Normal medical care

As in the rest of the Basque Country and Spain, medical care is free for all those in employment or who do not have sufficient economic resources. In the Basque Country medical care is available on the Basque Health Service, Osakidetza, within its public health centre network.

There are also a number of private centres which are not generally free.

Normal free medical care is provided in the first instance by the patient’s GP, who treats patients or sends them to a specialist if necessary.

Patients will need the Individual Health Care Card (TIS) to see the GP.

General health care timetables

Getxo has two health centres, where you can ask about the surgery hours of your allocated GP or specialist.

The health centres also cover emergency cases between eight o’clock in the morning and five o’clock in the afternoon. Otherwise, urgent medical assistance is available.

Medical appointments may be requested on- line.

Medicines

Medicines may be purchased at the chemist’s. Many of these require a medical prescription.

Those holding the TIS card are entitled to a discount from the system.

Those holding the Temporary Assignation Card are also entitled to a discount on medicines prescribed by urgent medical assistance.

Medicines are free for pensioners and the retired.

Medicines dispensed by private clinics are not entitled to any discount, and the full price must be paid.

There are a number of night chemists open outside the normal schedule.