Ok , so we have finally done it, settled in nicely at eco camping marjal . Only problem is , I have a broken tooth so need a filling , we are in the crevillent, Elche , region, nearest town to us us Catral, anyone recommend a dentist for me .... Unlucky or what !!!!

Ouch - not from the pain of the tooth but the sight of the bill!

No pain at the mo. Will be once I receive the bill no doubt.

Don't you have the European Social Security card? You should get the filling done cheaply in the public system.

For a filling ?, you are only talking about 40eu

As far as I know all dentists work privately and do not come under the public health system.

Rosemary

Thank you for replies , there is Adventist connected to camp where staying on , will check it out. Had filling and check up in England week before I left so would be good for 6 months but a different tooth has now chipped . That's what eating KFC in Barcelona does for you . Was rubbish as well.

English speaking dentist at Quesada...
might even be one at Catral or dolores
you on facebook?? if not I could ask for you.
Heidi

There is one just up the road form me in Lo Marabu, quesada, many many people recommend it, plenty of others too in this area also, about 10 min drive from Catral.

"As far as I know all dentists work privately and do not come under the public health system."

Not according to the official information on our Social security site about the card usage in Spain. They mention that the free public service is limited, but it exists. (I'd link it to you, but it is in Finnish.)
And if you use a private doctor/dentist, you may still get part of the fee back from you own SS provider just like you would in your own home country.

You people really should look into this card and its benefits. Lots of info here, they even have apps for your phone giving you instructions on how to use the card. http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559&langId=en

Thank you so much for all your help everyone, I shall check out the one in Quesada. Catral is minutes away so that sounds ideal. Does anyone have a phone number, name or address, or would I be better going in person ? X

I started to read it but I immediately saw that it is a "free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 28 EU countries". As the poster is living here permanently this card would not help him.

Rosemary

I have the EHIC card. If I have to pay I have to pay . It's not an emergency so ..... X