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Snakes Discovered Beneath Patients’ Beds At Hospital In Southern Spain

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The species found inside the hospital was examined by Seprona. Photo credit: Generated by AI

Patients and staff at a hospital in southern Spain have been left shaken after a snake was found beneath a patient’s bed, with the discovery reportedly marking the second time a reptile has turned up inside the building in just weeks.  The latest incident happened at the Hospital Alto Guadalquivir in Andújar, Jaén, during the past weekend. A member of staff noticed the reptile in the hospital’s inpatient area and raised the alarm.

The snake was underneath a patient’s bed, where it had curled itself around the motor used to raise and lower the mattress. Hospital staff alerted the relevant services, and the animal was subsequently removed. For the person occupying the bed and their relatives, the discovery was particularly unsettling. The snake was not outside in the hospital grounds or somewhere away from patients. It had made its way into an occupied hospital room and ended up underneath a bed. The incident also raised an uncomfortable issue for hospital staff because a similar discovery had reportedly taken place only around two weeks earlier.

Second snake found inside the hospital

According to information from union and healthcare sources, another snake had already been found inside the hospital. That earlier incident was dealt with by security personnel, although relatives and union representatives said no specific protocol was activated at the time. The second discovery resulted in a more extensive response.

The Seprona environmental unit of the Guardia Civil was called in and examined the area to establish where the reptile could have come from. One of the areas being considered is the hospital’s patios and surrounding outdoor spaces, where snakes and other reptiles are known to be present. Investigators are looking at whether the animals could be entering the building from these areas and eventually reaching patient rooms. 

The presence of snakes around Andújar itself is not unusual. The town is surrounded by countryside, providing suitable habitat for reptiles, Finding one beneath a hospital bed is a very different matter.

Snake was not dangerous

There is some reassurance for patients following the latest discovery, the species found inside the hospital was examined by Seprona and confirmed not to be dangerous. There have also been no reports of anyone being bitten or otherwise injured during either incident. 

The Junta de Andalucía’s health and environmental authorities have been in contact with the hospital’s management while the circumstances are examined. The authorities have described the latest episode as a specific incident that has already been resolved. Measures are also being considered to prevent reptiles from gaining access to the hospital again. For patients and their families, however, the fact that nobody was injured does not necessarily make the experience less disturbing.

A hospital is somewhere people go because they need medical care. Many patients are confined to their beds, recovering from illness, undergoing treatment or simply unable to move around easily. Discovering a snake underneath one of those beds is therefore likely to be considerably more frightening than finding one outdoors.

How did it get inside?

The investigation is now focused on the route taken by the reptile, the inspection of the hospital’s patios is intended to establish whether snakes living around the building have a way of getting indoors. The latest animal was found in a particularly concealed position. Rather than simply moving across the floor, it had ended up around the mechanical equipment beneath the bed.

That raises the possibility that a snake could remain hidden without immediately being noticed by patients or staff. The hospital has not reported any interruption to patient care as a result of the discovery. Nevertheless, the second incident in such a short period has put attention on the need to prevent another reptile from reaching the inpatient area.

For families visiting relatives, the episode has also prompted questions about how the animals are getting into the building and what can be done to stop it happening again. The immediate danger may have been limited by the fact that the snake was not a dangerous species. But for the patient whose bed it was hiding beneath, that distinction would have offered little comfort when the reptile was first spotted. Now, after two reported incidents within weeks, patients and staff will want to know whether the latest discovery really was an isolated event, or whether the hospital has a recurring problem that needs to be addressed

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British Tourist Arrested For Assaulting Police Officer After Magaluf Confrontation

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The man reportedly refused to identify himself and attempted to leave. Photo credit: Carlos Calvo Torregrosa/Shutterstock

A night out in Magaluf ended with a British holidaymaker in court after a confrontation with police allegedly escalated into an assault on an officer. A 27-year-old was arrested after a group of six or seven people reportedly shouted abuse at police, with one officer later needing to defend himself with his baton.

The incident happened in Magaluf on Saturday as police officers encountered the group. According to reports, members of the group were insulting the officers and shouting “f*** the police”, an insult that Gen X made popular back in 1988 but Gen Z feel cool enough to use.

