Spain is one of the most popular destinations for expats and there is a free universal health care system in Spain, very similar to that in the UK, although to become part of this scheme you need to fulfil some requirements.
However, many Expats will be dismayed to find out that the Spanish health care system is not as simple and effective as many people think.
I have personally witnessed very recently the rather cold, unfriendly and impersonal treatment given to a close relative of mine, who was receiving treatment in a public Hospital in Madrid.
Firstly, the Hospital was crowded with two and sometimes three patients in just one tiny room, which made virtually impossible for family relatives to stay for the night (because there was only 1 old horrible uncomfortable chair).
Secondly, nurses- who barely speak English- were chatting on the lobby, mostly unconcerned about their patients.
Thirdly, Doctors? During my recent 1day visit to the Hospital, I didn’t see any single doctor visiting the patients. The Hospital seemed more concerned with clearing the rooms for the new incoming patients.
Some Authorities might say that although there are waiting lists for operations in the Spanish health services, they are not as long as in the UK, and there is less of a queue because many people choose private healthcare instead, relying on the national health system just for emergencies.
However, I do not quite agree with that assumption. On the contrary, With the economic crisis hitting hard in Spain at the moment, it is getting increasingly difficult to find hospitals and clinics that might be able to provide qualified interpreters.
The inability to speak and understand fluent Spanish can make a visit to the doctor’s or a visit to the hospital more stressful than it should be.
Therefore, I honestly believe that the Spanish health care system, it will be an advisable option for expats only during the early months of their move to the country. However, after a few months, you should need to look at the long-term situation and arrange the relevant healthcare insurance cover.
Private health insurance is becoming more and more vital option to many people, both Spanish and expats. There are many advantages to private healthcare in Spain, like a wider choice of medical practitioners and hospitals, the reassurance of being treated by English-speaking professionals, and not least, privacy in the hospital without having to share one’s room. The ability to effectively jump the queue of the state health care system can often lead to much shortened delays in treatment which in many cases could be a critical factor to save your life. On the other hand, Private hospitals, particularly in the Costa Blanca, which boasts some of the best in the world.
The expat community in Spain is so large that we are currently working to offer specific expat targeted private health insurance schemes to our clients, which is proving very beneficial to many expat people. Obviously the cost of this healthcare will depend upon the level of cover you require, your age, your health and whether you may want your family to be included.
Therefore, in consistency with this vision, we cooperate with one of the leading health insurance companies in Spain, which offers very competitive health Plan insurance tailored to cover expats who flip between Spain and their home state. We would subsequently be more than happy to provide you with a free competitive insurance quotation as well as to clarify any question or inquiry that you might have.
Should you be interested in receiving more detailed information about the nature of our Firm, and the scope of the legal services offered, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or by E-mail to ricorsolicitors@yahoo.co.uk and we’ll be glad to be of assistance to you.
Thank you for your attention and we look forward to providing you with individual personal service and the benefit of our “know how”.
Kind regards
Mr Oscar Ricor. Solicitor
