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Spain has free reciprocal basic health agreements with other
European Community members. Visiting EU nationals should be
sure to carry an E111. These are available from post offices
in the UK. This covers emergency treatment whilst on holiday
or short- term visit.
When you become a resident and pay social security you, and
your family, will be allocated to a clinic/doctor within the
public health system. The private health system has two tiers.
Medical insurance companies like Signa, Caja Salud, Adesias
and Sanitas have their own hospitals, clinics, laboratory
and radiology centres. They provide the some sort of health
coverage as the public system, though you pay for it through
your premium payments.
Other private companies use the public services on an as
and when needed basis. They pay the Hospital directly for
these services.
Patients normally do usually not have to wait as long. Private
health companies can insist on a policyholder using a doctor
who is a member of their group. You may not always have a
free choice of doctors. Most, however, have arrangements,
which will reimburse 80 percent of the fees charged by doctors
outside the group.
If you have a minor complaint, the local "farmacia"
or chemist is a good starting point. These are marked by a
green cross. Pharmacists are well trained and usually prepared
to give advice. Do bear in mind that they didn't go to medical
school - and sometimes speak English.
Chemists are normally open from 9am-1pm and then again from
4-7pm. Most operate a rota system for 24-hour coverage with
a list of the nearest one that is open posted on the door.
Under Spanish law, pharmacies must sell you the cheapest brand
of medication if that's what you ask for.
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