An officer then approached them and asked them to stop, before requesting identification from one of the men. The situation quickly escalated when one of the men reportedly refused to identify himself and attempted to run (amateur, Gen X would not have done that). Another member of the group then allegedly lunged towards the officer and slapped him hard across the right cheek, causing him to stagger backwards.

Police officer confronted by group in Magaluf

The officer reportedly drew his baton after members of the group began threatening him. The man who had allegedly struck him then approached the officer again in an aggressive manner.

The officer used the baton against him before the man ran away from the scene. Police subsequently caught up with him, leading to a struggle as officers attempted to restrain him. One of the group members was arrested following the confrontation.

Unfortunately the incident has once again placed the behaviour of some holidaymakers in Magaluf under scrutiny, particularly during the busy summer season when police are dealing with large numbers of visitors in the resort.

British tourist appears before Palma court

The arrested tourist appeared before a court in Palma on Saturday. He was subsequently released, although the report does not state that he has been convicted or sentenced for the incident, however, the initial report describes another person as the man who initially slapped the officer.

The 27-year-old who was arrested is described as having been one of the group members that approached the officer aggressively before being struck with the baton and detained. No conviction has been reported, and the allegations remain allegations unless established by a court.

Magaluf police facing summer crowds

Magaluf is one of Mallorca’s busiest holiday resorts, attracting large numbers of British visitors during the summer months. Its nightlife has also made the resort a regular focus of police operations aimed at tackling disorder and keeping busy entertainment areas under control.

Visitors should always remember that behaviour that might be seen as drunken fun among mates can sometimes have much more serious consequences when it develops into confrontation with police. Shouting abuse at officers is one thing; an alleged physical attack can turn a holiday night into an arrest, a court appearance and potentially a criminal case.

Alcohol infused nights out 

The unfortunate event is a perfect example how quickly a confrontation involving several people can escalate, especially when alcohol is involved. What began with a group insulting officers ended with one officer reportedly being struck, a baton being drawn and a British tourist being taken into custody.

For the 27-year-old, the night out in Magaluf therefore ended very differently from how it began: instead of heading back to his hotel room with a hangover, he found himself appearing before a judge in Palma with a hangover, remember to choose your battles wisely.

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Claim Rejection Weight-Loss Jabs Insurance

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People travelling to and from Spain could see travel insurance claims refused after using popular weight-loss injections without declaring them properly. A tightening of insurer rules on GLP‑1 medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro means anyone on these treatments must record them when buying cover, or face the prospect of large medical bills and rejected claims while abroad.

What are the rules for travelling with the medicines

Weight loss injections have exploded across many parts of the world and are now a hugely popular choice for many people, but insurers now treat GLP‑1 injections as prescription medicines that form part of your medical history. A 2026 review of 48 UK providers found 26 explicitly require disclosure of weight‑loss jabs, while others expect you to declare the underlying condition such as obesity or type 2 diabetes. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reiterates that any prescribed medication or treatment must be shared at the point of purchase.

Non‑disclosure can breach policy terms. Several major brands, including Aviva, AXA and Admiral, warn that failing to declare the condition for which the jab was prescribed may lead to rejected claims or reduced payouts, even if the incident appears unrelated. Staysure and other specialist underwriters will consider cover, but only if the medication is prescribed by a GP or registered pharmacy, recorded in medical notes, and part of a supervised programme.

What this means for anyone travelling to and from Spain

Those taking out insurance for their travels must ensure their policy reflects current health circumstances. A claim for severe dehydration, pancreatitis, or an accident complicated by side effects could be scrutinised if the jab was not declared. Airport clinics and private hospitals in coastal areas will expect proof of insurance before non‑emergency treatment. Without valid cover, bills can quickly reach thousands of euros, especially if repatriation is required. Declaring the jab upfront avoids that risk and keeps options open for assistance lines and cashless networks.

What you should do now if getting travel insurance

Declare the medication and the condition. Enter Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or the generic name during medical screening, and list obesity, diabetes or weight management as the reason.

Expect a premium adjustment. Which? found average quotes rose around 15% after disclosure in a recent sample, though prices vary by age, destination and trip length.

Carry proof of prescription. Keep a GP letter or pharmacy receipt, plus original packaging, in hand luggage. This helps at borders and with overseas clinicians.

Check storage rules. Most GLP‑1 pens need refrigeration before first use. Use a cool bag and confirm airline and destination guidance on carrying injectables.

