ALL THINGS SPAIN

Guide for Expats in Spain    Before Moving to Spain    Housing in Spain    Jobs in Spain    Banking in Spain    Health Care in Spain    Communications in Spain    Legal Issues in Spain    Learning the Language in Spain   Guide for traveling in Spain    Accommodation in Spain    Transportation in Spain    Safety in Spain    Health Care for Tourists in Spain    Emergency Numbers in Spain    Other Useful Info    Where to Buy Spanish Products    Books on Spain   More on Health Care in Spain    Private Health Insurance in Spain    International Health Insurance    Glasses and Prescriptions      See also: Madrid Restaurant Menus	Who can receive medical care in Spain? Spain’s public health system provides treatment for all Spanish citizens and all foreigners contributing to social security who can present a tarjeta sanitaria (health card). EU citizens visiting Spain are automatically entitled to the same care as Spaniards through agreements with the national health systems of EU countries. (Find out about the European Health Insurance Card for EU citizens.)   Non-EU citizens without Spanish residency need to have private health insurance. EU citizens who plan to stay in Spain without contributing to social security will also need a private health insurance plan.   What to do in a medical emergency in Spain In a life-or-death situation, go to the nearest hospital. Private or public, insured or not, it doesn’t matter. ALL HOSPITALS IN SPAIN – BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC – MUST PROVIDE CARE IN A LIFE-OR-DEATH EMERGENCY SITUATION.   If you need an ambulance, call 112. In bigger cities, they may have English-speaking operators. To request an ambulance in Spanish, say:             "¡Necesito una ambulancia!” (“I need an ambulance!”) “¡Es urgente!”  (“It’s an emergency!”)   In an emergency situation that is not a matter of life or death: if you have a tarjeta sanitaria, go to the nearest public hospital. if you have private insurance, go to the nearest private hospital.   Sanidad Pública (Spanish National Public Health System) The public health care in Spain receives high marks from Spaniards and foreigners alike. The main complaint is the wait time for operations and other non-emergency procedures. For this reason, many residents covered by the Spanish public health system supplement their health coverage with a private health insurance plan to receive more timely care (though perhaps not as good) at private facilities.   You must request the tarjeta sanitaria at the Centro de Salud closest to your house. You will receive the card by mail in about two weeks. You will need to submit your: proof of empadronamiento, tarjeta de la Seguridad Social (Social Security), and NIE.   Primary care is provided through a médico de cabecera (family doctor). You cannot see a specialist unless your family doctor refers you or in the case of emergency. The wait time for an appointment with a family doctor in Spain is often as short as one or two days; however, you may have to wait several months to see a specialist or have surgery.   English-speaking doctors in Spain Even if you have an excellent level of Spanish, you may feel more comfortable visiting an English-speaking doctor. Your local embassy or consulate should have a list of English-speaking physicians in your area. Your private insurer may be able to help as well.   Add to del.icio.us | Digg this
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