As an intern in Tenerife, soaking up the sun and immersing yourself in new experiences is all part of the adventure. However, just like anywhere else, illness can strike at the most unexpected times. Whether it’s a mild sickness or something more serious, being prepared and knowing what to do can make all the difference. So, here’s a complete guide to help you take the proper steps during your internship stay.
1. Not Every Symptom Requires Panic
First things first, it’s essential to differentiate between a minor discomfort and a more serious health issue. Not every ache or pain needs immediate medical attention. Headaches, muscle soreness, or mild stomach upsets can often be taken care of with over-the-counter painkillers. So, no reason for you to go to the doctor or miss valuable time at your internship.
2. Pack Your Medicine Bag
One of the best ways to prepare for unexpected illness is by packing a small medicine bag before you leave for Tenerife. Include essentials such as pain relievers, antacids, allergy medication, and any prescription medications you may be taking regularly. Having these with you can save you a lot of trouble if you do get sick while you’re here.
3. Serious Illness
If in the unfortunate event, you do become seriously ill and need medical attention beyond self-care measures, it’s important to get a medical document. This document will serve as proof of your illness and may be required by your internship program or insurance provider for reimbursement or other purposes.
4. Reach Out for Support
If you find yourself feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to contact your internship supervisor and our team for guidance and support as this can provide valuable assistance in navigating the local healthcare system and receiving the care you need.
5. Navigating the Healthcare System
Seeking medical care in Tenerife can be a bit different from what you’re used to back home. While doctors in the Canary Islands are highly trained, language barriers can be a challenge. If you’re not fluent in Spanish, make sure your phone is charged and a translation app like Google Translate is open to help with the communication gap during medical appointments.
6. Hospital Visits and Insurance
For serious illnesses or emergencies, a visit to the hospital may be necessary. Make sure that you have full health insurance coverage that includes overseas medical care before you arrive in Tenerife.
7. Emergency Centers
Know the location and operating hours of the nearest emergency medical center in your area. Keep this information by hand in case of emergencies, and make sure you know how to get there quickly and safely. Being prepared can make all the difference in urgent situations.
The opening hours of Servicio Canario de la Salud (for emergencies only) are Mondays to Fridays from 17:00 to 09:00 and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays they are open 24 hours.
8. Attendance Requirements
Lastly, be aware that you need to be present for at least 80% of your internship program to be able to receive a certificate of completion. If you are feeling too sick, provide any necessary documentation from medical professionals to make sure your absence is accounted for appropriately.
Conclusion
When getting sick during your stay in Tenerife may not be part of the plan, being prepared and knowing how to navigate the local healthcare system can minimize stress and make sure you get the care you need. By packing essentials, documenting serious illnesses, seeking help where needed, and understanding the local healthcare practices, you can stay healthy and make the most of your time as an intern on this beautiful island.
FAQ
Can my friend come to the doctor with me?
We understand that it might seem scary to go to the doctor by yourself in a foreign country, however, we cannot allow other interns to miss any of their valuable time to accompany you to a medical center or the hospital. If you don’t feel well enough to go by yourself, please contact us, so we can help you any way we can.
What kind of insurance do I need?
Generally, people from the European Union (EU) are entitled to get state-provided healthcare services in other EU countries through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card will provide coverage for necessary medical treatments during temporary stays in other EU countries, including emergency care. Even though this card can help lower out-of-pocket costs, it may not cover all costs regarding medical treatments. Therefore, we recommend getting travel insurance that provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses.
Make sure to check out the information provided by your insurance company to get a clear understanding of what is being covered and what is not when being abroad.
Can I access emergency medical services in Tenerife without insurance?
Yes, emergency medical services are available to everyone in Tenerife regardless of their insurance status. However, it’s important to know that emergency room visits and hospitalization can be quite expensive, so having travel insurance or the money to pay for medical expenses is advised.
Can I request time off when I am too sick to do my internship?
If you’re not well enough, of course, you can take some time off to get better. However, we will need proof of illness from a medical expert so we know it’s not just something that can easily be resolved with over-the-counter medication.
What if I miss more than 80% of my internship due to sickness?
If in the unfortunate case, you get really sick during your internship and you haven’t reached 80% of the attendance requirement. In that case, you should contact us so we can come up with a solution together – provided that you have the medical document from a medical expert.