Health and Safety for Spanish Travellers and Holiday Makers

As Far as Health and Safety is concerned, there are no major major issues with travellers from the UK to any of the regions of Spain. Below are some relevant information.

Health Service

Spain has a health service similar to the UK and has deals in place to allow UK citizens to have the same accident and emergency care while travelling within Spain than a Spanish Citizen would have. However, you may be required to pay for some treatments and some long term illnesses may not automatically be covered.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

You must ensure you get hold of an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling to any European country. These are available from most major Post Offices and are valid for 3-5 years. This will cover you for most treatment and medication costs should your fall ill or have an accident in Spain or any other part of Europe.

Comprehensive Private Health Insurance

For full health cover you really must turn to comprehensive private health cover. This is offered by a multitude of companies as well as most tour operators or holiday companies themselves.  A good Health cover policy should cover you against accidents while travelling as well as sickness and may even cover your journey back should you wish to continue treatment in the UK.

It is also worth noting that a number of banks and credit card companies provide travel insurance which may already be included depending on the type of current account you have or if you purchased your holiday using a credit card. Check with your bank.

It is always advisable to read the small print or terms and conditions of your health policy to check that you are satisfied with the cover given.

Food and Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a risk in any country on holiday. Particularly when food is left out in the open. While there is anecdotal evidence that large buffet meals of the type often served within all inclusive hotel complexes may be more prone to make you suffer, this depends entirely on the quality of the food, kitchens and preparations area and staff within specific hotels.  In reality, it shouldn't be a problem providing you make sure the food is properly cooked, freshly prepared and served from a clean surface. It is largely common sense.

Drinking Water

Spain has a reputation for providing less than adequate drinking water. Within the major cities (such as Madrid) it should be perfectly safe to drink the water (or eat any food prepared in water) but to be safe, the best advice is to only drink bottled water (or any alcoholic beverage if water isn't your tipple).

Remember that you should always make sure you drink plenty of water, especially in hot conditions as the summer climate in Spain can cause dehydration otherwise,

Bird Flu

The Spanish government have put measures in place since 2005 aimed at combating bird flu, very much in line with the UK and other parts of europe. There has been no reported case of a human death or even infection by bird flu within Spain.

As within the UK, it is advisable not to have very close contact with birds or poultry and always check that poultry is cooked properly before eating it.

Safety

Spain has had problem in the past with a terrorist group named ETA.  However, the group has been somewhat dormant in the last few years after a cease fire was declared in 2006. 

There is always a threat within big cities of terrorist activity but it has to be said though, that the chances of being caught up in any terrorist activity is amazingly slim and therefore daily life and your holiday should go on as normal regardless.