Spain is part of the European Union and as such has free reciprocal health agreements with other member states.So if you are on holiday in Spain and you find that you need health care you are entitled to free health care BUT you will need to have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which offers you access to reduced-cost medical treatment. 

This used to be known as the E111 form.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that because you have EHIC that this substitutes your travel insurance. It absolutely does not. You will not be covered for repatriation (return home) or any losses due to crime or natural disasters. You will also need your insurance to claim back any medicine that you purchased from pharmacies.

You must make sure that when you travel abroad you always have travel insurance.

With regards to what diseases you may pick up in Spain I can assure you that you do not need inoculations and the worst you are likely to get is an upset tummy, if anything at all. This can be avoided by drinking bottled water, not having ice in your drinks and making sure that fruit is washed before you eat it.

If you do find that you need medicines for minor complaints all you have to do is visit the Farmacia (Pharmacy). These are prevalent in most villages and definately in all towns in Spain.

The Farmacias are usually open Mon - Fri 9.00 a.m. until 1.30p.m. and then 5.00-8.00 pm.But often in the more popular tourist resorts you will find that some are open late and at weekends and a rota keeps at least one open 24 hours. The rota is displayed in the window of every Farmacia.

If you are unfortunate enough to have an accident you should dial 091 for the emergency services and this is when your travel insurance and EHIC card will come in handy.

The Spanish dentists are all private and you can expect to pay around 60 euros for a filling.

Travelling to  Alicante? Research Alicante airport, car-rental and places to visit in and around Alicante at www.Discover-Alicante.com