Thread: Moving from the UK to Spain

Hello i am thinking of moving to spain from the uk but i watched a tv show not so long back about the health service over there not been as good as the nhs and many people have things go wrong on operations over there and have to come back and get fixed up in england? Please advise me if i have just watched a misleading show or if this is true.

I think you will find that there are just as many success stories about the Spanish health service. Before I left the UK, I remember watching similar documentaries about the disasters in the NHS.

What about all the MRSA scandals in UK hospitals? You could easily die of MRSA after having an op. for an ingrowing toe-nail! I haven't yet had the need to use the health service here but all the ex-pats I've spoken to have been full of praise.

The problem with the UK media and one of the reasons for us wanting to leave the UK is that everything is doom and gloom. The papers and TV thrive on bad news. The Spanish get on and enjoy life, taking every opportunity to celebrate all night at fiestas and have a great social life! Mid you, it helps that the weather is so much better and alcohol is much cheaper!

i've never had any problems, problems may occur when visiting an illegal doctor for plastic surgery and those kind of things

Spain's public health system is not perfect, but it is currently the one that other EU countries are looking at as the example to try and follow, this also includes, I believe, the NHS, which has been overtaken by several other countries (including this one) as the model of best practice since it started being dismantled as a fully public system over the past twenty years. (I don't know if you get to watch Casualty, but that's a recurring theme [poor old Charlie])

As I said, things are far from perfect in Spain, and many people have private health insurance as well as using the public system. The big names are here though you'll find that Bupa is called Sanítas for example, but there seem to be many more private hospitals for the things that such insurance covers - though don't expect the private sector to be of any help with the "biggies" that might hit you unless you've been paying the premium for a while and specifically included things in your (accordingly more expensive) policy.

G

In the four short months I have been living in Sitges I have spoken to quite a few English residents who have been here for years some elderly and need regular hospitalisation and doctors. They have nothing but praise for both. Far more satisfied with the health service here than the UK. I expect it depends on where you wish to move to. It would be wise to research the area first and speak to other english locals about the local health service . As you make contacts glean what you can from them about english speaking professionals.

Hi ianbayliss1

From what I've seen the spanish health system runs rings round the NHS. The only area that is a little weak is the aftercare but that is because in spanish culture people are looked after by their families whilst they recover post op.

In some areas you may need to speak spanish in order to converse with the nurses (but then you are in spain so that's reasonable).

Hi Ian
Depending on your age, health care can be expensive but sasying that its far superior than the NHS [I worked in it for many years .....]
We are not of pensionable age and after many inquiries decided to take out private health cover [pm me if you want their no.] Its a damm sight cheaper than Bupa that we used to pay into.
Our policy covers many sections but of course its written for the individal so will vary greatly but its written in plain English which is comforting to know.
Luckily we've not had to use the healthcare system here but , like you, have read / heard many good comments about it.

Finally ! Welcome to Spain

Hi Ian we also have taken out private health cover which we find is excellent ,we go for check ups once a year and get the results more or less the next day used the clinic a couple of times and never had a problem always well looked after

Absolute rubbish. The health system here is the equivalent or better than in the UK. Drugs that are restricted to patients in the UK , are at present freely available here and the level of technical care is high.
As others have said, it depends on your age and circumstances whether you have an entitlement to Spanish health care. If you have been employed and paying NI contributions you are entitled to a 2 year transitional arrangements. Speak to the Dept. for Health and Pensions, overseas branch, they will explain it all to you.
The culture here is different as the nursing care is not touchy feely, nurses are there to administer treatments not mop your brow!
There is also no substitute for speaking the language. If you do not speak Spanish you may struggle but there are interpreters who can be employed to go with you to appointments. Don't assume that doctors can or will speak English.