The good news if you’re planning to buy a property in Spain is that the healthcare is among the best in Europe. The excellent state SALUD system is one of the best in Europe, far outperforming Britain’s NHS, and is complemented by a first-class private sector available through Spanish and international medical insurance companies. Like the rest of the country, the Costas offers superb facilities.
UK & European Non-Resident Visitors
If you’re below retirement age and on a short visit to Spain from the UK, EU or some non-EU European countries, you’re entitled to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment. This will be equivalent to the treatment Spanish nationals receive.
Before you are treated you’ll need to produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, known in Spain as a Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) which has replaced the former E111 form, and several other healthcare forms. You should note that this only covers you for medical emergencies within the state sector and does not include repatriation due to illness, so it’s not an alternative to private insurance.
EU Visiting Pensioners
If you’re a pensioner resident in the EU or European Economic Area (see above) you’re entitled to receive, subject to certain criteria, the same free or low-cost state emergency medical treatment as Spanish pensioners, provided that you are in possession of an E121 form, issued in your country of residence. In the UK, the E121 can be obtained from The Department for Work and Pensions. Contact: 0191 218 7777 or visit http://www.dwp.gov.uk.
You’ll need a separate E121 form per person, which must be shown to the doctor or hospital before receiving treatment. It does not entitle you to non-urgent medical or dental treatment, or repatriation, and is no substitute for private health insurance.
Hospitals in Spain
Spain has lots of major hospitals serving the state and private sector. Many doctors and nurses are fluent in English and there are volunteer translators on hand to help.
Doctors Surgeries and Clinics
There are state-operated medical centres (ambulatorios) in every town and village, offering a wide range of medical services. You may prefer to visit one of the many private GPs, family practitioners and paediatricians in the area. Many allow you to drop in without an appointment, with some open 24 hours a day.
Dentists
There’s a vast network of private dental clinics in the area, but very few state dental practices.
Pharmacies
Chemists or pharmacies are called farmacia in Spanish and they usually have a green or red cross outside. They’re open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8.00pm. Details of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) will be displayed on all pharmacy doors. Non-prescription drugs are only sold in pharmacies in Spain, you won’t find them in supermarkets or elsewhere.
Emergency & Hospital Contact Details
Emergencies operator: 112
Police: 092
Medical: 061
Sea Rescue: 900 202 202
Costa Calida
Hospital Los Arcos
Paseo de Colón 54, Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier.
Tel: 968 570 050
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca
Ctra. Madrid-Cartagena, El Palmar, Murcia.
Tel: 968 369 500
Hospital General Universitario José María Morales Meseguer
C/Marqués de los Vélez, Murcia.
Tel: 968 360 900
Hospital General Universitario Reina Sofía
Avda. Intendente Jorge Palacios 2, Murcia.
Tel: 968 359 000
Hospital Santa María del Rosell
Paseo Alfonso XIII 61, Cartagena.
Tel: 968 504 800
Hospital Rafael Mendez
Ctra. Nacional 340, Km. 589, Lorca.
Tel: 968 445 500
Costa Blanca
Alicante Hospital General de Alicante, Maestro Alonso, 109
Tel: 965 938 300
Alcoy Hospital Virgin de los lliris, Caramanxel, s/n
Tel: 965 374 000
Denia Hospital General Marina Alta Pda. Real de Santa Paula, s/n
Tel: 965 787 091/ 965 787 012
Elche Hospital General de Elche
Tel: 966 679 000
Orihuela Hospital Comarcal de Orihuela Veja Baja Ctra. Almoradi-Orihuela, s/n
Tel: 966 776 166/ 966 776 700
San Vicente del Raspeig Hospital Sant Vicent Lillo Juan,
Tel: 16 965 660 512
Torrevieja Hospital San Jaime, Partida de la Loma s/n
Tel: 03180 Torrevieja (Alicante) 966 921 313
Costa de Almeria
Huercal Overa, La Inmaculada Hospital avda doctora ave parra
Tel: 950 029 000
Hospital de Poniente El Ejido centre Almerimar s/n El Ejido Almeria
Tel: 950 572 020
Hospital Torrecardenas Prje Torecardenas s/n 04009 Almeria
Tel: 952 212 100
Costa del Sol
Hospital Costa del Sol - N-340/A7, Km. 187, Marbella.
Tel: 952 828 250. Website (Spanish only): www.hcs.es
Hospital Regional Carlos Haya - Avda. Carlos Haya, Málaga.
Tel: 951 290 000. The Carlos Haya Group includes:
Hospital Mateo Infantil – (Maternity, Neonatal & Children’s Hospital) – Arroyo de los
Hospital Civil Juan de Dios – (Short Stay & Minor Interventions) –
Hospital Ciudad Jardín – (Palliative Care) – Avda. Jorge Silvela 8 - 10, Málaga.
Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Victoria Campus Universitario de Teatinos, Málaga.
Tel: 952 649 400
Hospital de Torremolinos Sanitario 5, Torremolinos.
Tel: 952 508 030
Hospital de la Serranía de Ronda Ctra. El Burgo, Km. 1, Ronda.
Tel: 951 065 001
Hospital Comarcal de la Axarquía Finca El Tomillar, Velez-Málaga.
Tel: 951 067 010
