Getting health insurance in Spain
When you start living in Spain, you will most probably be interested in how the
Spanish Social Security system works. Your 'Gestor' will organise the mountain
of paperwork that is need to get your Spanish Social Security card organised,
if you don't wish to do it yourself.
Spanish social security plan
If you are a Spanish resident you will be entitled to free medical assistance,
just like any Spanish national. Visting the doctor, dentist or the hospital are
all covered under this plan, although, you will be assigned a medical
proffesional in your area, you will not be free to choose.
Spanish speaking doctors
It is quite possible that your assigned doctor will speak only Spanish.
Although this is not a problem for most of their patients, it may be for you.
It is quite acceptable to take along a friend to help translate for you. Most
doctors on the Costa Blanca are used to having expatriate patients, be they
British, German, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, etc. Please don't 'expect' them to
speak English, although many do.
Private medical insurance
Many residents decide on taking out private medical insurance while in Spain.
There are many insurance companies here in Spain who offer health insurance for
expatriate residents. A good idea is to find a doctor with whom you feel
comfortable and ask him or her which insurance companies they are associated
with. That way you can be sure to get the doctor of your choice.
Private medical insurance cost
You may not need to pay much for your medical insurance here in Spain.
Obviously it depends on your current state of health and any special needs you
may have. It is worth shopping around and weighing up the pros and cons of the
services offered and those you are likely to need.
Spanish private hospitals and clinics
There are many insurance agents here on the Costa Blanca who specialise in
these schemes, so take your choice. Many of them have their own clinics and
hospitals, with the latest facilities available to their clients.
Disclaimer
The information on these pages is intended as a general guide only and in no
way is
intended to be definitive.
For more information you should contact a legal authority.
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