Healthcare in Spain

Healthcare in Spain is generally of a high standard and combines both private and public facilities. Residents in possession of a Spanish social security number and the necessary documentation are entitled to receive free or low-cost healthcare.

Each of the country’s 17 regions takes individual responsibility for the implementation and execution of medical services within its jurisdiction, so expats may find healthcare provision differs slightly depending on their location.

Many expats choose to get private health insurance, as this gives them greater choice of healthcare facilities, shorter waiting times, and more access to English-speaking medical professionals.

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Public healthcare in Spain

Public hospitals provide much of the primary healthcare and emergency services that Spanish residents require. Staff are generally efficient and qualified, and hospitals often employ personnel who speak English or offer interpreter services. 

Public hospitals in Spain are well equipped. The downside is that the public sector has been known to suffer from staff shortages, and the waiting periods to see a specialist or have a procedure done can, in some cases, take months.

To use the public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) expats would first need to get a social security card at the Social Security Treasury Office (Tesorería de la Seguridad Social) and secure their NIE number from their local police station or foreigner's office. It is then necessary to obtain a medical card at their local clinic, which will give them the right to use the services of the nationwide public health network.

Expats should note that a social security number can only be obtained if they have registered on the Empadronamiento, the municipal register. 

Non-residents, unfortunately, do not qualify to receive universal healthcare, but there is a pay-in scheme for those who aren’t otherwise able to access state healthcare, called the Convenio Especial. 

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare here during a short-term visit. UK citizens can make use of their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit.

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Private healthcare in Spain

Some expats prefer private healthcare in Spain to have access to more options for treatment and physicians, as well as to avoid the queues and waiting times associated with the public health system.

There are hundreds of private clinics and hospitals across the country, giving the Spanish private healthcare system a greater degree of accessibility.

While single consultations within the private system may be affordable for most expats, the cost of a medical complication or an emergency can quickly escalate. It is recommended that expats who plan to regularly utilise private care take out health insurance.

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Health insurance in Spain

While the public health service sometimes only covers 75 percent of the cost of treatment, private companies generally pick up the full amount if the account holder pays their monthly premiums.

Most employers offer private health insurance for foreign assignees, so expats moving to Spain for professional reasons should check their contract before arranging their own coverage. Private insurance providers operate in different ways: some reimburse the amount spent on healthcare, while others pay medical bills directly.

Expats should note that most Spanish health insurance providers offer plans that best suit the local market, and it follows that contracting an international service provider or one that covers all of Europe might be beneficial.

Pensioners relocating to Spain should take special care to ensure that they can obtain optimal treatment for the best price.

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Medicines and pharmacies in Spain

Expats will not struggle to find a pharmacy in Spain, and can easily recognise them by a large green neon cross outside. Pharmacies are open daily, including on weekends, and some are open 24/7. 

Just about all medicines have to be purchased at a pharmacy. It is not possible to buy any medication at a supermarket in Spain. Medicines are quite affordable thanks to strict price restrictions.

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Emergency services in Spain

There are both state-run and private ambulance services in Spain. Both offer efficient and timely service. Expats can dial 112 in case of an emergency. This is a general emergency number and operators are usually able to speak English and will dispatch the relevant emergency services.

• Medical emergency number: 061 

• General emergency number: 112