Healthy, Wealthy & Wise

Your GP

Health Care in SpainEU citizens are entitled to free health care in Spain. In order to register with a GP, however, you will need to go to your local health centre with the following documentation:

  • NIE (your Spanish ID number)
  • Social Security number
  • ID with photo (e.g. passport)

Health Care in SpainYou will be asked to complete a form and provide copies of the above documents. You will then be issued with a social security card. You will need this card if you phone the health centre to make an appointment, and for any visits to your GP.

Chemists

Health Care in SpainChemists are easy to spot because of their distinctive green neon sign in the shape of a cross (flashing when open). Farmacias (as they are called in Spanish) sell medical items Health Care in Spainfor which you often don’t need a doctor’s description. Chemists ‘take turns’ to stay open late / 24 hours. A list of the chemists open late / 24 hours for any specific date can be found displayed at your nearest chemist’s.

Medical Emergencies

Call 061 or 112 for an ambulance. The main public hospitals can often be some distance away.

Essential Medicines

Health Care in SpainAbsolute essentials for your medicine cabinet at home include the following*:

Ailment Product
Cold/Flu Grippal/Frenadol
Cough Bisolvon
Diarrhoea Fortasec/Imodium Plus
Headache Paracetemol/Analgilasa
Indigestion Rennie
Upset Stomach Alka-Seltzer

* You should always consult a doctor before taking any medication, including the medicines listed above.
 

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