Spain is once again booming in popularity as a holiday destination for UK sunseekers, and although nearly all holidays to Spain are enjoyable and great fun, a small minority of holidaymakers need to seek medical attention for themselves or for a member of their family while overseas. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that EHIC gives you free healthcare overseas as the NHS is free in the UK – every country’s system differs and Spain is no exception. Here’s what you need to know to access state healthcare in Spain.

Getting Medical Help

The private medical sector in Spain is much larger than it is in the UK, and hotels often have agreements with private clinics to refer patients. It is very important that you make it clear to someone organising for you to see a doctor that you have EHIC cover, and expect to be seen as a state patient. The phrase for this in Spanish is “asistencia sanitaria pública”. Show your EHIC to the doctor and keep reiterating that you wish to be treated as a state patient to avoid the risk of being treated privately and being landed with a bill. In an emergency, call 112 to speak to the emergency operator or go to the “Urgencias” department in the nearest hospital. If you think you need hospital treatment in an non-emergency situation, you will have to be referred there by a family doctor first.

What’s Covered?

Your EHIC will cover the cost of “medically necessary” treatment in Spain. As in the UK, it is the doctors who decide what is medically necessary, not the patient. Healthcare in Spain is devolved to the autonomous communities, and what is provided will vary between regions. EHIC will also cover chronic or pre-existing conditions which become an issue when you are in Spain on holiday. The full cost of your treatment, tests and any hospital stay will be covered, but you will be expected to pay a percentage of the cost of any medication prescribed. The amount you must pay is based on your income. You will not be able to claim back the cost of any medication prescribed through the EHIC scheme, but depending on the amount involved, you may choose to claim on private travel insurance.

What EHIC Doesn’t Cover

EHIC is designed to cover unpredictable medical emergencies, or to assist people with ongoing medical issues. If your main reason for travelling is to seek medical treatment, EHIC will not cover that cost. If you are moving to Spain for an extended period or to study, check whether you will need to take out an additional form of travel insurance. EHIC also doesn’t cover most dental treatment, except in emergencies. Always establish with the dentist about charges and fees before you agree to starting any treatment. Additional health services such as physiotherapy may not be covered either. Irrespective of country, EHIC never covers repatriation to the UK or additional costs such as rearranging flights or accommodation for people who have accompanied you to Spain, so proper travel insurance is always essential.