Medical Insurance

For those travelling with an existing medical condition, it is advisable to ensure that you arrange adequate cover either through the company you are travelling with or with your private health care insurers. Lanzarote has a number of private clinics and hospitals that can provide treatment under private health insurance policies, but it is best to check you will be covered in the event that you have to attend one of these centres during your visit.

The New E111

On 1 January 2006 the form E111 was replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card entitles the British citizens to free equivalent health treatment within the EU if they fall ill or have an accident whilst abroad. To obtain the EHIC, go to the NHS website at: https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do and follow the instructions or phone 0845 606 2030 (in the UK) or 00 44 191 212 7500 (if calling from abroad).

In order to be covered by the EHIC you must take it with you when you travel in the EU.

If you move to Lanzarote, you should be aware that you cannot receive treatment with the EHIC card once you become a resident here. You will need to either arrange private medical insurance or get a Social Security number within the Spanish health care system, so that you can register with a doctor.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Fire, Police or Ambulance Dial 112

Hospitals

Arrecife General This is the main public hospital on the island and it is where accident victims will be taken, if they do not have private medical insurance. In order to attend this hospital, holidaymakers will need to bring their EHIC with them. NOTE: if you are not accompanied by a Spanish speaker it is likely you will spend a lengthy amount of time at the hospital as there are no English speaking staff and generally, holidaymakers are not prioritised. Telephone: 928 812 350

The British Surgery Should you need to see a doctor whilst on holiday, the doctors at the British Surgery not only speak fluent English, but have also had experience of working in the NHS. They offer a twenty-four hour medical service across the island, have an ambulance service and can offer advice over the telephone as well. Freephone: 900 811 555

Visit the British Surgery website

Do’s and Don’ts

The best way to ensure a trouble-free holiday:

Watch how much you drink – the vast majority of accidents that happen on holiday are caused by one too many drinks

Make sure to drink plenty of water – dehydration can make you feel unwell

It’s advisable not to drink the tap water in Lanzarote as it is desalinated and doesn’t taste very nice – bottled water is cheap and widely available

Use a high factor sun lotion – the sun is very strong here, although it may not feel as hot due to the cool breeze that comes off the Atlantic

Stay out of the sun during the peak hours between 12.00-14.00pm

Dental Emergency

There are several English speaking dental surgeries on the island, which can usually offer emergency treatment. The British Dental Surgery is based in Tias and all staff speak fluent English. Telephone: 928 833 573

Health and Beauty Tourism

With the rising cost of cosmetic dentistry and certain beauty treatments in the UK, you could combine a holiday in Lanzarote with a dental whitening treatment or a course of botox.

The Omega Clinic in Arrecife offers a range of cosmetic services, covering both dental and beauty treatments, giving you the chance to enjoy a break in the sun with a little pampering.

Telephone: 928 810 641 Web: www.clinicaomegalanzarote.com