There is nothing more important than making sure you and your family are covered at all times in Spain! It is key to understand the Spanish medical system before traveling to Spain and we will review it again upon your arrival!
Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge you need to stay healthy and safe! Schedule your free consultation now and let us be your “healthcare guide”!
How Public and Private Healthcare Cover Medical Costs
Public Healthcare
Public healthcare is available to all those who work and live in Spain. 90% of the population uses public healthcare. Primary care is covered by taxes taken out of your pay, and you should not have to pay anything out-of-pocket. You are able to pick your own general practitioner with public healthcare. However, the wait times are very long because there is no expense and the majority of those living in Spain are covered.
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare is an optional expense that you can choose to purchase. Private healthcare can be used with or instead of public healthcare. With private healthcare, there is an entire sector of medical care devoted to those with only private insurance. Treatment and service tend to be faster with private insurance; however, these companies may only let you use the physicians they recommend in-network. Dental and eye care are usually only covered under private insurance.
How Healthcare Works in Spain for EU and Non-EU Residents
EU Resident
If you are a European Union Resident, you are entitled to free medical care if you are a state pensioner in Spain or from a country that has a mutual agreement with Spain because of the public healthcare system. Employees and self-employed workers registered with social security and paying Social Insurance, those who had registered for social security payments, but whose entitlement has now expired, and those recently divorced or separated from a partner who is registered with social security and paying into the Social Insurance fund are also entitled to free medical care!
Non-EU Resident
If you are not a European Union resident, there are still areas where you are entitled to free care. Students under the age of 26 studying abroad in Spain and EEA citizens temporarily visiting Spain with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled free healthcare. EEA residents with the EHIC are entitled to free emergency medical treatment for three months. The hospital or clinic treating the visitor will decide whether the treatment qualifies as an emergency. Emergency care and pregnancy care are always free to all.
How to Access Healthcare in Spain
Public
You will need to register under the Spanish social security system, Seguridad Social, in order to have your medical expenses covered. Both EU and Non-EU citizens are eligible to register. Married couples and children are all covered with one social security number. This allows foreigners to receive the same benefits as the Spaniards. After you register, a card will be issued with your number. All European Union citizens are already allowed free medical assistance because of agreements within the EU. If you are an EU citizen, you will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Read more about how to register for Spanish social security here
Read more about how to receive a Spanish healthcare card here.
Private
All are eligible to purchase private insurance. By purchasing private insurance, you will have access to private doctors, private hospitals, and dental coverage. The price varies between €40-€50, depending on age and gender.
Read more about recommended private health insurance plans here.
How Spanish Pharmacies Work
When running your typical errands, you might expect to run into a wellness section in your local market; however, if you need any type of medicine or a drug like ibuprofen, you will have to travel to a pharmacy. Practically anything stronger than soap and toothpaste is sold in the stores with the green crosses out front. Lucky for you, at least two pharmacies (farmacías) line each street, and some are even open for 24 hours. Sickness is inevitable, so it is important to know what to do when it strikes…
Read more about Spanish pharmacies here.
Our goal at MTS is to provide you with the knowledge you need to stay healthy and safe! Schedule your free consultation!
1 Comment.
Rebecca
I was wondering if there is any digital prescription “history” the doctor can see when you visit as a tourist. I mean like can they see what a spanish doctor prescribed for you a month a go in spain? I got wery good help but now i cant remember the name of the medication