Guide to Healthcare in Estepona, Spain

Estepona is a beautiful coastal town in the province of Malaga, Andalusia, Spain. It is known for its sandy beaches, charming old town, and lively marina. But what about its healthcare system? If you are planning to visit or live in Estepona, you may wonder what kind of medical services are available, how to access them, and how much they cost. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to healthcare in Estepona.

Spain has a universal public healthcare system, which is funded by taxes and social security contributions. It offers free or low-cost medical care to all citizens and residents, as well as to visitors from other EU countries who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The public healthcare system is managed by the regional governments, which means that the quality and availability of services may vary depending on the area.

Estepona belongs to the Andalusian Health Service (SAS), which is responsible for providing public healthcare in the region of Andalusia. The SAS operates a network of primary care centers (centros de salud), hospitals, and specialized units, where you can access a range of medical services, such as general practice, pediatrics, gynecology, dentistry, radiology, surgery, and emergency care. To use the public healthcare system, you need to register with a local health center and obtain a health card (tarjeta sanitaria), which you must present every time you visit a doctor or a hospital.

However, the public healthcare system also has some detriments, such as longer waiting times, limited choice of doctors. That is why some people in Spain also opt for private healthcare, which offers faster and more personalized care, as well as access to more facilities and specialists. Private healthcare is not free, and you have to pay for each service or procedure, unless you have a private health insurance policy, which can cover part or all of your medical expenses.

There are many private hospitals and clinics in Estepona, as well as in nearby towns such as Marbella and Malaga, where you can find a wide range of medical specialties and services, such as cardiology, dermatology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and more.

Some of these private facilities also have agreements with the public healthcare system, which means that you can use them with your health card, but you may have to pay a co-payment fee. You can also find many private doctors and dentists who work independently or in group practices, and who may speak English or other languages.

Whether you choose public or private healthcare, you have several options when it comes to hospitals and clinics in Estepona. Here are some of the main ones:

• Hospital de Alta Resolución de Estepona: This is the newest and most modern public hospital in Estepona, which opened in 2020. It covers an area of over 14,000 square meters and has 26 single rooms, three operating theaters, an intensive care unit, an emergency department, and a radiology area. It also offers outpatient care and diagnostic tests for various medical specialties, such as cardiology, general surgery, internal medicine, pneumology, and otolaryngology .
• Hospital Costa del Sol: This is one of the largest and most prestigious public hospitals in the Costa del Sol, located in Marbella, about 20 minutes by car from Estepona. It has over 400 beds, 12 operating theaters, an intensive care unit, a maternity ward, a hemodialysis unit, and a blood bank. It also has a renowned childcare and childbirth center, as well as a wide range of medical specialties, such as oncology, neurosurgery, urology, and more.
• Hospital Cenyt: This is a leading private hospital in Estepona, which offers comprehensive and personalized medical care. It has over 40 medical specialties, a spacious facility of 3,000 square meters, and a dedicated team of more than 160 professionals. It also has a 24-hour emergency service, an intensive care unit, a laboratory, and a pharmacy.
• Hospiten Estepona: This is another prominent private hospital in Estepona, which belongs to an international group of hospitals with presence in several countries. It has state-of-the-art equipment, a 24-hour emergency service, an intensive care unit, a radiology unit, and a laboratory. It also has more than 20 medical specialties, such as allergy, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and more.
• Clínica del Río: This is a private clinic in Estepona, which provides quality medical service to the residents of the eastern part of the Costa del Sol. It has over 20 medical specialties and specialized units, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, podiatry, and more. It also has a radiology unit, a laboratory, and a pharmacy.

Pharmacies (farmacias) in Spain are easily recognizable by their green cross signs. They sell both prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as other health and beauty products. They can also diagnose and treat common ailments, such as colds, allergies, or infections, and provide advice on health issues. You can find pharmacies all over Estepona, especially on the main streets, such as Calle Real and Calle Terraza. The opening hours vary depending on the season and the individual pharmacy, but generally they are open from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 21:00. There is also a 24-hour pharmacy service, which rotates among different pharmacies in the town. You can check which pharmacy is on duty by looking at the signs on the pharmacy windows, or by visiting this website.

To get prescription medications, you need to have a prescription (receta) from a doctor, either from the public or the private healthcare system. The prescription must include the name, dosage, and duration of the medication, as well as the doctor's signature and stamp. You must present the prescription at the pharmacy, along with your health card or insurance policy, depending on the type of healthcare you have. The cost of prescription medications depends on several factors, such as the type of medication, the type of healthcare, and your income level. Some medications are free or subsidized by the public healthcare system, while others are not. You may also have to pay a co-payment fee, which is a percentage of the total cost of the medication. The co-payment fee varies depending on your income level, your age, and your health condition. You can find more information about the co-payment system here.

As we mentioned before, Spain has a universal public healthcare system, which covers most of the medical services and treatments you may need. However, to access the public healthcare system, you need to be registered with the social security system (Seguridad Social), which is the public institution that manages the social welfare and health benefits in Spain. To register with the social security system, you need to have a social security number (número de afiliación a la Seguridad Social), which is a unique and personal identification number that allows you to access the social security services and benefits. You can obtain a social security number by applying at the nearest social security office (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social), or online through this website (a digital sign/ certificate is required). You will need to provide some documents, such as your passport, your residence permit, and your work contract or self-employment registration, depending on your situation. Once you have your social security number, you can register with a local health center and obtain your health card, which will allow you to use the public healthcare system.

