Healthy Living

Living in Spain

Healthy Living

Not only is the climate in Spain one of the best in Europe, the Spanish are rated as one of the world's healthiest race of people, with the average male life expectancy to be around 75, and female around 83, the highest in the EU. This is partly due to the low number of heart disease cases; a main contributory factor being the renowned Mediterranean diet consisting of olive oil, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and, of course, red wine, coupled with the more laid back attitude to life.

The excellent public health care system in Spain offers free healthcare to those who are contributing towards the Spanish social security system or, in the case of EU nationals living in Spain, are of pensionable age.

For people who are not living in Spain permanently, emergency treatment will provided under the reciprocal EU arrangements, on the production of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card has recently replaced the E111. If you do not fall into one of these categories, i.e. you are living in Spain permanently, but not in receipt of a UK state pension, you will need to take out a private healthcare policy to cover you and your dependents in the event of an accident or illness.

Agua Potable

Drinking water in Spain is known as "agua potable" and, whilst it is considered safe to drink tap water in all major cities in Spain, the Province of Granada, Andalucía is, quite rightly, proud of the exceptional quality of its drinking water.

Hospitals

Most Spanish hospitals are modern and well-equipped and the doctors and nurses are excellent. Although more doctors are able to consult with you in English, there is still a large proportion that do not, even in some of the larger tourist areas.

Smoking

Surprising though it may seem, approximately 70% of the Spanish population are said to be non-smokers. The Spanish Government recognises this, and on January 1st 2006, a new law was implemented (Ley 28/2005)

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Healthy Living

Agua Potable

Hospitals

Smoking