Spain’s public healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world and is often free for residents. Non-residents can access both private and public healthcare, but expats do not have immediate access to the public system. Therefore, it is advisable to invest in temporary travel insurance.
This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of Spain’s healthcare system and health insurance. You will learn who is eligible for public healthcare, how to find a doctor, what costs to expect, and a summary of childbirth in Spain.
Aside from some minor costs, such as co-pays for prescriptions, public healthcare in Spain is free for citizens and residents. This is because it is funded through social security contributions from employees and self-employed individuals. Anyone who works in Spain and pays taxes is eligible for public healthcare, which covers nearly everything you need. Spouses and children of the insured also receive coverage.
Advantages:
- High quality of care with well-trained medical staff.
- Excellent network of hospitals and medical centers.
- Coverage for immediate family members of the insured, such as spouses and children.
Disadvantages:
- Long waiting times for specialists and non-emergency care.
- Limited choice of doctors and specialists.
- Insufficient coverage for dental care and some other treatments.
Public healthcare in Spain, known as SNS (Servicio Nacional de Salud), provides primary care such as family doctors, pediatricians, nursing, midwifery, and physiotherapy. It also covers prevention, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and emergency care. You will be assigned a family doctor who will refer you to specialists if necessary.
The costs for medicines and other health products vary. Over-the-counter medicines can be purchased at the pharmacy, while prescription medicines must be prescribed by your doctor. Children receive medicines for free, while retirees pay 10% and working citizens up to 50% of the costs.
You can apply for the Tarjeta Sanitaria at your local health center. You need to bring identification documents and proof of your social security status. If you are not eligible for social security, you can apply for the Convenio Especial for a monthly fee.
While you usually don’t need private insurance in Spain, you may opt for private insurance to get quicker access to specialists and better care. Popular providers include Sanitas, Adeslas, and Asisa. Costs vary based on your age and health, but average between 100 and 200 EUR per month.
For public care, you can register at a local clinic and be assigned a family doctor. For private care, you can search online for doctors and dentists in your area. Dental care often isn’t covered by public healthcare and should be arranged through private practices.
Waiting times for a specialist can be up to 57 days, with longer waiting times for certain specialties. Surgeries have an average wait time of 93 days, though this can vary by region.
If you are insured, childbirth costs in Spain are usually fully covered. Without insurance, it is crucial to have insurance for visa purposes, as being uninsured in Spain is difficult.
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