Being sick is never fun. If you happen to fall ill while in another country, and don’t speak the language that well, it can be a little frightening.
Typically, I am a very healthy person who hardly ever gets sick. Yes, I’m the person who rarely gets antibiotics or even goes to the doctor. Although I knew I would have health insurance coverage through BEDA, I never actually thought I would need to use it.
Getting Sick in Madrid
It happened. I could feel the tightening of my throat, and although it was uncomfortable I can generally fight through a small sniffle or cold. This occurred on a Friday, and by the end of the day I felt completely awful and barely had a voice to teach. Since I have insurance I tried to get a same day appointment to see the doctor on Friday, but was unable to get one. I was told that I could get in if I called back on Monday.
By Saturday morning, I couldn’t even make simple sounds with my voice, and on top of that I felt even worse than I had felt the day before. The idea of waiting for an appointment was something I wasn’t looking forward to. I googled what types of medicines one should purchase from the Farmacia in Spain, and found a few options. I picked up a couple of things including Ibuprofen, and hoped for the best. By Sunday I was still feeling terrible and there was no sign of getting my speaking voice back. My landlady needed to stop by to check out something going on in the apartment next door, and I really wasn’t in the mood for visitors. However, she ended up being my angel that day!
“Oh my goodness, you sound awful,” she said. I tried to agree with her using my minimal speaking voice, and that is when she asked if I had gone to the doctor yet. She said that waiting for an appointment was ridiculous. After calling the number on the back of my insurance card and waiting a few minutes, she had gotten me a home visit for that day from a doctor. Wow!
Doctor House Calls
I have to admit that although I was feeling horrible, it was kind of cool having a doctor come to our apartment with his little black bag and stethoscope. Scarlett said it was like something out of “Downton Abbey.” He prescribed antibiotics and told me to get three more days of rest without going to work. He didn’t speak that much English, but we communicated and he understood what was going on.
Using the Insurance Card and the Price of Medicine
It was so easy to use my insurance card and I didn’t even have a co-pay! One of the best parts was that I purchased antibiotics and the Spanish version of Tylenol for about 8 Euros. Since medicine isn’t covered through insurance, I wasn’t sure what to expect. When the pharmacist or “chemist” said 8 Euros, I was astounded! I’ll take it!
Spain is known for having a good health care system but I was having doubts when I couldn’t get an appointment on Friday. It ended up working out for the best though. Hopefully I won’t need to visit with a doctor again while in Spain, but if I do at least I know I have a few options.
How interesting! My daughter got a yeast infection (ick) when we were in Thailand and it was a huge pain trying to go back and forth with the pharmacist to figure out what to buy her. No doctors needed, just walk in and buy what you want.
Oh no! Yeah, I have noticed that if you have the translation correct for what you need it definitely makes it easier. With a yeast infection especially, because if you are pointing down and saying infection, that can be interpreted as something much worse! Lol.
Horrible being ill overseas, been there! Sometimes the stress of travel or being in an enclosed airplane is the culprit. Love the doc and the bag, what a cute story, although you had to be sick to get the story! A fun story, now that you’re all better, ha!
Thank you! I am beginning to feel a bit human again. 😊
This is sooo amazing! I remember when I was a little girl growing up in Eastern Europe, the doctor would come to our apartment when I was sick! ☺️ It was so nice to just rest in bed, and not have to get up, go to the clinic, and sit there and wait! 😊
I know! I have never had a doctor come to my home before so it was nice. They should have this option in the states!
Oh man, I can’t imagine being sick and outside of my comfort zone at the same time. What a trooper. Sounds like you had a great Dr. though. Glad you’re feeling better!
Good to know! My bf and I will be taking off and travelling for a year or so soon, and this is something on our minds. Need to look into the insurance you have! We are trying to figure out what to get there.
A really helpful post. I liked the story of the landlady helping you and the happy outcome.
I can’t even begin to say how much I prefer European health care to the joke we get in the US. How awesome that you could be treated so well and so cheaply!
Getting sick abroad is definitely a fear. I’m so glad things worked so well for you.
Thank you! Yes, it was a bit unnerving.
That totally sounds like something out of Downton Abbey! I’m so glad you are all better!
Thank you! We are feeling a bit better now.
I travel a lot and that’s my worst fear! So cool to have home visits by doctors. I’ve heard of several countries that do this!
I really think it would be accepted if this were an option in the U.S.
Another Awesome story. I hope your feeling much better!! BTW Rita and I both Love Downton Abbey!
Thanks David! I had never seen Downton Abbey until we arrived in Madrid. It wasn’t streaming on US Netflix but it is here!
Such helpful information! Thanks for sharing and educating us all!
You are most welcome! Thanks for reading!
What a difference from our healthcare. Glad you had a good experience.
Thank you. We are feeling a bit better now!
How terrifying! Thanks for educating us on what to do!
Of course! Thanks for reading!
It’s really neat that they can come to you!
It really makes it convenient!
I had never thought about this before. I guess no one likes to think about getting sick while in another country.
I can imagine it would be quite the learning curve to become sick in another country. Glad it all worked out so well!And a doctor making house calls? That’s so amazing. Wish we still had that service in the U.S. Something there was definitely lost with the modernization of medicine.
Thank you for all the helpful tips! I couldn’t imagine getting sick abroad, but the at home visit is definitely a plus! Glad it all worked out.
Thank you! We are definitely learning as we go. 😊
Sorry you got sick while there, but glad you are able to share this information with others!
Thank you! It is unfortunately one of those unavoidable things. And yes, at least we are feeling better.
So glad it worked out for you. Kinda scary for sure, especially when there is a different language involved!
Wow, it was actually a better experience than I’m sure a traveler to the US would have had. Thank goodness your landlady came in and was able to help get you on the mend!
It would be my worst nightmare getting sick abroad! Thanks for sharing your experience!
I had such bad allergies when I went to Spain and they were able to give me OTC medicine there. Having a self standing pharmacy felt so much more personal and easier
Okay, so…. can you import that healthcare system back to the US when you come home? Pretty please!!!
Ha! If I could, I would! 🙂