Health and healthcare on the Costa Blanca
Planning a holiday in Playa Flamenca or Orihuela Costa? Before travelling, check your UK GHIC or EHIC, arrange suitable travel insurance and bring enough regular medication for your stay.
This guide explains how to access healthcare in Spain and where to find help near our holiday home on the Costa Blanca.
In a medical emergency, call 112. This emergency number is free to call in Spain.
What to bring on holiday
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A valid UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), if you are eligible.
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Your passport.
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Travel insurance details and your insurer’s emergency assistance number.
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Enough regular medication for your stay, preferably in its original packaging.
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A list of your medicines, including their generic names.
If you need ongoing treatment, such as dialysis, arrange it with the healthcare provider before travelling. Check that your travel insurance covers any existing medical conditions.
Can I use a UK GHIC or EHIC in Spain?
Yes. A valid UK GHIC or EHIC provides access to medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay in Spain, on the same basis as someone insured there.
This includes care that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK. It is not limited to emergency treatment.
Show your card and passport before treatment. Check that the provider offers public healthcare and accepts your card: private clinics are not covered by GHIC or EHIC.
You can apply for a GHIC free of charge through the NHS.
Do I still need travel insurance?
Yes. A GHIC or EHIC does not replace travel insurance. It does not cover private medical treatment or medical repatriation to the UK.
Check your policy’s medical limits, excess, exclusions and cover for any activities you plan to enjoy.
If the situation allows, contact your insurer’s assistance service before arranging private treatment. In a serious emergency, call 112 first.
Will I have to pay for treatment or medicines?
Eligible public healthcare is generally free, but prescription charges can apply.
For medicines prescribed through the public healthcare system, UK guidance states that visitors using GHIC or EHIC normally pay 50% of the prescription price, or 10% if they receive a UK State Pension. You may need evidence of pensioner status.
Different charges can apply to private treatment or medicines obtained using a UK prescription. Keep receipts, invoices and medical reports, and ask your insurer about any possible reimbursement.
Can I use a UK prescription in Spain?
UK prescriptions can be used in Spain, subject to Spanish dispensing rules and the availability of the medicine. Do not assume that a pharmacy can access your NHS electronic prescription.
Before travelling, ask your prescriber or pharmacist what documentation to take if you may need to obtain medication abroad.
Some medicines are subject to additional travel restrictions. Check the requirements for controlled medicines before departure.
Healthcare in Orihuela Costa
Emergency number: 112
Call for a serious medical emergency or another situation requiring emergency services.
Centro de Salud Orihuela Costa
Address: C/ Mar, 1, Urbanización Aguamarina, 03189 Orihuela Costa
Telephone: +34 966 748 343
Urgent care telephone: +34 966 748 353
The official healthcare website lists the centre as open 24 hours a day, throughout the year. For non-emergency care, call ahead to confirm the appropriate service and how to arrange an appointment.
Bring your GHIC or EHIC, passport, insurance details and medication list.
Pharmacies and out-of-hours medicines
A pharmacy is called a farmacia in Spanish. An on-duty pharmacy is known as a farmacia de guardia.
Check the current duty rota if you need medicines outside normal opening hours. Confirm availability with the pharmacy if you need a particular prescription medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not have my GHIC or EHIC with me?
If you need treatment, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services about a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). Without proof of cover, you may be asked to pay.
Does my card cover a private clinic?
No. GHIC and EHIC cover eligible state healthcare. Ask your travel insurer about private treatment.
Can I rely on staff speaking English?
Language availability varies. Bring a written medication list and relevant medical information, and ask about language support when contacting the provider.
Official information
This guide provides general travel information. For advice about your health or cover, contact your clinician or insurer.
Planning your stay in Playa Flamenca? Explore our Costa Blanca holiday home and check availability for your preferred dates.
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