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Spain Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
No |
| Hepatitis A |
No |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
No |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
No |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.
The overall standards of healthcare in Spain are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.
Food in Spain is generally safe to eat. Most restaurants and bars adhere to a certain standard of hygiene. For those with sensitive stomachs, try to avoid street food, such as churros or pinchitos (kebab) which are usually sold in small street-side stores especially in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Other foods to look out for include seafood that might not be fresh and sandwiches and omelettes that might have been left out for too long. Tapas bars may sometimes serve foods that have been kept overnight, so be careful what you eat.
Foods sold in local markets are generally fresh and affordable. If you're extremely careful about what you eat, these are the best places to look for clean and fresh produce. Tap water in Spain is safe to drink but some complain that tap water in Ibiza can be quite salty. Bottled and mineral water are easily available throughout the country and can be found in supermarkets and grocery stores.
In mid-summer temperatures can reach over 40°C (104°F) and heat-related risks are high. Be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, wear strong sunscreen and cover your skin with a hat and loose clothing. If partaking in hiking, cycling or other outdoor activities, avoid the midday hours and limit exercise to early mornings or late evenings.
On islands such as Ibiza be aware that alcohol and drugs are prevalent. Stay hydrated when consuming alcohol and be aware that spirit measurements are generous. Taking drugs is illegal and drug dealing is dealt with very severely by the local police and courts.
In Mallorca, waves of jellyfish can make an appearance in summer, and while these are not deadly, they can give a very painful sting.
For those who wish to report a crime such as theft or lost property, the number to call is 092 (local police).
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