Health Care in Madrid

Summary: Learn about the health system in Madrid: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Madrid.

Madrid has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the National Health System (SNS) and is used by both Spanish citizens and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Madrid for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Madrid are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Spain. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery due to shorter wait times and more personalized care. Private hospitals in Madrid are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Madrid

Recommended clinics and hospitals in Madrid include:

Hospital Universitario La Paz: This is a public hospital located in the La Paz neighborhood of Madrid. It specializes in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre: This is a public hospital located in the Moncloa-Aravaca neighborhood of Madrid. It specializes in orthopedics, neurology, and oncology.
Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón: This is a public hospital located in the Chamberí neighborhood of Madrid. It specializes in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
Hospital Quirón Madrid: This is a private hospital located in the Chamartín neighborhood of Madrid. It specializes in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja: This is a private hospital located in the La Moraleja neighborhood of Madrid. It specializes in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.

Emergency Services in Madrid

Madrid has an ambulance service that can be called by dialing 112. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the severity of the emergency.

Health Insurance Companies in Madrid

The most popular private health insurers in Madrid are Sanitas, Adeslas, and DKV Seguros. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.