The form E111 provides entitlement to immediate necessary medical treatment during a temporary stay in an EU or EEA member state on the same basis as if the person was an insured resident of that member state. It is important to note that in some instances accessing these services may incur a charge, however, such charges would be in line with charges imposed on residents of that country. Temporary stays are periods where a person cannot be considered resident in a member state under that country's legislation. The E111 is available from health boards and all persons ordinarily resident in Ireland are eligible to obtain this form. This covers public treatment only and any person who opts for private treatment is liable for any expenses incurred. It is important to remember that the E111 may not cover all one's medical expenses.
As the Deputy will be aware Lanzarote is one of the Canary Islands which are ruled by the Spanish Constitution and by the norms of the European Union. Visitors will need to contact the local INSS, INSALUD or Autonomous Communities Office to obtain the address of the Ambultorio Health Centre, Consultorio or doctor. The visitor should supply a photocopy of form E111 for the Ambultorio Health Centre, the Consultario, or doctor to retain. The original E111 must also be shown but will be returned to the patient. A copy of form E111 is required every time that treatment is received.
It is also essential that the visitor seeks treatment from a doctor who treats health service patients, at a time reserved for health service patients. The national health service in Spain also provides emergency care 24 hours a day on an out-patient basis or at the place of residence of the patient, which is free of charge provided the above procedure is followed.
Any visitor who does not follow these procedures will be charged for private medical treatment. The Spanish State health scheme does not in general allow for the refund of the cost of private medical treatment.
