DOCTORS (GPs, Dentists, ...)

Throughout Spain there are excellent doctors called medicos but depending on where you live it might be difficult to find a doctor that speaks English, especially in rural areas. In the major Spanish cities and tourist areas there is a number of English-speaking Spanish and foreign doctors, including American, British, German and Scandinavian practitioners. If you go to a medical centre (Centro de Salud) you will often find volunteer interpreters to help out with language problems.

Many embassies and consulates in Spain maintain a list of English-speaking doctors and specialists in their area (or doctors speaking their national language) and your employer, colleagues, friends or neighbours may be able to recommend someone what is always better than searching your doctor on your own. If you want to change your doctor you can do it without any problems.

If you go to a medical centre they will usually have several doctors and even if you cannot always get the same doctor they try to provide you regularity. Before going to a medical centre you must make an appointment, whereas a lot of doctors with their own office take patients in order in which they arrive.

When you are visiting your Spanish doctor for the first time you will have to show him or the receptionist your EHIC card or your Spanish medical card. They will put your details on their computer so that they can also see whether you are a pensioner (which covers also disabilities) or an activo which means that you are capable of paying for prescriptions.

DENTISTS

Dentists in Spain are private doctors so that they will always charge you even if you pay social security contributions. The dental service in Spain is generally very good and efficient and most of the dentists have access to the latest facilities in dental technology. Dentist treating in Spain is not overly expensive as the costs for a normal check up lie usually between 17 and 40 €. One way to cut down on your dentists bill is to have adequate dental insurance which can be purchased from the main insurers starting at as little as 10€ a month. Although the insurance will not cover the whole bill, it can reduce it by up to 50%.

To find a dentist in Spain you can search the Yellow Pages but if possible it would be also a good idea to go to a dentist that a friend personally recommends. There are also some English speaking dentists all over Spain . Some of them even offer the first consultation for free.

Go back to "Health system in Spain"