HEALTH, HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS
At its best, the health and medical care provided in Spain equals any available in Europe and in many cases is better.
However standards vary across the country with public medicine being scant in many of the inland areas of low population. This is a point to consider when looking for somewhere to live if you or your children or elderly relatives have ongoing medical conditions that might need emergency treatment.
Another point to consider is that Spain takes a different view to rehabilitation, convalescence and terminal illness, leaving care in these cases usually to the relatives. There are very few public nursing and retirement homes, very few hospices and convalescence homes. However, the Spanish are among the world's healthiest people and have an average life expectancy of 80 for women and 74 for men, the highest in the EU. The incidence of heart disease in Spain is among the lowest in the world, a fact attributed to the Spanish Mediterranean diet.
As with the UK, Spain has a public (national) health system which provides free or low cost health care for those contributing to Spanish social security systems and their dependants. The system also caters for pensioners and includes those from other EU countries. The country has an excellent system of private medicine and this exists easily alongside the State system with both operated so as to compliment each other. There are many English-speaking health practitioners in the more densely populated and tourist areas. Health factors associated with Spain
The Eastern Mediterranean areas of Spain are amongst the healthiest places in the world to live, a fact endorsed by the World Health Organisation. Spain has a number of different climates with the damp and misty north and the hot arid south being the most extreme.Rheumatism and arthritis sufferers frequently note a huge improvement in their conditions after moving to Spain and an increase in mobility. People who suffer from stress often note a marked improvement as the pace of life is slower than in many European countries and the change in lifestyle in a warm and sunny climate generally makes people happier, less prone to colds and with boosted immune systems. Hay fever or asthma sufferers may find the high levels of airborne pollen during spring difficult to cope with although this is likely to be less of a problem if you live within a mile or two of the sea.
SUN DAMAGE
The incidence of skin cancer is higher in Spain than that experienced in the United Kingdom or other Northern European countries and people from these latitudes suffer a greater risk of contracting the disease. If detected earlier enough it can be treated and many seaside towns now have visiting melanoma detection units that will screen you for no cost and refer you to a health practitioner where necessary.
There are tremendous medical benefits to the Spanish sunshine that more than outweigh the slight risks associated with it.
e111
Those planning to stay in Spain for no longer than three months should bring Form E111 from the UK. This will entitle the holder to free reciprocal emergency health care during their stay in Spain. If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to any of these countries, free or reduced-cost emergency treatment is available in most cases on production of a valid Form E111. Only state-provided emergency treatment is covered, and you will receive treatment on the same terms as nationals of the country you are visiting. Private treatment is generally not covered, and state-provided treatment may not cover all of the things that you would expect to receive free of charge from the NHS.
You are eligible to obtain Form E111 if you are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom and you are a national of the UK. The form is available in any main post office or travel agent. Fill in the application form at the back of the booklet as well as form E111 itself, in accordance with the instructions in the booklet. Hand over the completed forms at the post office where the form E111 will be stamped and signed and returned to you. The E111 is free; you will not have to pay for its issue. Keep it safe, preferably with your passport, and carry it with you when travelling within the Spain. There is no time limit on the E111. It remains valid indefinitely so long as you remain ordinarily resident in the UK.
Form E111 covers you, your spouse and your dependant children up to the age of 16, or 19 if they are still in full time education. It will also cover an unmarried partner if you have children together. When your children pass these ages they can get an E111 in their own right. Always keep a photocopy of your E111 form with the original. This is important in Spain as a photocopy is required as well as your original E111. You will be given back your E111 but the photocopy will be kept. However, in some countries the original E111 may be kept by the authorities. Dental treatment is not generally provided under the state system. The costs will not be reimbursed.
Non-Emergency Treatment in Spain
Form E112 Form E111 will not cover you for free or reduced-cost treatment if you are going to Spain specifically for medical care, or if you require ongoing treatment for a pre-existing condition. For this, you will need Form E112 which is not issued automatically but requires authorisation from the Department of Health. Unless you have an E112, you will have to pay for the treatment you receive and you will not be able to obtain a refund of the costs. For pre-existing conditions that will require treatment during your time abroad - eg, blood tests, medication or injections, etc. apply by letter enclosing details, including dates of treatment, supporting medical evidence from your GP and a copy of your E111 to the following address: Department of Health - International Branch Room 542A Richmond House 79 Whitehall London SW1A 2NS Tel: 020 7210 4850 Form E112 is only available where a clear need for on-going treatment is established. The form is not available on a ‘just in case’ basis. If you need maternity care write to the above address explaining why you want care outside the UK and enclose a copy of your E111 and evidence from your GP or midwife of your expected date of confinement.