Spain has a very good health service with well staffed, clean, modern hospitals and most GP's have well equipped surgeries allowing them to carry out routine treatments on the spot.

Visitors to Spain can take advantage of reciprocal health care agreements. EU residents should apply for the form at their local Social Security Office at least three weeks prior to travelling to Spain. The form is open-ended and valid for life, however, you must continue to make Social Security contributions, and if you become a resident in Spain it becomes invalid. If you use the form for treatment, you must present the form plus a photocopy to the medical practitioner who is providing your treatment and pay for the treatment in cash. You must apply for reimbursement once you return to the UK at your local Social Security office.

Form E -106

For use by non-residents and their dependants. The form must be obtained from the local Social Securities Office in the UK and be presented to the local provincial office of the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS)

Form E -121

Pensioners and those in receipt of invalidity benefits must obtain this form from the Social Security Administration. You will be registered as a member of INSALUD and will be given an electronic Social Security Card (tarjeta).

Form E - 112

This form is required if you travel to Spain (or another EU country) specifically
for medical treatment or maternity care in a public hospital. You will also require prior authorisation from the Social Security department. This form authorises treatment in a Spanish public hospital without pre-payment, although it is difficult to obtain.

British visitors or those planning to live in Spain can obtain information about reciprocal health treatment in Spain from the Department of Social Security, Overseas Branch, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1YX