Health and medical care in Spain
In Spain healthcare system is widely envied across Europe, and for good reason, is one of the best system in the world. Hospitals, clinics and surgeries throughout the country are uniformly excellent, delivering modern facilities, low waiting times and exceptional service, consultations, referrals and treatments.
EU & EEA pensioners living in Spain
All EU and EEA pensioners living in Spain are largely entitled to the same provision of healthcare as Spanish pensioners provided they are in possession of an S1 form. For British pensioners at least, the S1 form can be applied for from The Department of Work and Pensions – www.dwp.gov.uk. Ensure that you have this form on your person before you go.
When you arrive, you must ensure that you register the form at your local social security office. You will then be issued with a social security card, which acts as your ‘pass’ for treatment each time you visit your local surgery or hospital.
Here is a list of the main state and private hospitals on the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol Hospital is located just off the main A7 (N340) coastal highway to the immediate east of Marbella town centre, making it highly accessible from pretty much anywhere on the coast and most inland towns within a 30km radius.
The Carlos Haya Hospital is located in the centre of Malaga and is split into three main buildings: the general hospital on Avenida Carlos Haya (built in the 1950s); the maternity hospital and shorter-stay wards are located at San Juan de Dios, and palliative care for terminally ill patients is located at the Hospital Ciudad Jardin.
The Hospiten Estepona Hospital is an unmissable, incredibly sleek establishment that is just metres from the N340 highway just west of San Pedro, making it easily accessible from Estepona, Marbella, Puerto Banus and the many developments tucked away in the hills behind Nueva Andalucia and Estepona.