Use reputable sources. Private or off‑label use without medical oversight can invalidate cover. Be honest on the application form.

Real experiences: what travellers are saying

Online discussions among people using tirzepatide (Mounjaro), semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and other GLP‑1 jabs show confusion around declaration boxes and online forms. Two comments from a travels forum capture the issue clearly for readers. One traveller, who has tried twice with different insurers, says “there is no channel to report tirzepatide during the application. The form asks to tick conditions, they select obesity, then the questionnaire jumps to unrelated questions such as whether they use breathing apparatus for sleep. Height and weight are requested, yet there is no field to add weight‑loss treatment details”. This gap leaves people unsure whether they have done enough to comply.

Another user, travelling with a spouse, lists all required conditions but finds no space to record medication linked to obesity. Both are near a BMI of 30 after weight loss and are willing to declare tirzepatide, yet the process offers no obvious place to do so. Their advice: call the insurer if in any doubt, and check policy wording for keywords such as declaration, exclusion and pre‑existing.

A third voice warns that injections do not invalidate insurance – failing to tell the insurer does. A separate commenter shares a cautionary tale about a woman who did not declare HRT, suffered an unrelated stroke in Spain, and faced a €40,000 hospital bill after the claim was declined. The lesson for GLP‑1 users is the same: declare early, keep records, and do not rely on assumptions.

If your online form has no field for weight‑loss jabs, pick the relevant condition (obesity or diabetes), then phone the underwriter to add the medication to your file and request written confirmation. Keep that email or note with your policy documents. This simple step can prevent a stressful dispute while you are away or back in the UK.

Common questions

Do I need to declare the jab if I feel fine and have no other conditions?
Yes. Insurers view GLP‑1s as prescription medicines. Which? and ABI guidance both state that non‑disclosure can void a policy, even for unrelated claims. Declaring the drug and the reason keeps cover intact.

What if my jab was prescribed privately, not on the NHS?
You still must declare it. Several underwriters will consider cover if the prescription comes from a registered clinician and appears in your medical records, but hiding private use risks claim refusal.

I’m already abroad in Spain. Can I add the jab to my policy now?
Contact your insurer immediately. Some providers allow mid‑term amendments for medical changes, while others may require a new policy. Do not wait until you need treatment, as delays can affect eligibility.

Don’t risk it for the sake of a click in a box or a quick phonecall.

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How Spain Took In The Total Eclipse 2026

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Moment the moon passes in front of the sun on La Cala de Mijas beach. Credit: EWN

By the time the eclipse began, the beaches of the Costa del Sol had become some of the busiest viewing spots around. Families sat together on towels, friends gathered in groups and grandparents held children’s hands as everyone waited for the same extraordinary moment. On what had been one of the most sweltering days of the year, the temperature began to noticeably drop.

Moment to tell the grandchildren about

Moon passes the scorching sun.
Moon passes the scorching sun.
Credit: Yael Luengo Sánchez

Grandparents who had never expected to see something like this again. Parents explaining what was happening to children. Friends arranging to meet on the beach specifically so they could experience it together. Even more daring groups of friends out together on paddle boards to experience the evening together, riskily far from shore. One even carrying 8 or 9 at a time.  

People checking and rechecking their approved eclipse glasses, the excitement was really starting to  build as the light began to change. One even using his cardboard eclipse glasses to cover and protect the camera on this phone.

image of eclipse
Sun gets blocked out.
scorching sun.
Credit: Yael Luengo Sánchez

Conversations stopped when the eclipse reached its most spectacular point, an calls of excitement and whoops of joy. Phones coming out, but perhaps people spending more time actually looking up. Children asking questions that adults didn’t necessarily know how to answer.

Years from now, today’s children may not remember exactly what they ate for lunch or which beach they were sitting on. They may simply remember being told: “I was holding your hand when we watched the eclipse.”

On the south coast of Spain, this was only a partial eclipse, not a complete black-out, but it still felt special, like a moment something reminded the world how small we are in this universe. And then, as the sun reappeared, moments before its setting, the party feel returned to these Costa chiringuito bars. Andalucia will get its second chance on August 3, 2027, but this was a coming together to remember.

The intrepid paddle surfers? They were rescued by lifeguards’ motorboat in the end.

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