The best of both worlds: an inherently healthier place to live plus a highly developed healthcare infrastructure. Spain offers excellent standards of medical care, through the Instituto Nacional de la Salud, although in some parts of the country the administration falls within the regional health authority.

 Since Britain and Spain are full members of the European Union (EU), you are entitled to receive free general medical treatment in Spain (think of it as a Spanish NHS).

 Shorter-term visitors, family and friends for example, staying with you for up to 3 months must complete a Department of Social Security/Health form E111, which is easily obtained from the Post Office.

 When coming to Spain to live permanently you will need form E121. If you are not retired, you need to be working and paying social security contributions in Spain to enjoy medical cover.

 Over 3 million people in Spain have private medical cover. As in the UK, this entitles the individual to private treatment and hospitals with bills being picked up by the insurer.

 There are various health centres throughout the Costa Calida and we will happily recommend a doctor that is located conveniently close to your property. We choose the doctors we recommend on the basis of their reputation, their ability to communicate with English speakers and their proximity to pharmacies.