European Insurance Card (Vía Wikimedia)
Spain – the country of bullfights, sun, paella and siestas. In no other country is it so easy to enjoy a relaxing lifestyle. It doesn’t matter if you are a university student in Madrid, a trainee in Sevilla or a pupil in a language school in Valencia – the Spanish have perhaps the most relaxing way of life in Europe. There is nothing that can destroy this relaxation… almost. When you get sick, it doesn’t matter in which country you are, it’s over with the rest and carefree mindset. Here are some tips to overcome such a time.
First of all, you should know that Spanish doctors are grouped into specific districts. You can’t just go to any doctor in town. It depends where you live. If you don’t know this, you will run to the wrong doctor at first. Just go to your closest doctor near to where you live. This should be the right one.
Also important: get some information from your insurance company. What do you need to receive medical treatment in Europe? Most insurance companies recommend the the European Health Insurance Card. With this card, you won’t have any problems in Europe. It is important not to forget this card.
Especially in Spain it is very helpful to speak Spanish because it is difficult to get by with English alone. If you don’t speak Spanish you should write down the most important keywords from a dictionary. Important information you need at the point of registration:
• Where exactly do you live in Spain right now?
• What are you doing in Spain?
• Since when and for how long are you staying in Spain?
• What are your troubles?
Medicine (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For your safety, you should always have some cash in your pocket. Medicine is a bit more expensive in Spain.
Once you return from the walk to the doctor and to the pharmacy, you will have made it through the most stressful part. Afterwards is when the boring part will begin. You are at home, you will want to rest and when possible, you will stay in bed. Outside, the sun is shining, you can hear the birds chirping und you start to go crazy in your room. What can you do to pass the time? If you have the pleasure of getting sick during the summer, you should buy a fan. It creates a refreshing cool breeze in your room and you won’t melt from the heat. When you are not too tired, you can pass the time with the usual things: read books, watch movies or TV series, play some computer games or listen to music. When you want to use your time meaningfully, you could learn vocabulary or write post cards for your family.
It doesn’t matter how you pass the time, by the end you are just happy when you are healthy and are able to leave the house again. Then you can enjoy the Spanish sun and paella once again.
