How to access your medical history in Spain

Thanks to the ongoing digitalization of public services, including the healthcare system, it has become increasingly easy for citizens in Spain to view and manage their medical records. This has significantly improved the exchange of information between citizens and the government. To access your medical information, you can contact the regional health services or use national online platforms.

A key tool for this is Mi Carpeta Ciudadana (My Citizen Folder), a personal digital space where citizens can easily interact with government services. In this online platform, you can access personal data such as medical appointments, the status of applications, administrative procedures, and notifications or alerts. Everything is accessible in one place, making it very user-friendly.

It’s important to note that not all autonomous regions in Spain provide the same documents through their digital platforms. However, almost all offer access to a summary medical record, hospitalization reports, outpatient consultation data, emergency visits, primary care notes, nursing reports, lab results, imaging studies, and other diagnostic test results.

The national service, the Digital Medical History of the National Health System (Historia Clínica Digital del Sistema Nacional de Salud, HCDSNS), provides access to documents created within the national healthcare network. This means your medical information can be available to healthcare professionals even if you receive care outside your home region. However, keep in mind that not all data is available nationwide—some information can only be accessed through the regional system where it was originally recorded.

To access your medical history, visit the website of the autonomous region where you live, or the one linked to your personal health card. You can log in using valid identification, such as an electronic ID, a digital certificate, or through Cl@ve, a widely used digital identification system in Spain.

Valencia and Málaga among Europe’s most relaxing cities

According to a recent study by a European travel organization, the Spanish cities of Valencia and Málaga are among the 15 most relaxing cities in Europe. The study evaluated factors such as residents’ happiness levels, air quality, hours of sunshine, life expectancy, and the number of green spaces in the city. Each city received a score out of 100 based on these factors.

Faro in Portugal was ranked the most relaxing city in Europe, with a high score of 74.2. Gothenburg in Sweden and Helsinki in Finland came in second and third.

Valencia ranked eighth with a score of 64.76. This Mediterranean coastal city is known for its laid-back lifestyle, rich culture, and long beaches. With an average of 2,696 sunshine hours per year and urban parks like the well-known Turia Park, Valencia offers plenty of relaxation opportunities. The combination of clean air, a calm urban atmosphere, and lots of nature makes it attractive to both locals and tourists.

Málaga came in fourteenth with a score of 56.32. This southern Spanish city offers a mix of historic charm, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed pace of life. The warm climate, seaside location, and green spaces make Málaga an increasingly popular place to live or vacation. The city also scores above average in life expectancy and happiness, contributing to its position in the top 15.

Cities in countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Germany also scored highly. The study highlights how relaxation, nature, and quality of life are becoming more important factors when choosing a destination—beyond culture and entertainment.

That both Valencia and Málaga made the list reinforces Spain’s reputation as an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle. In addition to sun, sea, and gastronomy, these cities offer measurable benefits in terms of well-being and quality of life. Whether you’re visiting for a holiday or a longer stay, these cities provide everything you need to truly unwind.

Six in ten Spanish retirees receive a pension above €1,000 per month

Recent data shows that as of February this year, nearly 40% of Spanish retirees received a gross pension of €1,000 or less per month. This means that more than 60% of pensioners are receiving more than €1,000 monthly.

This marks a clear improvement compared to October 2005, when a staggering 80% of pensions were under €1,000. Despite the positive trend, a significant number of retirees still receive relatively low pensions—especially in light of rising living costs.

The largest group within the lower pension brackets receives between €800 and €850, accounting for 9% of pensioners. This is followed by those receiving between €850 and €900, making up around 8%.

On the other hand, just over 30% of pensioners receive between €1,000 and €2,000 per month. The most common range is between €1,100.01 and €1,150 gross. Additionally, a quarter of retirees receive over €2,000 per month. A striking detail is that 5% of retirees receive a pension between €3,200.01 and €3,267.58, placing them in the highest pension bracket.

These figures highlight the importance of early saving and planning for retirement. Financial experts advise starting to save from a young age. Thanks to the power of compound interest, even small monthly contributions can grow substantially over time.

For example, if you save and invest €300 per month, over 40 years you could build a fund of more than €450,000. If you start in 30 or 20 years instead, the final amount will be much lower. The earlier you start, the bigger the difference.

In short, these numbers show the importance of planning your financial future in advance. Starting to save early and creating a solid plan increases your chances of enjoying a comfortable retirement.