10/16/2012 | By: Guest Contributor
Are you considering traveling to Spain for medical care? Whether it's for fertility treatments, plastic surgery, dental care or another type of medical treatment, it's ALWAYS important to be fully prepared. Here is a list of helpful information to prepare you for your health care journey to Spain.
How to be Prepared for a Medical Trip to Spain
Before planning your medical trip to Spain, you must see a doctor or health care provider to identify your immunization and medical history. The best period to visit your doctor is, at least, 4-6 weeks prior to your departure to allow time for vaccines to take effect.
Even if you have less time, you should still visit your local physician for information on how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling. If you are traveling to other countries besides Spain, let your health care provider know, so s/he can furnish you with the necessary information on how you to receive the appropriate vaccinations for all of your destinations.
Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Routine vaccines such as influenza, chickenpox, polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), poliovirus vaccine are given at all stages of life.
Although childhood diseases, like measles, rarely occur in the US; they are still common in many parts of the world.
Hepatitis B: recommended for all unvaccinated travelers who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment due to an accident or unexpected injury.
Rabies vaccination is only recommended for travelers involved in any activities that might bring them in direct contact with bats. Wildlife professionals, researchers, veterinarians, adventure travelers visiting areas where bats are commonly found must take rabies vaccination.
It should also be noted that it is important to find out before you leave whether your medical insurance will cover you overseas, especially for emergencies. In several places in Spain, doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash at the time of service.
What Items to Bring When Traveling to Spain for Medical Tourism
While packing your luggage, make sure you are well-stocked with medicines to last during your trip, along with the prescriptions. Keep your medicine in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Check the security guidelines and airport screening policy to find out the limit on liquids allowed in carry-on luggage.
Please note that some drugs available by prescription in the US are illegal in other counties. Visit the Spanish embassy/consulate to find out whether the medication you are taking is available and legal in Spain.
If your medication is not allowed in Spain, ask your doctor or medical provider to write a letter on office stationery station the medication has been prescribed for you.
Doctors in Spain
Health care in Spain is one of the best in Europe. Most clinics and hospitals are modern and well-appointed with the latest advanced appliances and high-tech equipment. The growing medical branches such as fertility care, cosmetic dentistry and orthopedic treatments give Spain a unique edge among European medical tourist destinations. Nurses and medical practitioners of Spain are well-trained, English-speaking individuals offering years of experience in various medical fields.
Spain is also a pioneering fertility destination attracting droves of couples from Italy, UK and other neighboring countries in Europe. Fertility clinics in Spain offer a strong patient-centered focus with a full range of IVF treatments including egg donation Marbella, ICSI Barcelona and PGD Seville.
Dentists Spain have dedicated their careers to providing world-class dentistry by presenting the newest techniques and approaches with state-of-the-art, personalized dental care.
Among the most common plastic surgery Spain procedures patients seek are breast implants, facelift, tummy tuck and nose surgery.
How to Stay Healthy when Traveling to Spain
Be Careful about Food and Water: The most common diseases and illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea are derived from food and water. Make sure to avoid un pasteurized dairy products. Before eating, wash your hands often with soap and water- or alcohol based hand gel if water is not available.
Visas and Travel Regulations
Register with nearest US embassy or consulate thought the State Department’s travel registration website. Registration at the embassy will make your whereabouts known in case of emergency.
Visa, Entry and Exit Requirements: US citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for medical, business or tourism purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of your stay.
US Embassy in Madrid: C/ Serrano, 75-28006 Madrid
US Embassy in Barcelona: Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada 23-25
US Embassy in Seville: Plaza Nueva 8-8 Duplicado, 2 Floor, E2, Nº 4
Whether your traveling for leisure or for healthcare it's always important to be safe , do your research, make wise decisions, and be respectful of the rules of the country that you are visiting.
