15 Feb 2011 10:06 PM:
Hi Spandangler,
We also live in the Arroyo area. Where and how you register with a doctor depends on your residency status. If you have not yet taken steps to permanent residency and have a UK issued EHIC card you can take yourself into the Centro de Salud behind the station, or in cases of emergency to the Chare Hospital Urgencias opposite Benalmadena Golf on the road up to the Pueblo. So long as you have a photocopy of both your EHIC card and your Passport with you you will be treated.Where we live we had to access the Centro de Salud in Torrequebrada and not the one in Arroyo. there are interpreters on duty each weekday morning at both Centres and they can assist with any problems that you might have.
In order to register with a specific Doctor you will have to either be in employment here and paying into the State system or have the necessary forms from the Department of Work and Pensions in Newcastle. The forms are either issued as a result of early retirement, in which case you will be entitled to emergency treatment for up to 2 years, depending on your insurance payment record, but will have to make arrangements for standard Consultant appointments in the UK.
If you or your partner is over retirement age then you will be issued with a separate form that will entitle you both to free healthcare within the Spanish system. These forms must then be taken to the Social Security Offices in Fuengirola to register and you will be issued with a document stating that you are eligible for Health Care which you then present at the relevant Centro de Salud If you are of retirement age you will also eventually receive a Spanish health card through the post, either to your home address or to your Centro de Salud.
We have lived here for over four years and as retirees we cannot praise the health services in this area and at Hospital Clinico in Malaga too highly.
Forum thread:
How do I find nearest doctor to register with?
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