What to do in an emergency
Don't panic! In an emergency in a foreign country the first thing you forget is all the words you ever knew in the language you need. So it may be comforting to know that the emergency phone number now in use throughout Europe - 112 - is widely used in Spain, and the operators are trained to take calls in several languages - including English.

Passports and Visas

• Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months at return date
• Take a photocopy with you and leave a copy at home
• Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport
• Take another form of ID

Travel Insurance

• Take out a policy that includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover
• The policy should cover the whole trip and period from booking in case of cancellation
• The policy should cover all activities that may be undertaken, including hazardous sports
• Disclose any current or previous medical conditions
• Carry the insurance policy documents at all times

EHIC Health treatment
UK residents are entitled to emergency health treatment whilst on short-term visits to Spain, provided they can produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) each time they seek treatment from a Spanish National Health hospital or doctor. The EHIC replaced the E-111 form until the end of January 1, 2006.

The EHIC is sufficient for all emergency health situations in Spain. The biggest differences between the old E111 forms and the EHIC Cards is that the later are issued on an individual basis. Previously you could cover your whole family with the one form, now you need to apply for a card or form for every member of the family.

The EHIC can be obtained online at the website: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by calling (from outside the UK (+44) 191 203 5555. It is issued free of charge.

EHIC is only accepted by the national health, NOT private hospitals or doctors. In the case of repatriation due to illness, the patient must pay their own costs.

Driving

Do...

• Expect the unexpected
• Watch out for traffic lights, which are invariably positioned very high up in the blinding sun
• Take care at pedestrian crossings, especially if you are the pedestrian as cars will rarely stop at them
• Carry all documentation (passport, driving licence, vehicle registration form) at all times. You can be also be fined for not carrying two red warning triangles, spare bulbs, fire extinguisher and first aid kit
• Give way to traffic from the left, especially at roundabouts
• Wear a seatbelt, in front and back seats where fitted

Don’t...

• Pull into the middle of the road to turn left if there is a solid line in the road. There are often special lanes for this, signposted cambio de sentido
• Drink and drive - the limits are very low, the penalties very high and breathalyser tests are common
• Speed – fines are calculated at EUR 6 per km over the speed limit
• Drive while talking on a mobile. Fines are heavy