Health and Safety

Health Insurance Coverage

All participants are required to have health insurance that provides coverage in Spain and at home for the entire duration of their time in Barcelona. If students plan to travel internationally, the insurance should also provide cover for travel to other countries. It is essential that before arrival in Spain, students speak to their Health Insurance provider to determine details of the coverage. Often, many health service providers will not process American insurance claims and will expect payment at the time of the service, so students should have access to funds that will cover unforeseen medical expenses. Some larger insurance companies have agreements with specific health service providers in Barcelona and students do not have to pay up-front for services there. It is the students’ responsibility to determine which medical practitioners and centers have agreements with their health insurance provider before arrival in Barcelona. Students should be sure to obtain a receipt of any medical services given to submit with their insurance claim for reimbursement. It is important to know how to make a claim before departing the U.S.

Prescription Medications

If a student requires prescription medication, they should bring a supply with them to last the entire time that they will be abroad. Although many medications are available worldwide, they are not always identical in strength or composition to what students take at home. In addition, brand names of the same medication usually differ between the US and Europe. Bring medications in carry-on luggage, in the original containers, along with a letter from the doctor explaining the dosage, why the medication has been prescribed, and why the student is traveling with a large quantity.

Note: It is illegal to ship medications to Spain; any medications found will be confiscated and a heavy fine may be applied.

Immunizations

If any student plans to travel outside of Spain, particularly to the continent of Africa, it is important to have had the necessary immunizations before departing the U.S. Students can learn about associated health issues through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pharmacies

Students must go to a pharmacy for all medications, including aspirin, as they are not sold in drug stores or grocery stores. Pharmacists in Spain are trained to do over-the-counter diagnoses for minor ailments, so the pharmacy is a good first stop if a student is not feeling well.
Pharmacies are generally open Monday through Friday 9:00am-1:30pm and 5:00pm-8:30pm. “Farmacias de guardia” are designated pharmacies that open all night and on the weekends on a rotation basis. Students can find out which ones are open by checking the list in all pharmacy windows or by checking the farmacias.es website.

Medical Appointments:

Medical appointments can easily be made at numerous health clinics and specialists’ offices throughout Barcelona.
Students can consult CASA-Barcelona staff for the option that best suits their specific needs. In most cases, a student will pay for the consultation up-front and file for reimbursement from their home insurance company by submitting the appropriate paperwork and all original receipts. It is the student’s responsibility to understand how his/her insurance coverage works and to file all reimbursement requests.

Safety

Safety in Barcelona

Spain is generally as safe as the U.S., and in some cases safer. As is true of any large city, however, there are problems with petty thievery in Barcelona. You can avoid many problems by being cautious and remembering the important points about staying safe listed below. While crime, most certainly violent crime, is less prevalent in Barcelona than in similar-sized cities in the U.S., tourists are always a favorite target of criminals, so please be mindful of your surroundings and belongings at all times.

During the orientation sessions, CASA-Barcelona invites local police officers and the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona to provide participants with safety tips to follow for ensuring that their stay in Barcelona is a safe one.

U.S. State Department and Consulate General in Barcelona

Department of State Registration

Before traveling to Barcelona, students must register with the State Department through the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP).

The U.S. Department of State has a website dedicated exclusively to American students abroad. It is highly recommended that students check the information regarding issues related to health, safety and emergencies.

U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona

The website of the United States Consulate General in Barcelona contains many useful tips and information for U.S. citizens in Barcelona, from how to renew a passport to what to do in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Contacts

Upon arrival in Barcelona, each student will receive a card with the necessary telephone numbers in the case of an emergency. It is advisable to carry the card at all times.