Local planningWhy repatriation varies by Spanish region
Spain includes a large mainland, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. A patient in Catalonia has a different bed-to-bed route from someone on the Costa del Sol, in Galicia, on Mallorca or Tenerife. That is why every case begins with the exact hospital, postcode, mobility and Belgian destination.
Northern and eastern Spain
From Barcelona and Catalonia, road transport via France can be compared with a scheduled flight. Alicante, Valencia and the Costa Blanca lie further south and include busy holiday areas. An apartment without a lift or a residential development with limited access may require additional staff and time.
Andalusia and the southern coast
Málaga, Marbella and other places on the Costa del Sol are very far from Belgium. An ambulance avoids airport transfers but requires an extensive driving, rest and care plan. When flying, the local ambulance, waiting time, boarding and transport after landing all count in addition to the cabin phase.
Balearic and Canary Islands
From Mallorca or a Canary Island, a flight or sea connection is needed first. An inter-island transfer may also be required. Stretcher access, medical escort, oxygen, battery life and the connection to mainland Europe are assessed as one chain.
Documents and follow-up care
Request the discharge report, current medication details, relevant examinations and specific mobility instructions. The European Health Insurance Card may support necessary public healthcare, but it does not pay for repatriation. In Belgium, home care, rehabilitation or an accepted hospital bed should be arranged before the journey begins.