However, if you are not eligible or do not want to use the public healthcare system, you can opt for private healthcare, which offers more flexibility and convenience, but also more costs. To use private healthcare, you need to have a private health insurance policy, which can cover part or all of your medical expenses, depending on the type and level of coverage you choose. There are many private health insurance companies in Spain, which offer different plans and prices, so you should compare and choose the one that suits your needs and budget. Some of the most popular private health insurance companies in Spain are Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, DKV, and Mapfre. You can also find some international health insurance companies, such as Cigna, Axa, or Allianz, which offer global coverage and services. Before you buy a private health insurance policy, you should read the terms and conditions carefully, and check what is included and excluded, as well as the co-payment fees, the waiting periods, and the cancellation policies.

Spain is a popular destination for many European citizens but what happens if you need medical attention while you are in Spain? Do you have the right to access the Spanish public health system? How can you use your European card to get healthcare in Spain? we will answer these questions and provide some useful tips for travellers and residents.

What is a European card?

A European card is a free card that gives you the right to receive medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The card is valid for up to five years and covers both pre-existing and chronic conditions. There are two types of European cards: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

The EHIC is issued by the country where you are insured or have your habitual residence. If you are a citizen of an EU country, you can apply for an EHIC from your national health insurance provider. If you are a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you can apply for an EHIC from your national health authority.

The GHIC is issued by the UK to UK nationals who are resident in the UK. You can apply for a GHIC for free on the NHS website. The GHIC replaced the UK-issued EHIC for most people on 1 January 2021, after the end of the Brexit transition period. However, some UK nationals can still use their EHIC in the EU, such as those who have a registered S1 form or are studying in the EU. You can check if you can use your EHIC in the EU on the UK government website.

What does a European card cover in Spain?

A European card covers state healthcare, not private treatment. With a European card, you can get medically necessary treatment in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. This means that you will get healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost. However, you may have to pay something towards prescriptions, dental care, ambulance services and some non-urgent treatments. The amount you pay depends on the region where you receive treatment and your income level. You can find out more about what a European card covers in Spain on the European Commission website.

How to use a European card in Spain?

To use your European card in Spain, you need to show it when you visit any state hospital or doctor. You cannot use your card for private healthcare. If you do not have your card with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) by calling the Overseas Healthcare Services, part of the NHS Business Services Authority. The PRC will prove your entitlement to the same level of cover as your card until you get it back.

You should also buy travel insurance with healthcare cover before you travel to Spain. A European card is not a replacement for travel insurance, as it does not cover everything, such as mountain rescue or being flown back to the UK. Make sure you have both before you travel to Spain.

If you live or work in Spain, you may not be able to use your European card for healthcare in Spain. Instead, you will need to register for healthcare in Spain through one of the following ways:

• If you are employed or self-employed in Spain, you are entitled to state healthcare on the same basis as a Spanish worker. You need to register at your local health centre with your social security number, which you can get from the National Social Security Institute (TGSS) office in Spain. Your dependants are also entitled to healthcare in Spain.
• If you have a UK-issued S1 form, you are entitled to state healthcare in Spain as a UK pensioner, a UK posted worker or a dependant of someone who has an S1 form. You need to register your S1 form with the social security office (INSS) in Spain and get a health card (tarjeta sanitaria individual). You can find out more about UK-funded healthcare in Spain on the UK government website.
• If you are a permanent resident in Spain, you are entitled to state healthcare in Spain if you have lived in Spain for five years or more. You need to apply for permanent residency at the immigration office (extranjería) in Spain and show proof of healthcare cover, such as social security contributions, private insurance or voluntary payments (Convenio Especial).
• If you are not working and not entitled to an S1 form, you can pay directly into the public health insurance scheme (Convenio Especial) to access state healthcare in Spain. The Convenio Especial is a monthly fee that varies depending on your age and region. You need to apply for the Convenio Especial at the health service (servicio de salud) in your region.

Healthcare in Spain is accessible and affordable for European citizens who have a European card. However, you should also buy travel insurance with healthcare cover before you travel to Spain, as a European card does not cover everything. If you live or work in Spain, you may need to register for healthcare in Spain through other means, such as social security contributions, an S1 form, permanent residency or the Convenio Especial. For more information about healthcare in Spain, you can visit the following websites:

• European Commission: information about the European card and healthcare in the EU
• UK government: information about healthcare for UK nationals visiting, living or working in Spain
• Visit Andalucia: information about healthcare in Spain for UK citizens
• [NHS]: information about how to apply for a GHIC or a PRC
• [Healthcare in Spain]: information and advice about healthcare in Spain for British nationals

In case of an emergency, you should call 112, which is the general emergency number in Spain. This number is free and available 24/7, and it can connect you with the police, the fire brigade, the ambulance, or any other emergency service you may need. You can also call 061, which is the specific emergency number for health issues in Andalusia. When you call an emergency number, you should try to speak clearly and calmly, and provide the following information:

• Your name and phone number
• The location and address of the emergency
• The type and severity of the emergency
• The number and condition of the people involved
• Any other relevant information or instructions

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