Health advice for holidays in Spain or living in Spanish property
For most healthy people, taking holidays in Spain or staying in a Spanish property poses no particular health risk. However, the unexpected has a habit of happening, so the best advice for anyone living in Spain or setting off on holiday is to have adequate travel or health insurance.
Vaccination recommendations
According to the International Travel and Health 2005 manual published by the World Health Organisation, travellers taking holidays in Spain or emigrating to their Spanish property do not require any vaccinations. Malaria is not present in Spain.
Water and food contamination
Some people experience a mild tummy upset in the first day or two of their holidays in Spain, usually because tap water treatments are different. Your body will quickly adjust. However, just as in the UK, more serious ailments can be caused by unsanitary food handling procedures and water contamination. Exercising caution when choosing where to eat and drink when on your holidays in Spain should reduce your chances of illness, but food hygiene and general sanitation are no worse than in the UK. The water connected to your Spanish property will be safe, but when you are out and about and unsure of a source of water, do not drink it.
Avian influenza (Bird Flu)
The Basque regional health authorities have confirmed outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Salburua wetlands on the outskirts of the city of Vitoria. Measures have been taken to contain the outbreak and no human infections or deaths have been reported.
The Foreign Office consider the risk from Bird Flu to be very low. However, if you are taking your holidays in Spain or staying in Spanish property, they recommend that you avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may make contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. They also advise that any Brits living in Spain should ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Entitlement to free treatment
Be sure to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is available free of charge through most UK post offices or online at the UK Department of Health website or by telephoning 0845 606 2030.
The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but if you are on holiday in Spain or taking an occasional visit to your Spanish property, the card entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Spanish nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. This is why comprehensive travel and medical insurance is recommended.
If you have bought Spanish property and are living in it on a permanent basis, or you are visiting Andorra (which is not a member of the EU), the EHIC is not valid. For further details of entitlements, see our Healthcare in Spain page
Living in Spain means plenty of sun. Take care!
The most serious health risk for most Brits taking holidays in Spain or living in Spain comes from the weather - probably one of the main reasons you wanted to buy Spanish property in the first place! Protect yourself, especially when you first arrive, with adequate suncreams and sunblocks and be sure to drink plenty of water.
