Healthcare in Spain

Healthcare in Spain is generally of a high standard and pairs public facilities with private options. 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 you may find healthcare provision differs slightly depending on your location.

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

Public healthcare in Spain

Public hospitals in Spain provide much of the primary healthcare and emergency services that Spanish residents need. Hospitals are well equipped and often employ personnel who speak English or offer interpreter services, and staff are typically efficient and qualified.

The downside is that the public sector has been known to suffer from staff shortages, and waiting periods to see a specialist or have non-urgent procedures done can take months in some cases. Language barriers can occasionally complicate communication, although many hospitals employ English-speaking staff or offer interpreter services.

To use the public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud), you would first need to get a social security card at the Social Security Treasury Office (Tesorería de la Seguridad Social) and secure your NIE number from your local police station or foreigner’s office. You’ll then obtain a medical card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual, or TSI) at your local health centre, which gives you the right to use the services of the nationwide public health network. A social security number can only be obtained if you 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 short-term visits. UK citizens can make use of their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit. Existing EHICs remain valid until their expiry date (up to five years from issue).

NIE Number and Residency in Spain 
Getting an Empadronamiento in Spain

Useful links

• Ministry of Health
• Spanish Social Security
• Convenio Especial Information

Private healthcare in Spain

Expats might 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 people, the cost of a medical complication or an emergency can quickly escalate. It’s recommended that if you plan to regularly utilise private care, you take out health insurance.

Health insurance in Spain

While the public health service covers most treatments completely, you’ll face copayments for certain services. Working-age adults typically pay 40 to 60 percent of prescription costs (depending on income), while pensioners pay just 10 percent. 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 if you’re moving to Spain for professional reasons, check your contract before arranging your own coverage. Private insurance providers operate in different ways: some reimburse the amount spent on healthcare, while others pay medical bills directly.

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

Vaccinations in Spain

Vaccinations in Spain follow standard international requirements, with no specific vaccinations mandatory for entry from most countries. Ensure your routine vaccinations remain current, including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), and seasonal influenza.

The CDC recommends hepatitis A and B vaccinations for travellers, particularly for extended stays or if you’ll be working in healthcare settings. COVID-19 vaccination requirements may apply depending on your country of origin and current health regulations.

Useful links

• CDC: Spain Travel Health Information

Medicines and pharmacies in Spain

Pharmacies and medication in Spain are easily accessible, with farmacias found throughout the country. You won’t struggle to find a pharmacy in Spain, and you can easily recognise them by a large green neon cross outside. Most pharmacies operate from 9.30am to 2pm and 5pm to 9.30pm on weekdays, with Saturday morning hours typically 9.30am to 2pm. They’re generally closed on Sundays, although duty pharmacies rotate to provide 24-hour coverage in each area.

Just about all medicines have to be purchased at a pharmacy, as you cannot buy any medication at a supermarket in Spain. Medicines are quite affordable thanks to strict price restrictions. Note that dental and vision care aren’t covered by the public system, so you’ll need private insurance or pay out-of-pocket for these services.

Prescriptions are necessary for most medications in Spain, including antibiotics and many drugs that might be available over the counter in other countries. Spanish pharmacists provide direct consultation for minor ailments, recommending appropriate treatments rather than customers selecting medications for themselves.

Emergency services in Spain

Emergency medical services in Spain provide comprehensive coverage through both state-run and private ambulance services. Both offer efficient and timely service. You 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. 

Most private insurance providers also offer emergency contact lists for nearby hospitals and clinics.

• Medical emergency number: 061
• General emergency number: 112