Healthcare in Spain is fairly up to date, but it is important to know the options available to you, whether you require treatment from a GP or hospitalisation. 

Everyone you meet will have a story about their medical ailments and how they were treated by the Spanish healthcare system or privately.  The type of healthcare you choose is really down to personal preference, if you can speak Spanish and whether you can afford to pay for private treatment.

Be prepared.  If you know the location of your local hospital, emergency medical centre and/or GP this will help you deal with a medical situation.

The Spanish healthcare system
If you are contributing to the Spanish social security system (seguridad social) you are entitled to the same medical care as a Spanish person. 

You will be issued with a medical card (tarjeta sanitaria – also known as a SIP card) that you must show whenever you are receiving treatment, both at the doctor’s surgery and in hospital.  The card will give you a named GP, which you can change if you wish.

If you have a Spanish medical card your dependants are also entitled to medical care.

If you don’t speak Spanish it’s advisable to take an interpreter with you, particularly if you suspect you may have a serious condition.

Click here for details of your local health centre / centro de salud

Employed
When you are employed your employer will deduct your social security payments from your salary.  You will be issued with a medical card that will either be given to you by your employer or you will need to collect from the social security office.  

Self-Employed (Autónomo)
When you are self-employed the social security contributions you pay mean you are entitled to medical cover from the Spanish health care system.  You will need to collect your medical card from the social security office.

Pensioners
Pensioners who reside in Spain and retired at the normal pensionable age are entitled to free Spanish health care.  You will need to make your application at the social security office.

Non-Residents
If you choose to live in Spain but do not pay into the social security system (perhaps because you don’t work) you are not entitled to free health care.  Your EHIC (European Health Insurance – formerly the E111) card will be valid for a short period of time (usually 90 days), but this is not entitlement to free medical care for an indefinite period.

The EHIC card is intended for people who are on holiday or frequently visit Spain or other European countries, rather than residents.

If you’re not covered by the Spanish medical system it’s advisable to take out private medical insurance as you never know when you may need it. 

Many non-Spanish people living in Spain prefer to use the security of private health cover.  This can be expensive, but is worth it, particularly if you are not entitled to Spanish medical cover and intend to reside in Spain long term.

Knowing you have private medical insurance can give you peace of mind.  It means that if you do need unexpected medical treatment you don’t have to worry about high medical bills.  If you don’t have private medical cover and you have to pay for treatment you could be faced with astronomical bills.

When looking for a private medical insurance company do your research as the prices and policies vary greatly.  Before you take out the insurance make sure you are entirely happy with what the policy covers and are clear about any excesses you will have to pay.

A visit to a private GP will cost you approximately 30-40 euros each time you go.  You will have to pay extra for any additional treatments or investigations such as blood tests or x-rays.

For more information about healthcare, just click on the topic you want to know more about:

Hospitals & Clinics

Pharmacies (farmacia)

What to do in an emergency

Dentists

Opticians

Useful words & phrases


To find your nearest health centre, click here