Health
Moving from a damp cooler climate to the warm weather in Lanzarote may give a person an immediate health boost. It certainly did for us – my asthma is now almost non existent.
There is less stress, the air is warmer and drier, the old bones just don’t ache like they previously did. However, don’t take this for granted. There will undoubtedly come a time when you really do need some medical assistance, and if you are not fluent in Spanish – then visiting your healthcare centre in Lanzarote can be daunting.
The healthcare service in Lanzarote is of an excellent standard – as indeed in the whole of Spain. There are very few towns on the Island without a dedicated healthcare centre – so there should be one close by.
People coming from EU countries have the right to free medical care. However, you will need to pick up your EHIC card from the Post Office before you move over. This will cover you for the first three months free healthcare. After that, you will need to get your “Tarjeta de Social Seguridad”. We got ours from our Asesoria – but if you are not working here, then you will need to make other arrangements for health care in Lanzarote
When visiting a doctor at your health centre – you are entitled to “bring a friend”, someone who can speak Spanish — especially as most of the health care professionals on the Island speak only Spanish. This does not need to be a relative (unless you are a minor) but can simply be someone that you don’t mind knowing your personal health details. Just as in the UK, if you are not happy with the Doctor you have been assigned – but do not expect this to be easy… just as it isn’t always easy in the UK. Remember also, that queueing isn’t a Lanzarote thing, so you may find people jumping ahead. Don’t get stressed… just gently and politely make your presence known. Of course if it is an emergency, then head to your nearest hospital
Here’s hoping we all stay as healthy as possible!
Some other links you may find useful are these… (all open in a new window, so you won’t lose this page)
- Health Centres and Hospitals in Lanzarote – useful list of such, with contact details
- Late Night Chemists in Lanzarote – updated monthly, this list should have your nearest late night chemist just when you need it.
- Getting a Cervical Smear in Lanzarote – this is a must for all women!
- Having a Baby in Lanzarote – useful advice for any family expecting a new addition to the family
- Family Planning in Lanzarote – sensible planning to avoid unwanted pregnancy
- Abortions in Lanzarote – the options available
- Wills in Lanzarote – planning ahead
If there is a healthcare issue or subject that you would like us to discuss, then drop us an email to info@lanzaroterelocation.co.uk and we will endeavour to help.
Alternatively – go to the experts instead! We unreservedly recommend Miguel at British Surgery of Lanzarote in Puerto del Carmen. He is fluent in English, and one of our favourite people on the Island.
