Health
Visiting: If you are visiting Spain
for a short period of time, there are reciprocal agreements
in place between Spain and the UK entitling you to use
the Spanish National Healthcare system. You will need
a Form E1-11, obtainable from your local post office.
For those of you who have been in possession of an E1-11
for some time, there has been a change in procedure
and the E1-11 Form is now only valid if it has been
issued on or before 19 August 2004. (This system is
due to be replaced on 31/12/05 by the European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC)). You can apply on line for an
E1-11 Form and/or register for an EHIC by visiting the
UK Department of Health website,
www.dh.gov.uk. One
application will be needed, per person. Please note,
however, that, when in Spain, you must ensure you are
visiting a Spanish National Health clinic (Centro de
Salud) and take care to stress that you are seeking
treatment under the E1-11. Take at least one photocopy
of the form with you, along with your passport. There
are many private clinics and surgeries operating in
Spain and hotels often have agreements in place with
them and will automatically call a private practitioner.
Most people obtain holiday travel insurance as added
security and this is recommended, in case of emergency.
Resident: In order to register at
your local Centro de Salud you will need to be paying
into the Spanish Social Security system. If this is
the case, you take your “Tarjeta de Securigad
Social” (your card quoting your Social Security
and NIE/NIF Number) and proof of residence (called a
“Padron”, obtainable from your local council
office “Ayuntamiento”). Your child can then
be registered with a paediatrician at your local Centro
de Salud. Many people relocating to Spain consider private
health cover. There are many companies you can obtain
quotes from offering to obtain quotes for Expats living
or working abroad (e.g. www.phaexpat.com).
It is worthwhile taking the time to investigate fully
the facilities on offer, their relevance to your region
and, of course, value for money.
Unlike Britain and some other countries, vaccination
is compulsory in Spain if you wish your child to be
enrolled in a Spanish school.
Do be aware that the climate in Spain is very hot and
your child’s skin will need to be protected with
a suitable sun block or very high factor sunscreen throughout
the year. Also, the old adage of “don’t
drink the water” still applies. Tap water is fine
for bathing and brushing your teeth and mineral water
for drinking is available cheaply in local supermarkets;
“Aqua sin gas” for still mineral water and
“Aqua con gas” for sparkling water.
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