Page 623 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  621

Travel and
without consulting a doctor. In
a non-emergency, a farmacéutico Health Insurance
is a good option. It is easy to All EU nationals are
find one who speaks English. entitled to short-
The farmacia sign is a green term free emergency
or red illuminated cross. Those health-care cover.
open at night are listed in the To claim, you must
windows of all the local obtain the European Patrol car of the Policía Nacional, Spain’s main urban
pharmacies. Note that Health Insurance police force
perfumerías sell toiletries only. Card (EHIC) from the
UK Department of
Health or a post office
before you travel. The
card gives you free
health cover at all
public Spanish
hospitals. It comes
with a booklet
explaining exactly Policía Local patrol car, mainly seen in small towns
what health care you
are entitled to and
Spanish pharmacy sign how to claim. You may
have to pay and claim
Medical Treatment
the money back later.
In general, the Spanish health Not all treatments
system is modern and efficient, are covered, so for
and it can be relied on for more peace of mind,
emergency treatment. There arrange medical cover
are two kinds of hospitals in in advance. Emergency ambulance in Madrid
Spain: public hospitals (públicos) There is a wide
and private clinics (clínicas range of medical insurance The sign coto de caza in
privadas). For emergency treat- available for travellers to Spain. wood land areas identifies a
ment, go straight to Urgencias Shop around before deciding hunting reserve where you
at any hospital; for less serious because prices vary greatly, as must follow the country codes.
problems, head to a Centro do the levels of cover offered, Toro bravo means “fighting
de Atención Primaria or with some including aspects bull” – do not approach. A
Ambulatorio and ask for the like emergency travel back home camino particular sign indicates
médico de urgencias. or the cost of relatives joining a private driveway. Do not
If you have private health you. Many credit cards also offer approach dogs that are protect-
insurance, you can go to a limited health insurance for ing country properties.
private clinic for normal their users. If you are climbing or hill-
medical complaints. walking, make sure that you are
properly equipped and let some-
Public Conveniences
Legal Assistance Public pay-toilets are rare in one know when you expect
to return.
Some insurance policies cover Spain. Try department stores,
legal costs, for instance after an or bars and restaurants where DIRECTORY
accident. If you are in need of you are a customer. You may
assistance and are not covered, have to ask for a key (la llave), Emergency Numbers
telephone your nearest consulate. and it is best to bring your own Emergency: all services
The Colegio de Abogados tissues. There are also toilets at Tel 112 (nationwide).
(lawyers’ association) of the service stations on motorways.
nearest city can also advise Toilets are most commonly Policía Nacional
you on where to obtain legal known as los servicios. Tel 091 (nationwide).
advice or representation locally. Fire Brigade
If you need an interpreter, Outdoor Hazards (Bomberos)
consult the local Páginas Tel 112 (in most major cities).
Amarillas (Yellow Pages) under Every summer Spain is prey to Ambulance
Traductores or Intérpretes. Only forest fires fanned by winds and Tel 112 (061 in some regions).
Traductores – Interpretes Jurados fuelled by bone-dry vegetation. For other cities’ emergency
(Sworn Translators – Interpreters) Be sensitive to fire hazards and services, consult the local
are qualified to translate legal use car ashtrays. Broken glass telephone directory.
and official documents. Visit can also start a fire, so take your
exteriores.gob.es to find one. empty bottles away with you.

620-621_EW_Spain.indd 621 26/09/17 11:57 am