Medical Insurance

 Medical and dental care is available throughout Spain. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can be costly. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment for health services. Therefore, it is imperative to carry full-coverage insurance while abroad.

Before you leave for Spain, you should confirm to what extent (1) you are covered by your parents' or some other insurance; and (2) whether you are covered when outside the U.S. 

In addition to any personal US insurance that you carry, Smith College provides you with specific international medical insurance, GEOBLUE which covers your medical needs during your stay abroad. Please see Summary of Benefits here. For some specialties, such as psychiatry, gynecology, or dentistry, payment is made and then is reimbursed by the insurance company (we will speak about this point in detail during the orientation).

Medical and dental services are available at various facilities in Cordoba. The PRESHCO staff in Cordoba will assist students in locating doctors and obtaining needed medical and dental care. 

It is important that students understand that living in a foreign country may involve health risks greater than those encountered while living in one’s own country. Students should exercise all reasonable care in guarding against such risks (which will be duly explained by the PRESHCO staff during the orientation period) and keep Program officials informed of any health problems that may emerge during their participation in the Program.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs Brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page [http://travel.state.gov].

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained via the Centers for Disease Control Internet home page [http://www.cdc.gov].

Carrying Medication: The Student Medical History Form you provided during the application process is on file in the PRESHCO Office in Cordoba and may be consulted if necessary. It is important for those of you on permanent medication or with special medical concerns, be sure to bring copies of your prescription. In addition to the Student Medical History Form that you filled out as a part of the application process, it may be useful to get a letter from your doctor describing what prescription drugs you use regularly and what they are used for. Any medication you carry across international borders should be in its original prescription bottle.

In case of emergencies: No matter what time of day or night, whether you are in Cordoba or traveling follow the instructions provided by PRESHCO. PRESHCO will help you seek what is best for you; but we cannot make medical decisions for you. If you wish, and upon request, we can usually accompany you to appointments. You are also, of course, free to go on your own. Before going, however, make sure you have a photocopy of your policy sheet and your Card, if you have one, and take an ID (either your passport, or photocopy, or your residency card). You may or may not have to show the ID, but you certainly will have to present the policy sheet.

Hospital Quirónsalud Córdoba offers a 24-hour, English-language emergency service for international patients called G24. The student can call them and describe symptoms and then talk to a doctor who will assess the situation and either recommend a visit to the ER or send a prescription by email. This conversation is available in English.

For non-emergency medical issues, you can also use G24 or you can inform a PRESHCO staff member who can provide information on further steps to follow.

Upon your arrival to Spain you will receive a card with all the information needed in case of emergency.