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.