Whenever we think of healthcare in a foreign land, we immediately think, “will it be expensive and of the same quality as what we’re used to?” In fact, the quality of healthcare in Spain is excellent and many doctors and nurses speak English.

The health service is run along a two-tier system similar to that in the UK. The first tier is the National Health Service and the second is the private health care sector, which is covered by health insurance. 

Whether you are a native of Spain or a British citizen, if you are making social security contributions then you immediately qualify for the National Health Service. 

Otherwise, it is best to have some kind of private health insurance. We have personally experienced both sides of the Spanish healthcare system.
 
PRIVATE HEALTH CARE

When we first moved to Spain, we had very little experience of the lifestyle and that included provision for healthcare.  As we were both reasonably healthy and because our knowledge of the language was still limited, we were somewhat scared of approaching social security offices and medical centres to gain more information, putting it off for another day. However, with the rise in older men developing problems with their prostrate and my awareness of prostrate cancer, I decided I needed to see a doctor for a check up.

Not being eligible for the Spanish health service at the time meant I had to go private. I had this dreaded feeling “This is going to cost a fortune”.  Not necessarily so. 

The couple that we rented our villa from in Mojacar recommended an English speaking lady doctor in Garrucha and we found to our surprise her fee was only 40 euros per consultation.  On my first visit, all my details were entered into the computer and then a comprehensive examination was done including arrangements for a blood test.

Everything was extremely thorough and the staff was very helpful wanting to get a full picture of my current state of health. I was given a letter indicating what blood tests were needed and directions to a nearby blood analysis clinic. At the clinic I was seen straight away and the necessary blood sample was taken.  What was most impressive was that I was called back the very same day for my results.  Back in England I would have had to have waited ten days.  Even better, when I phoned the doctor an appointment was made for the next day.

The blood test results came to a cost of 80 euros, but they had tested for virtually everything.  At my second consultation I was told that I would need to see a specialist in Almeria and an appointment was made for 3 days time, again very impressive and quick.

At this point I felt somewhat amazed that in less than 24 hours, I had seen a doctor, been examined, had a comprehensive blood test, seen the doctor again been reassured that I have nothing major wrong with me and an appointment made to see a specialist in a couple of days all for 120 euros. Fantastic.

When I saw the specialist in Almeria, Dr Francisco Gomez Berjon, he was most charming, spoke perfect English and was completely at ease with me. Once again I was given a thorough examination and a course of medication prescribed, a further appointment was made for six months, and his fee, only 80 euros.  I now see Dr Francisco twice a year for a check up.

On the flip side of this, my wife Carol and I also had the experience of the Spanish National Health Service.