Spain has free reciprocal basic health agreements with other European Community members and visiting EU nationals should be sure to carry an E111, available from post offices in their home country, which covers emergency treatment whilst on holiday or short- term visit.

If you become a resident and pay social security you, and your family, will be allocated a clinic/doctor within the public health system. The private health system on the other hand, is two tiered. Medical insurance companies like Signa, Caja Salud, Adesias and Sanitas have their own hospitals, clinics, laboratory and radiology centres and provide the some sort of health coverage as the public system but you pay for it through your premium payments. Other private companies utilise the public services on an as and when needed basis, a service for which they pay the Hospital directly.

Patients normally should not have to wait as long, but the companies can insist on a policy holder using a doctor who is a member of their group so you don't always have a free choice of doctors. Most, however, have programs which will reimburse 80 percent of the fees charged by doctors outside the group.

PHARMACIES

If you are troubled by a minor complaint, the local "farmacia" or chemist, marked by a green cross, is a good starting point. Pharmacists are well trained and often prepared to give advice - although do bear in mind that they didn't go to medical school - and sometimes speak English. Pharmacies are normally open from 9am-1pm and then again from 4-7pm. A rota system for 24-hour coverage operates, with a list of the nearest one that is open posted on the door. By law, Spanish pharmacies must sell you the cheapest brand of medication if that's what you ask for.

For more medical information visit www.dh.gov.uk