A Traveler's Guide to the Health Care System in Spain

The health care system in Spain will provide needed assistance to a traveler, but planning ahead with supplies can avoid uncomfortable, expensive situations if assistance is needed.

When traveling into the southwestern part of Europe, a tourist needs to keep in mind what do if there’s a medical emergency. The health care system in Spain operates somewhat differently than other countries, so it is always advised that you do a little research before touring the country.

The Health Care Initiative

A savvy traveler will bring along a European Health Care Initiative card, which, when applied for, guarantees emergency health care. The card is compatible with the health care system in Spain, but it will not provide for ongoing care and medicines. It does, however, allow for a 60% discount on prescription drugs.

Expected Treatment

Spain is not a backwards nation; injured or sick visitors can expect to receive quality medical attention immediately as needed from the health care system in Spain. However, the cost of such services can be expensive.
Hospital facilities, equipment, and physicians all meet exceptional standards in Spain when compared to other first world countries. However, after-treatment care that would be provided by a nurse in some nations does not occur in Spain. Feeding and personal care of patients needs to be done by a private assistant or relative. Hospitals generally allow one family member to stay with a patient at all hours.

Vaccines and Packed Medicines

For pre-trip vaccinations, tourists are encouraged to be up to date on their measles vaccine before arriving. Spain suffers frequent measles outbreaks which can be a debilitating condition if contracted. Such vaccinations should be obtained from home doctors before travel. The health care system in Spain does not generally provide tourists vaccination coverage automatically.
Visitors are also warned to bring along their own immediate medicines, clearly marked, so they don’t have worry about finding supplies. While coastal urban areas have supply, in-land rural areas can be sparse in terms of medicine access.

Planning Ahead

The health care system in Spain for a traveler will provide necessary aid if critically needed. However, a traveler is best served thinking and planning ahead for contingencies. A simple medical supply plus the European Health Care Initiative card can provide a quick safety net for many unplanned events that could spoil a trip to Spain.