Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Altea, Spain

"Altea offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is provided by the Spanish National Health System (SNS), which is funded by the government and provides free healthcare to all citizens. The SNS offers primary care services, such as general practitioner visits, specialist visits, and hospitalization. Additionally, Altea has several private healthcare providers that offer a variety of services, such as dental care, optometry, and physical therapy. The city also has several pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Finally, Altea has a number of health centers that provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings," remarked one expat living in Altea.

"Although the primary care from physicians and the local hospital/clinic are generally adequate, I recommend getting a second opinion before accepting a recommendation for major treatment like surgery, even though you will likely have to pay that out of pocket. Doctors, treatments, medications are dramatically less expensive here. Custom orthotics would have cost me approximately $300 in the US, but are $45 here. ," said one expat living in Altea.

"Altea offers a wide range of medical services for its residents. The town has several hospitals and clinics that provide a variety of treatments and services, including general medicine, emergency care, and specialized treatments. The town also has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies. Additionally, Altea has a number of private medical practices that offer specialized treatments and services. The town also has a number of medical centers that provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services," remarked one expat in Altea.

"My policy costs 1017 Euros or about $1109 annually. It can also be paid monthly through a bank deduction. There is no co-pay, which is the requirement for the Spanish visa, so most treatment is included, but not prescriptions or outside consultation," said an expat in Altea.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Altea can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Private health insurance is generally more expensive than public health insurance, but it can provide more comprehensive coverage. Public health insurance is available to all citizens and residents of Spain, and it covers a wide range of services, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. However, it does not cover some services, such as dental care and vision care, which must be purchased separately. Additionally, some services may require a co-payment or deductible," commented one expat living in Altea, Spain.

"In Altea, emergency services are provided by the Spanish National Police and the Spanish National Health Service. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 112, the European emergency number. This number is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including landlines and mobile phones. The operator will then connect you to the appropriate emergency service," said one expat.

"On my plan, there are two large private clinics/hospitals in Benidorm which is about a 45 minute bus ride or 20 minute car ride. I have heard and experienced both good treatment at these facilities, and also poor treatment, like a man I know who had surgery for a broken leg after being struck by a car. They botched it and he had to have multiple surgeries to correct it. I had to make multiple trips for assessment and feedback. ," remarked one expat in Altea.

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Altea. People in Altea can access a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and more. For highly specialized medical care, people in Altea typically go to larger cities such as Valencia or Alicante, which have larger hospitals and more advanced medical facilities," wrote an expat living in Altea.

"I have not had serious health problems, but did seek out a podiatry specialist for alternative treatment for foot pain from Freiberg's. The IMED doctor told me I need to have part of the second and third bone in my foot cut out. The podiatrist (who has multiple locations in this area of the Costa Blanca) used laser and made me custom orthotics and gave me exercises which helped immensely," said an expat in Altea.

"Most medications are available at pharmacies without a prescription. Bring old medication bottle or written info with name and dosage. They may have a different name. I always check via internet to make sure what I got is the correct medication and dosage. Certain prescriptions like antibiotics require a prescription. Most medications are extremely inexpensive. ," commented one expat who moved to Altea.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Altea. Pharmacies in Altea offer a wide range of medications, including those for common illnesses such as colds, flu, allergies, and other minor ailments. They also offer medications for more serious conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Many pharmacies also offer over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, antacids, and vitamins," said one expat.

"Altea has a wide range of medical facilities and medical care available. The town has a public health center, a private hospital, and a number of private clinics. The public health center provides basic medical services such as vaccinations, general check-ups, and minor treatments. The private hospital offers more specialized services such as surgery, maternity care, and emergency care. Private clinics provide a variety of services such as dentistry, optometry, and physical therapy. All of these facilities are staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals," commented one expat living in Altea, Spain.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Altea, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Spain is known for its high quality and is available to all residents, regardless of nationality. The system is funded by the government and is free at the point of use. The public healthcare system in Spain is comprehensive and includes a wide range of services, from primary care to specialist care. In addition, the public healthcare system in Spain is well-equipped with modern technology and highly trained medical professionals," said one expat living in Altea.

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Altea during the pandemic have been positive overall. The healthcare system has been very responsive to the needs of the community, providing timely and effective care. The healthcare workers have been incredibly dedicated and have gone above and beyond to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy. The local government has also been very supportive, providing additional resources and support to the healthcare system. Overall, I am very impressed with the level of care and support that the local healthcare system has provided during this difficult time," wrote one expat.