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Living on the Costa del Sol
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Healthcare on the Costa del Sol
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Nationals of EU countries can get free medical treatment in Spain on production of the relevant paperwork (Form E111 for British people), although for holiday-makers, private insurance is highly recommended. Spain has a very good national health service that works alongside a wonderful private sector. Hospitals are of a very high standard. - You are best advised to take your own private travel insurance.
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Chemists
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Chemists (farmacias) are plentiful in Spain and are marked with a large green cross, (see right). The law states that farmacias must operate on a rota system so that there is always one open. Local press carry details of the duty farmacia. Details are also posted on the door of the farmacias. You can obtain basic medical advice here. There are also alternative chemists such as Chinese clinics and herbal clinics. Most speak English.
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Dentists
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Any dentistry carried out will normally have to be paid for as they are all private. The yellow pages of the telephone directory carries a good list of dentists (dentistas). You will often find a dentist in the large supermarkets. Prices are similar to the UK but the service is much better. Many dentists in Spain are ex-national health service.
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Drugs
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Prescription and non-prescription drugs are available from chemists (farmacias), distinguished by large green crosses. Many drugs available only on prescription in the UK and other countries can be purchased over the counter here. You are still advised to seek a doctors advice.
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Tap water
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Over recent years the water system in Spain has undergone great improvements and tap water in built-up areas is relatively safe. Unfamiliar water can still cause minor stomach upsets and you may wish to purchase agua mineral, bottled water. Agua con gas is fizzy water and agua sin gas is still water. In small villages, the water may be well water and not mains so if in doubt, ask.
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Take care of yourself
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For those not used to the climate of Spain, especially summer visitors, there are several things to watch out for:
- The heat - Make sure you drink plenty of liquids. Always carry a bottle of water with you when it's very hot - Alcohol is not the right liquid !
- Prickly heat - An itchy rash caused by perspiration under the skin. If it happens to you, keep cool, bathe often and use talcum powder on the rash.
- Salt deficiency - Sweating can lead to a loss of body salt so make sure you have plenty of salt with your meals.
- Funny tummy - new and strange diets can cause minor tummy upsets. If you find yourself unwell, drink plenty of fluids and avoid fatty foods. Fish and shellfish from the Mediterranean should only be eaten cooked and from a good restaurant.
- If you suffer from any health problems, consult your doctor before you set off for Spain. Any medication you take with you should be kept in their original containers and if possible take copies of your prescriptions with you. Make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your stay. If you intend to live in Spain, get your doctor to write out the generic name for your medication and not the brand name, this way, a drug can be matched with the Spanish equivalent.
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Contact with animals
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Take care with wild animals such as cats and dogs in Spain. Many carry diseases and rabies is still a problem here. A bite from an infected animal can be a disaster. Stray cats and dogs roam all over Spain and the best thing to do is avoid contact with them. If you bring a pet to Spain,
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