Country Guide to Spain

Health in Spain

Health Risks

Tourist resorts are vulnerable to Legionnaries Disease. Leishmaniasis and Rabies are also prevalent in Spain. The high-risk individuals should consult a doctor for vaccination.

Health Care

If the nationals of European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are suddenly taken ill or met with an accident during a visit to any of these countries, they can seek free or reduced-cost necessary treatment, depending on State policies, to be provided by the State, by producing a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The EHIC replaces the redundant Form E111. However, before treatment, make sure that the medical practitioner works within the Spanish state health service.

At some remote places within the country, you may have to travel a considerable distance to receive qualified medical help. If calling a doctor by phone, tell him/her that you have an EHIC and want treatment under EU arrangements.

Dental treatment in outside the purview of EHIC related treatments.

Spanish doctors have different surgery timings for private patients and those availing State Health Service. Medicines prescribed are easily available from any pharmacy (farmacia). Unless you are an EEA pensioner for whom medicines are available free of cost, you’ll have to shell out up to 40% of the cost of medicines.

If you require a hospital treatment, usually the doctor will arrange for your admission. To receive the benefits, you must produce your EHIC. For more information, you can consult Servicio Regional de Salud (Regional Health Service Officers).

For more details of the new EHIC please refer to the Foreign Commonwealth Office website