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On Holiday with a EHIC? Take Care Where You Go for Treatment

Posted in: Health
Author: Myra Cecilia Azzopardi
Tags: , , , ,

The holiday season is here and we are receiving enquiries from holidaymakers who though in possession of the European Health Insurance Card have been invoiced for treatment. The EHIC only covers costs in National Health hospitals or health centres. The latter are either ‘Centros de Salud’ or colloquially known as ‘Ambulatorio’. Private hospitals will treat you but you will have to pay. Make sure a taxi driver or even an ambulance, are advised to take you to the nearest NHS hospital/centre.

The EHIC does not cover the full costs of prescriptions. Any treatment that a local pays for in Spain, will also need to be paid for and not covered by the EHIC. It is also advisable to consider health insurance. Search this site for what the EHIC covers.

Children under 18, pregnant women and serious emergency cases: Patients cannot be charged whatever their nationality or residency status.

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.

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