HEALTH CARE
health care on your fulbright grant
Your health and well-being are essential during your grant year. Adapting to a new environment can sometimes bring unexpected health considerations, such as seasonal allergies, environmental factors, or dietary adjustments. To ensure a smooth transition, we strongly recommend planning your healthcare in advance. Before your arrival, take time to familiarize yourself with the healthcare options available in Spain and identify where you would seek treatment if needed. To get started, review these comprehensive healthcare resources, which provide key information on creating a healthcare plan and guidance on using your Fulbright Asisa health insurance and ASPE coverage.
Making a Health Care Plan before your arrival
If you have an important medical condition, you should bring copies of your medical records with you. It is also a good idea to bring supply for at least the duration of your grant of any prescription medication you are taking, since concentrations and brand names may vary or not be as easily available in Spain. You can also find out what is available in Spain by checking in CIMA (Centro de información online de medicamentos) by searching for the name of the medication or the active ingredient (*in Spanish). Please also reach out to your main contact at the Commission to discuss your plan for treatment while in Spain.
Remember that your health also includes your mental health. If you regularly see a therapist at home and would like to continue to see a therapist in Spain, it is important that you make a plan for this. For example, you can choose to independently set up video calls with your therapist at home, or you can choose to schedule therapy appointments through ASPE ASSIST
(in English or Spanish) through your Asisa plan.
Pharmacies and medication in SPain
Most medical supplies and medications are readily available at pharmacies across Spain. Pharmacists are highly trained in pharmacology and can offer guidance for minor ailments without a doctor’s visit. Many medications that require a prescription in the U.S. are available over the counter at lower prices, though vitamins tend to be more expensive.
If purchasing medication, carefully check ingredients, as some antibiotics are freely dispensed, and cold or flu remedies may contain caffeine or aspirin. If you prefer familiar brands for common ailments, consider bringing them with you.
Tips: Some pharmacies operate 24/7, and each city has designated Farmacias de Guardia open overnight. Their locations are posted in pharmacy windows and can also be found on the General Council of Pharmacist Association website or Google Maps.