Health and Segurity

A safe trip is a better trip

We hope that you do not need to use this section. But, if the need arises, it is best to know where to go if you need a doctor, or who to call in case of emergency.

Do I need vaccinations?- Up

When travelling to La Palma, you don´t need any kind of compulsory innoculation. Tetanus shots are recommended however, as they are everywhere else in the world, especially if you expect to be in contact with animals during your holidays.

Where should I phone in case of emergency? - Up

What kind of medical services and rights do I have during my stay on the island? - Up

• 
• If you are an EU citizen : You are entitled to free hospital and medical care. In the case of medical care, just show your European Health Insurance Card, which replaced the former E-111 and E-128 temporary stay forms on June, 1st 2004. Do not forget that the Spanish health system does not cover dental treatment. In Spain, as in the rest of the European Union countries, the European Health Card is not valid if the main reason for your trip to Spain is to receive a specific medical treatment.
  
• If you ARE NOT an EU citizen : Citizens of countries covered by European Union regulations, and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein, are entitled to receive the same medical care as any EU citizen. If you are a citizen of countries like Andorra, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru, you are also entitled to receive free medical and hospital care in case of illness or accident. To do so, you have to ask for the necessary certificate in your country of origin. If you forget this certificate, you have to pay all hospital, medical and medicine expenses in advance. Once you are back home in your own country, you can apply for a refund. Citizens of other countries will be attended and cared for in case of emergency. However, they will have to pay for the treatment .

Where can I buy medicines? - Up

In Spain, medicines must be bought in chemists. It is not difficult to find them as they are marked with a green cross.You will need a prescription to purchase certain drugs. If you come from an EU country, or from a country with any kind of agreement with Spain, you will have the same rights as Spanish citizens as far as medicines are concerned. So, after going to a state health centre, and after presenting the E-111 form, you will have to pay either the total price of the medicine or just part of it, depending on the medicine.

On La Palma, you will find the following pharmacies:

If you are an EU citizen, you are entitled to free hospital and medical care. In the case of medical care, just show your European Health Insurance Card (depicted above), which replaced the former E-111 and E-128 temporary stay forms on June, 1st 2004. / PHOTO: European Union

As in the rest of Spain, the chemists are easy to recognise by the sign of the green cross on a white background. You will find information about the duty chemist displayed outside each chemist and in the newspapers.

What security precautions should I take?- Up

Broadly speaking, La Palma is a safe place. Observe all normal precautions concerning your personal safety, as well as the safety of your belongings. For instance, walking alone on quiet and deserted streets at night is not advisable. In case of hiking or practising outdoor activities , please heed the recommendations of your guides at all times.