Flying Doctors (Travel Health in general)

Member Name: hazelarnold

Product:	Travel Health in general
Date:	28/07/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The doctors come to you no matter how trivial

Disadvantages: None that I have found

I bought an apartment in La Cala de Mijas - near Calahonda - Costa del Sol just over two years ago. The idea was for me and my family to use it as often as we could and rent it out at other times. As usual we dont get there nearly often enough but the rental side is doing well!! We took out a medical policy with Helicopteros Sanitarios commonly called the Flying Doctors. For a family of 4 (all adults) it costs approximately 375 pounds for the year which is paid annually. I had been told by many friends who live in Spain that even if you have an Elll you really should havet his service as back up. We thorougly investigated them - spoke to many members - being Scottish didnt want to buy a pig in a poke! - before joining and we have been absolutely delighted with them.

If you become ill - no matter how trivial - one phone call to an English speaking person and a doctor will visit you at home. If they think that you need further investigation then they take you - if not by ambulance they will airlift you to hospital. I have used their services twice - both times was seriously impressed by the level of service.

The first time I had a couple of very bad bites which looked as though they were very infected. Within 7 MINUTES I had a doctor and two nurses turn up at the apartment. I was thoroughly checked over and given an injection of antihistamine and a prescription for some cream and tablets. All of the medical team spoke excellent english.

The next time was in January of this year - I had a very bad case of eccema. Again the doctor and one nurse arrived within 30 MINUTES - gave me a good check then an injection and some steroid cream and wanted me to see a consultant dermatologist. Unfortunately the only appointment they could give me was 4 days later and as I was leaving the next day I had to decline. Incidentally on my return to the UK it took me 4 weeks to see a specialist in spite of the fact I went privately!

The Flying Doctors currently operate between Sotogrande and Torremolinos
although they are looking to expand their current area.

So whats the deal I hear you asking - well .....

They will come to your home 24 hours a day 365 days of the year regardless how trivial you think your condition may be.
They all speak english
There is no age limit
Anyone can become a member - you dont have to undergo any medicals etc
Will take you to a hospital if necessary either by ambulance or air.
They have just bought new ECG equipment which can be taken to your home and the results transmitted to a cardiologist at their headquarters.

You can if you wish undergo a full health check either at home - around 300 euros - bloods urine etc etc - or go to one of their clinics - around 110 euros for the same check. None of us have used this particular service so cant comment on it.

I heard of a woman a couple of years ago who was in a multi car crash on the motorway. She phoned the Flying Doctors and they were able to reach her by helicopter when ambulances couldnt due to traffic congestion.

Never underestimate the E111 which is invaluable and an absolute must have on your travels out of the UK - however if you are going regularly to Spain, spending the winter months there or even retiring then this health insurance is truly money well spent. What price good health and peace of mind!

Summary: Marvellous service - quality healthcare