20 November, 2014

By VIVA Team

Sufferers of long-term ailments are well taken care of in Spain, the study found

A recent medical conference that gathered doctors, nurses and health professionals from across Europe concluded that Spain’s healthcare system ranks as one of the best on the continent when it comes to treating chronic illnesses…

The Spanish healthcare system was also widely praised by Spain’s expat population, with Brits in particular full of praise for its thoroughness and efficiency.

The medical session, held in the Spanish city of Logroño, polled health professionals and recent patients from around Europe, asking for their opinions on how healthcare differs across the continent.

Sufferers of long-term, or permanent but controllable conditions such as diabetes, are thought to be in better hands in Spain than in almost any other country in Europe.

Spain’s healthcare system – which like the UK’s NHS is free at the point of service to residents and EHIC members – is widely considered to be one of the best in the world, and it is this attention to detail and thoroughness that makes the system particularly good for those with chronic illnesses.

Because of this, the average age of Spaniards is rising, with many Europeans of or approaching retirement age also heading to Spain to enjoy the warmth, sunshine and excellent healthcare in their later years.

British expats have been particularly full of praise for the healthcare they have received in Spain, with the efficiency of procedures rated as ‘excellent’. Spain’s health system was also praised for offering lower waiting times for consultations and operations, and the speed with which test results come through is also pleasing for Brits, the study found.

Some British and other expats did note, however, that the overall thoroughness of medical examinations in Spain seemed a little unnecessary at times, with many doctors willing to send their patients for ECGs, blood tests, ultrasounds or other specialist appointments with easy abandon.

Respondents to the survey, particularly British expats, said that they often had to pester their doctors back home to suggest tests and procedures that Spanish doctors tend to agree to at the drop of a hat.