Hospitalisation

LindaS28 wrote on Tue Sep 22, 2020 12:36pm:

What can I expect when I go into hospital.  Will I be able to converse ok even though my Spanish is limited, especially medical terms.  Is it best to have private health insurance?  Clearly, insurance for the future and not in this instance.  Kind regards

Sues007 wrote on Wed Sep 23, 2020 2:15am:

Hi Linda

I live in Cocentaina about 20 mins drive away from you and my nearest hospital is in Alcoy.

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I have had a few visits to the hospital and found that none of the medical staff spoke English to me.  I even asked if they spoke any English.

On the other hand, my friend went to have an x-ray and they spoke to her in a little English but not very well.

Fortunately, my friend and I, both speak Spanish pretty well and I managed ok for 5 days after my operation.

Now, I do have a number for a translator who would go with you whenever you want.  She charges 10€ an hour.  If you want more details PM me.

Sue 😘

Kimmy11 wrote on Tue Sep 22, 2020 3:02pm:

Hi Linda,

I don't live in your area, but for the State hospitals in my area - Torrevieja and Vega Baja - you should take a translator.  In Torrevieja, you can ask for a translator, but there's no guarantee that one will be available.  It may be worth checking whether your local hospital offer tha...

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...t service.

When you say, "Is it best to have private health insurance?", are you resident in Spain, or non-resident?  If resident, you would be entitled to State healthcare if you are:

-  a UK pensioner with an S1 form,

-  working in Spain and making social security contributions,

-  or paying into the Convenio Especial. 

If none of these apply, you would need private health insurance. 

If you're non-resident and it's an emergency admission to a State hospital, you would be covered for immediate treatment - you would need to provide your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and your passport - but you would not be entitled to non-urgent aftercare.  Please also note that the EHIC will no longer be valid for UK citizens from 1 January 2020 - unless BoJo pulls a rabbit out of the hat!  Non-residents will need comprehensive travel insurance, including health cover.

I hope that covers all eventualities, but I don't understand what you mean by "Clearly, insurance for the future and not in this instance", so if this doesn't answer your query, please provide more info, or private message me if you'd prefer not to post on the open forum.

Kind regards,

Kim

LindaS28 wrote on Wed Sep 23, 2020 8:48am:

Hi Kim

Thanks for your reply.  Very helpful.  Yes I am a permanent resident so no worries there.

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I really was wondering whether private insurance would bring about your choice of hospital and maybe English speaking doctor etc.  I have yet to investigate this.  What I meant was my existing illness would not be covered should I find insurance, but future illness would be covered.

Kind regards

VivienneAnn wrote on Wed Sep 23, 2020 9:40am:

Hi Linda,

I have my healthcare with DKV and their contract with the hospital is to a provide translator for appointments so check what your insurance company provides for.  However in reality we have found that this only covers for consulting appointment visits. For tests, day treatments and hospital ...

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...surgery in patient care a translator was not provided and we were reliant on the amazing good will and kindness of hospital staff who to my shame had more english words than I had Spanish. My lack of Spanish was sometimes a real problem and I will always be grateful for the care, patience and understanding I was shown by the doctors and nurses. By the way Ouch is the same in any language. 

Friends who have Spanish NHS or health provider who doesn't not provide translating services are expected to always take a translator with them for all appointments. It must be really frustrating for Spanish doctors and nurses dealing with immigrants who can't even speak the language but most take it in their stride.

Good luck

Vivienne

VivienneAnn wrote on Wed Sep 23, 2020 9:40am:

Hi Linda,

I have my healthcare with DKV and their contract with the hospital is to a provide translator for appointments so check what your insurance company provides for.  However in reality we have found that this only covers for consulting appointment visits. For tests, day treatments and hospital ...

Read more...

...surgery in patient care a translator was not provided and we were reliant on the amazing good will and kindness of hospital staff who to my shame had more english words than I had Spanish. My lack of Spanish was sometimes a real problem and I will always be grateful for the care, patience and understanding I was shown by the doctors and nurses. By the way Ouch is the same in any language. 

Friends who have Spanish NHS or health provider who doesn't not provide translating services are expected to always take a translator with them for all appointments. It must be really frustrating for Spanish doctors and nurses dealing with immigrants who can't even speak the language but most take it in their stride.

Good luck

Vivienne