Recently, an elderly family member took a sudden turn for the worse and was rushed by ambulance to a public hospital’s UCI, or what is commonly known as the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The past few days have been filled with anxiety and uncertainty. We faced many hurdles but also learned a lot in the process. I decided to write about this experience, thinking it might help others who could find themselves in a similar situation. My hope is to share some realistic insights and practical tips to help you feel more prepared and less panicked if you ever have to go through it.
When we first arrived at the hospital, our whole family was overwhelmed. After the initial assessment in the emergency room, the doctor told us our loved one needed to be moved to the UCI for observation and treatment. Just hearing ‘intensive care’ made our hearts sink. A nurse handed us a small piece of paper with the UCI’s visiting hours and phone number. Access to the UCI in Spanish public hospitals is extremely strict; you can’t just go in whenever you want. There are only two scheduled visiting periods per day, typically at midday and in the evening. Each visit is limited to one or two family members and lasts only about 30 minutes. Before entering, you must scrub your hands meticulously and wear an isolation gown, making the atmosphere feel very heavy.
Communicating with the Doctor
The opportunity to communicate with the attending doctor is incredibly valuable. Typically, right before visiting hours, the doctor will come out to brief all the waiting families together on the patients’ progress that day. This moment is critical, and you must use it to ask your questions. It can be quite chaotic, though, with several families surrounding a single doctor who often speaks quickly and uses a lot of medical terminology. If your Spanish isn’t fluent, I strongly advise bringing a friend who speaks the language well. We made this mistake at first and couldn’t grasp all the details. We had to ask a friend to help us later to fully understand the situation. A good tip is to write down your questions in advance so you don’t forget them when you’re feeling stressed.
Visiting Tips
There are strict limits on what you can bring inside during a visit. Essentially, you can bring nothing but yourself into the Spanish ICU. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited and must be stored in an outside locker. The patient’s room is filled with machines beeping constantly, which can be overwhelming to see for the first time. The patient is often connected to numerous tubes and might be sedated. Although the time allowed is brief, just being able to see your loved one receiving intensive care in a Spanish hospital and speak to them is a huge comfort for both of you. The nurses are highly professional and kind; whenever they have a moment, they are willing to explain things.
Regarding costs, we now have firsthand experience. Since we are covered by the public social security system, all medical expenses—from the ambulance and emergency room to the UCI stay—have been covered. We haven’t had to pay a single cent so far. This was a massive relief, as I can’t imagine how high the bill would have been otherwise. Below is a simple comparison I’ve put together regarding intensive care in public vs. private hospitals for your reference:
| Aspect | Public Hospital | Private Hospital |
|---|
| Cost | Essentially free (covered by social security) | Depends on the insurance plan; a deductible may apply |
| Visitation | Strict rules, short duration, limited number of visitors | More flexible; some offer private rooms, making visits easier |
| Communication | More difficult; communication with doctors is at fixed times | Easier; possible to schedule private consultations |
| Resources | Concentration of top equipment and expert resources | Varies by hospital size; some high-end private hospitals are well-equipped |
Having a loved one in a UCI in Spain is an exhausting experience, both mentally and physically. I hope my sharing can offer some guidance to those who might need it. Most importantly, I wish everyone’s families good health, so you’ll never have to use this information.
