|
HEALTH SYSTEM IN SPAIN
When you are living in Spain you should prepare yourself for the case that you or a member of your family needs medical assistance. You should collect information about medical insurance in Spain and also look for the nearest doctors and hospitals as well as a chemist and a pharmacy.
 The Spanish public health system provides free or low cost health care for those contributing to Spanish social security plus their families and retirees (including those from other EU countries). Usually all foreign employees working for Spanish companies and self-employed foreigners in Spain must contribute to Spanish social security. The public health benefits in Spain include general and specialist medical care, hospitalization, laboratory services, discounted drugs and medicines, basic dental care, maternity care, appliances and transportation. As the social security in Spain covers only about 75% of the cost of treatment, you will have to pay the other 25% or you will have to contract a supplementary insurance or a private health insurance. If your home country is no member of the European Union and also has no reciprocal health agreement with Spain , you will have to contract private health insurance in Spain. As a citizen of the European Union you will receive free medical care when visiting Spain but you should bring the European Health Identity Card (EHIC) that you can get from your health insurer in your home country. But this card will not be accepted by private doctors and private hospitals in Spain . If you require private healthcare you must ensure that you have an adequate insurance policy or pay your own bills at the time. If you will stay in Spain for a longer period you will have to get a Spanish medical card (Tarjeta de Seguridad Social) from your local Social Security Office (INSS - Oficina del Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social) in Spain . Applying for the card is not very difficult and you should receive it within a very short time.
 Would you also like to know about...
|
