Medical Assistance in Benidorm - Where to go, what to do...
Unfortunately, even on holiday medical issues can arise, know what to do and where to go. This is your guide on how to obtain medical assistance in Benidorm
The most important thing you will need is your EHIC/GHIC card, this is completely FREE so no excuses not to have one, double check that yours is in date before you travel. Not everything is covered by this card, but it will help you deal with emergencies and give you access to the Public Medical System here in Spain.
Just because you have an EHIC/GHIC card does NOT mean you don´t need insurance......... Yes, you do, make sure you have the correct type of insurance, always read the small print, as some will not cover you for Private treatment. click HERE if you need insurance which covers existing medical issues.
What your GHIC Card covers - Your EHIC or GHIC covers state healthcare, NOT private treatment.
Necessary healthcare means healthcare which becomes medically necessary during your stay, and you cannot reasonably wait until you’re back in the UK to get it.
This includes things like:
- emergency treatment and visits to A&E
- treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition
- routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
- routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth
- oxygen and kidney dialysis
If you need emergency help - Medical Care 24hrs: 900161161 or call 112
Disabled people can send a fax and an SMS to the National Emergency Numbers. 112 Calls are answered on average within 5 seconds.
WHERE TO GO IF YOU NEED A DOCTOR
Presuming you have all the above, i.e. EHIC/GHIC card and insurance if you need to see a doctor the first place you should go to is your Nearest Centro de Salud - click on the links for contact details and interactive maps.
New town - Centro de Salud Benidorm
Old Town - Centro de Salud, Old Town or Centro de Salud Foietes Old Town
La Cala - Centro de Salud, La Cala
Most are open 24/7, take with you your EHIC/GHIC card, Passport and Insurance documents, in some instances you may need to take a translator with you. Contact Bella Ciao Translations Ltd or Translator Sonja Morren
The centres will then determine what treatment you need and depending upon your insurance will either send you to one of the Private Hospitals or the Public Hospital which is situated out towards Villa Joyosa.
Antibiotics are NO longer available over the counter, and you now need a prescription so again one of the Salud´s is where you need to go.
Getting prescriptions
A UK prescription may not be recognised in Spain. If this is the case, you’ll need to get a prescription from a Spanish GP.
Prescription medicines are not free in Spain. With an GHIC you get a reduced rate, but you’ll still pay:
- 50% of the prescription price
- 10% of the prescription price if you have a UK State Pension ‒ you may need to show proof that you’re a pensioner to pay this rate
These prescription charges are non-refundable.
If you do not have your EHIC or GHIC with you
You’ll need to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) if you need treatment and do not have your EHIC or GHIC, or your card is lost or stolen abroad.
Call the Overseas Healthcare Services. This is part of the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA).
NHS Overseas Healthcare Services
Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Contact information for Hospitals
Public Hospital - Marina Baixa Hospital
Private Hospitals - Hospital De Levante Imed and Hospital Clinica Benidorm
If you are just generally feeling unwell then visit one of the many Farmacias (chemists) in town, most if not all will have a member of the team that will speak English and they can be very helpful for help and advice.
List of Farmacias in Benidorm.
If you don´t have any insurance or EHIC/GHIC card, or would prefer to be guaranteed an English-speaking Doctor
If you have none of the above, you can sometimes get an emergency EHIC/GHIC card, but then dealing with the hospitals and Doctors can prove more difficult as all details of treatment need to be sent to the GHIC head office, treatment may have to be paid for first and then claimed back.
Your only other option is to pay to see a Private GP, there are quite a few private clinics in town most will speak English.
Dentists - ALL dentists here are Private
We recommend
British Dentist - Clinica Dental Alfaz del Pi
IF YOU FEEL YOU CAN NOT GET TO EITHER ONE OF THE MEDICAL CENTRES OR A DOCTOR AND ARE STAYING IN APARTMENTS THAT HAVE RECEPTION FACILITIES OR AT A HOTEL, ASK ONE OF THE RECEPTION STAFF TO CALL A DOCTOR FOR YOU, MOST WILL HAVE A LOCAL CONTACT, BUT OBVIOUSLY A CALL OUT WILL BE QUITE EXPENSIVE.