-tier system similar to that in the UK. The first tier is the National Health Service and the second is the private health care sector, which is covered by health insurance. Whether you are a native of Spain or a British citizen, if you are making social security contributions then you immediately qualify for the National Health Service. Otherwise, it is best to have some kind of private health insurance. We have personally experienced both sides of the Spanish healthcare system.
However, with the rise in older men developing problems with their prostrate and my awareness of prostrate cancer, I decided I needed to see a doctor for a check-up. Not being eligible for the Spanish health service at the time meant I had to go private. I had this dreaded feeling that this is going to cost a fortune. Not necessarily so.
The couple that we rented our villa from in Mojacar recommended an English-speaking lady doctor in Garrucha and we found, to our surprise, that her fee was only EUR 40 per consultation. On my first visit, all my details were entered into the computer and then a comprehensive examination was done including arrangements for a blood test.
Excellent Article and obviously well informed. May I suggest you also cover domicilliary care workers and what to watch out for. I helped a "dom care" franchise set up in Malaga region (Asistencia y Salud) and it is an interesting topic, particularly for expats who may be used to their own national system. Good luck
My husband is registered as unable to work in England following a stroke. His company retired him on pension. We moved to Spain last year and, using the 121 reciprocal arrangement, we registered with our local Health Centre and can make an apointment over the internet in Andalucia. We collect medications from the local pharmacy once a month by handing over our "medical" plastic card
He does not pay for his normal prescriptions. As his wife I am registered under him and I would not have to pay for "normal" prescriptions either, even though I am only 55. I DO however have to pay for my HRT prescriptions, as this is not an essential prescription. It is twice as expensive as NHS prescription rates because again I only get one month at a time
An appointment for my husband to see the dermatologist at our local hospital was arranged by our surgery. We arrived early at the door on the floor specified and handed our appointment confirmation to the nurse when she appeared with a patient who came out, then waited 30 mins.
Dead on time we were called but only to be told
we needed a HOSPITAL record number. We were directed downstairs where we queued for a further 45 mins. Admittedly we were seen by the dermatologist as soon as the next patient came out but we could have got this record set up several days before our actual appointment HAD WE KNOWN.
We have had a long holiday to Australia and in order to carry enough medication for our trip we had to go back to the doctor for a special prescription to provide 3 months medication at one time. On returning we found that our previous "long term prescription" had been cancelled and we had to return to the surgery, make an appointment again and then he reinstated the instruction to provide medication on a monthly basis.
We all find these things out "by trial and error" or from another person who has been through it!! Hope this helps somebody else.
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