Regular health care
In the Basque Country as in Spain, health care is free for all those who work or do not have sufficient economic resources. In the Basque Country this health care is provided by the Basque Health Service-Osakidetza which has a network of public health centres.
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
The Basque Country has a network of health centres. This is where the assigned doctor or the specialist's working times can be found.
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.
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.