Finding a Specialist
If you are unwell but have specific symptoms and need specialist medical attention, you have three options to seek care: visit a local doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist; check with your private insurer which specialist you can visit; or make an appointment directly with a specialist.
If you visit your general doctor first, you will need to explain your symptoms to them. If they consider that you would benefit from specialist care, they will refer you to a specialist. You will be given a referral slip which allows you to request an appointment with the recommended specialist without paying a fee. It is worth mentioning that given the huge number of patients who rely on the Spanish health system, waiting lists to see a particular specialist are often long: sometimes even more than six months. This is a recognised defect of the system which the health authorities are working to solve. If you believe that you need urgent care, you may wish to consider paying for treatment from a private specialist.
If you have private health insurance, you will not usually wait as long as a state-insured patient for a medical consultation or for specialised treatment. Private medical insurance is a useful alternative to relying on the state system if you intend to stay in Spain for an extended period of time, or are unwilling or unable to wait a long time for an appointment with a specialist.
If you do not wish to visit a general doctor for a referral, but have no private medical insurance, you can contact a specialist directly and request an appointment. You will normally be able to see a specialist fairly quickly, but because you have not been referred by your doctor you may be required to pay high fees. Referred appointments with a state health service specialist are free of charge for patients, but private specialists typically charge expensive fees, even for consultations. Before you agree to the consultation or any further treatment, ask for an estimate of the costs involved and ensure that you are prepared, and able, to pay.
To find a private medical specialist you can look in the yellow pages or any other telephone directory. Alternatively, you can ask friends, colleagues and/or fellow students. If you are working in Spain, your employer may offer you private medical insurance free of charge, or at a reduced rate, and should be able to provide details of doctors and specialists in the area. If you are studying in Spain you may find that your university has its own medical centre for students. If not, there should be a student advice service available to inform you where you can seek help.
