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    Spanish Health System    Private Health Insurance in Spain    International Health Insurance      See also: Madrid Restaurant Menus	Getting medicine in Spain If you have a minor health problem in Spain (anything from a cold to a rash to a dull pain), you may be able to avoid the doctor by going straight to a farmacia (pharmacy/chemist). In cities and large towns, you never have to go far to find a pharmacy – just look for the green cross. After hours and during holidays, you can usually find a farmacia de guardia that is open. To find the farmacia de guardia near you, look in the local newspaper, online, or on the window of any farmacia for a list.   Pharmacists in Spain can consult on minor health problems and give you the appropriate medication. Many Spaniards (and expats) self-prescribe medicine as well. If the pharmacist says you need a receta (prescription), you will need to go to a doctor. However, there are few things a chemist will not give you, and it varies from place to place. You may get turned down for antibiotics, birth control pills, or strong painkillers in one place, but the pharmacist on the next block hands it over without problems.   Pre-existing conditions and filling prescriptions from home If you are bringing medications or prescriptions from your home country, ask your doctor to write down the generic name and main ingredients. This will help the doctors and pharmacists in Spain find the appropriate Spanish equivalent for you. You should also carry your medications in the original containers and have them clearly labeled (to avoid problems at airport customs).   If you have a preexisting medical condition, bring a letter from your home physician – if possible, get it translated into Spanish. You may also want to bring enough medication to last for the duration of your stay in Spain, or at least until your next trip home.   Getting new glasses or contacts in Spain One of my favorite things about Spain is that you can get free, basic eye exams at most optical stores. So if you need a new pair of glasses or contact lenses and you can say the letters of the alphabet in Spanish, just go to the closest optician and ask for a "revisión de graduación". They will probably ask if you want gafas (glasses) or lentes/lentillas (contact lenses). If you want both, say "ambas cosas" (both).   Add to del.icio.us | Digg this   spanish health system -- private health insurance in spain -- international health insurance providers
	© Copyright allthingsspain.net 2008 ~ privacy policy ~ contact ~ site map