Are you dreaming of a life under the Spanish sun but worry about medical care abroad? We can put your mind at ease. With over 87,000 practising doctors and one of the highest life expectancies worldwide, Spain’s healthcare system is a model of excellence.
The Spanish healthcare system provides world-class medical care. In this article, you will learn how to benefit from this system and what to consider when moving to Spain.
Content
- What types of healthcare are available in Spain?
- How does registering in the healthcare system work?
- What makes Spain’s healthcare system so special?
- What role do pharmacies play?
- What health insurance is required in Spain?
- Spain as the ideal destination for your health
What types of healthcare are available in Spain?
If you are considering moving to Spain, you are probably wondering about the type of healthcare available in your dream country. Spain has a dual healthcare system consisting of public healthcare and private supplements. Both systems have their advantages.
Many expats and locals combine public healthcare with private health insurance.
Public healthcare: Quality for everyone
The Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) is Spain’s public healthcare system. It is funded through taxes and available to all residents registered in the social security system.
Advantages: Public healthcare offers modern, well-equipped hospitals and excellent treatment quality, especially for serious conditions such as transplants or rare diagnoses.
Disadvantages: The biggest drawback is long waiting times. For example, up to six months can pass between a specialist appointment and a scheduled operation.
Private healthcare: Faster access and comfort
Spain’s private healthcare system is funded by private contributors. It is particularly popular among expats and affluent locals, as it facilitates access to specialists and guarantees shorter waiting times.
Typical scenarios:
- An expat with chronic back pain can consult a specialist without long waiting times.
- Parents can arrange preventive check-ups for their children with a specialist of their choice.
Additional benefits: Private health insurance in Spain typically covers services not included in the public system, such as dental care or alternative therapies.
How does registering in the healthcare system work?
Registering in the Spanish healthcare system involves a few administrative steps. However, with the right support, such as that offered by Global Tax Saving, the process can be completed quickly and stress-free.
Step 1: Applying for the NIE number
The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) is your personal identification number in Spain. It is essential for all tax and administrative processes, including registration with social security.
Step 2: Registering with Seguridad Social
Registration with social security is automatic if you work or are self-employed in Spain. Retirees and non-working individuals can voluntarily register and pay contributions.
Step 3: Applying for a health card
With the health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria), you can register at a local health centre. Here, you will be assigned a general practitioner who will be your primary point of contact for medical matters.
What makes Spain’s healthcare system so special?
How has Spain managed to establish itself as one of the leading healthcare systems in Europe? The answer lies in several factors.
Top-quality care and prevention
Spain is a global leader in transplant medicine and has earned a reputation for its innovative research. At the same time, the healthcare system places great emphasis on prevention: health centres offer vaccinations, preventive check-ups, and comprehensive consultations.
Access for everyone
Another advantage is the nearly universal access to healthcare. Even non-EU citizens can access the system in medical emergencies – a rarity in international comparison.
Decentralisation
Healthcare is managed by Spain’s 17 autonomous regions. This allows for flexible adaptation to regional needs while national standards ensure consistent quality.
How does the quality of care compare in Europe?
According to the Health Care Index 2022, Spain ranks sixth globally and third in Europe. The medical care for children and the elderly is particularly noteworthy, although some areas, such as mental health services, could still be improved.
Spain is among the countries with the highest life expectancy in Europe. Medical care, especially in urban centres, is top-notch. State-of-the-art technology and highly trained specialists ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
However, it is important to note that rural areas sometimes face longer travel distances and limited resources. The Spanish government is continuously working to address these disparities.
What role do pharmacies play?
Pharmacies, or Farmacias, play a significant role in Spain’s healthcare system. With over 22,000 locations, Spain has one of the highest pharmacy densities in Europe.
Pharmacies offer not only prescription medications but also a wide range of over-the-counter products. The advice provided by trained staff is excellent, and many minor ailments can often be resolved directly on-site.
Pharmacies are typically open on weekdays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Additionally, many pharmacies operate on a rotating emergency service schedule to ensure availability during urgent situations.
Ordering medication online
The online purchase of over-the-counter medications is allowed in Spain but is strictly regulated. Legal online pharmacies must display the EU logo, which ensures that the provider is certified by the national health authority. Medications must be delivered directly by the pharmacy; discounts or special offers are not permitted.
What health insurance is required in Spain?
The choice of the right health insurance in Spain largely depends on your personal circumstances, needs, and plans in the country. Depending on the situation, private supplementary insurance may play an important role alongside Spain’s public health insurance.
Public health insurance: Access for everyone
Spain’s public healthcare system, Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), is available to anyone working in Spain and contributing to social security. Approximately 70% of public healthcare funding comes from these contributions, which also grant family members of contributors access to services.
Who is covered?
Public health insurance covers a wide range of individuals:
- Employees and self-employed individuals who pay social security contributions.
- Minors up to the age of 15 and students up to the age of 26.
- Pensioners receiving a state pension.
- Spouses and partners of contributors, including separated or divorced partners.
What does public health insurance in Spain cover?
Spain’s public health insurance provides a wide range of services, including:
- General medical care and referrals to specialists.
- Hospital stays, emergency treatments, and surgeries.
- Partial coverage of medication costs (40–60% of the cost, depending on income).
- Free vaccinations for mandatory vaccination programms.
A notable feature is that pensioners only pay 10% of medication costs, making the SNS particularly appealing for people with chronic illnesses or regular treatment needs.
Private health insurance: Flexibility and comfort
Despite the high quality of the public healthcare system, many expats and affluent Spaniards choose private health insurance. The main reason is access to faster, more flexible, and often more specialised services.
Advantages of private health insurance
Private health insurance offers services not covered by the public system, such as:
- Direct access to specialists without a referral from a general practitioner.
- Shorter waiting times for diagnostic procedures or surgeries.
- Greater comfort during hospital stays, e.g., private rooms.
- Dental treatments not limited to emergencies.
- Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture or osteopathy.
- Mental health services with a broader network of therapists.
- Additional coverage for preventive medicine.
Examples of plans and costs
Private health insurance in Spain is often more affordable compared to other European countries (status 2025):
- Basic plans start at around €50–70 per month for individuals.
- More comprehensive plans, which include dental or alternative treatments, range from €100–200 per month.
- Specialised add-ons, such as extensive dental coverage or naturopathic treatments, can often be included for an additional monthly fee.
Some providers also offer flexible payment models where you only pay for the services you actually use. This is ideal for those who require medical assistance only occasionally.
Spain as the ideal destination for your health
Spain combines a high quality of life with a first-class healthcare system—an unbeatable combination for expats. The option to combine the public and private systems adds flexibility and security.
Since moving to a new country and dealing with insurance and tax regulations can often feel overwhelming, we at Global Tax Saving are here to support you every step of the way. Our experts ensure that your relocation is smooth and stress-free, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Contact us today for an initial consultation!
