The Spanish public health system is usually efficient, usually good, sometimes great and other times not so great. It is similar to most public health systems.
In the Ayamonte area it is unusual to come across a Doctor who speaks fluent English but this is improving and there are now Doctors in the local health centre who speak enough English to understand and be understood.The Andalucian Council now also have a special teletranslation service available to all non-Spanish speaking patients,simply get the doctor to call 902 505 060 and a translator will act between you and the doctor. It’s a free service.
When first coming to Spain you will probably have an E.H.I.C. (European Health Insurance Card – the replacement of the E111) and this is valid for approx 3 months, ideally while you are a visitor in the country and not a resident. If you do not have one you can apply online at the Department of Health website.
This will give you free medical treatment through the public health service. If you receive private medical care you will have to pay for this and, in most circumstances, you will not be able to claim the money back when you return to the U.K.
When you receive any medical attention show your E.H.I.C. card to make it clear to the Doctor that you are a E.E.C. citizen with the appropriate papers for free medical care.
The E.H.I.C. card lasts for five years so keep a note on when it has to be renewed.
When you decide to make Spain your permanent home you should apply for a Spanish Social Security card (Cartilla de la Seguridad Social)
If you have reached retirement age you are entitled to this card. It will cover you and your wife or husband.
If you are working in Spain then your employer will fill in all the necessary paperwork and you will receive the card in the post between 4-8 weeks from starting work.
Any children under the age of 16 and the husband or wife of the person working will also be entitled to Social Security cover.
If you are self-employed you will also be entitled to cover under the Spanish Social security system.
If you do not plan to work and are not of retirement age then you will have to take out private medical cover.
Dentistry is not covered by the Social Security so you will have to pay for this. It is not as expensive as it is in the UK and dotted around the town you will see various signs for Dentists.
There is one health centre in Ayamonte and if you would like to register with a doctor you should take your certificate from the town hall that states where you live (empadronamiento), your identity card or passport and your social security number. The nearest hospitals are in Huelva, about 45minutes drive away. If you have to see a specialist then you will probably be sent to one of the two hospitals in Huelva.
There is an intensive care ambulance in the area and if anything serious were to occur then the ambulance should reach you quickly, with all the hi-tech equipment necessary to treat even the most serious emergencies.
There are lots of medical terms which are similar in Spanish and English and with a little vocabulary and a lot of patience you can usually make yourself understood.