Healthcare and Health Insurance in Spain

Summary: The quality of medical care in Spain is generally considered to be on par with the United States. Spain has a well-developed public health system, and private health care is also available. Emergency services are generally reliable and efficient, and ambulances can be called by dialing 112.

How are healthcare services Spain?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Spain, they replied:

"I would say medical care is excellent. For chronic medical conditions, it may be difficult to get an insurance and they will have to pay more. there are other expats with chronic condtions who are able to get private insurance," commented one expat who moved to Granada.

"Although the primary care from physicians and the local hospital/clinic are generally adequate, I recommend getting a second opinion before accepting a recommendation for major treatment like surgery, even though you will likely have to pay that out of pocket. Doctors, treatments, medications are dramatically less expensive here. Custom orthotics would have cost me approximately $300 in the US, but are $45 here. ," said one expat.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What are medical services in Spain like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Spain, they replied:

"Very efficient,accessible and definitely inexpensive compared to the nightmare of the US money machine that is healthcare," wrote one expat.

Answer Question & View More Answers

The insurance that travels with you. Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Get a Quote from Now Health International.

Learn More GET A QUOTE

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Spain?

"Overall, healthcare and health insurance in Spain are generally considered to be less expensive than in some other countries. High quality care is available at a much lower cost. There are two types of health insurance available in Spain -- public insurance and private insurance. Public health insurance is subsidized by the government and is available to all Spanish citizens and some foreign citizens. Private health insurance is not subsidized, so it is more expensive, but often covers more services. However, even private insurance can be affordable depending on the plan chosen," mentioned one expat in Spain.

"I have a private insurance with Sanitas and it costs 80€ per month for a full coverage. I have to see doctors in Sanitas network. I had used the emergency service at the hospital and received excellent care. I also saw a general doctor, and OB/GYN and received excellent care. I’m very happy with the plan with Sanitas," commented one expat who moved to Granada, Spain.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Now Health International

What are emergency services like in Spain?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Spain wrote:

"We are about one kilometer from our hospital “Vithas”. It is a very good private hospital. We received excellent care during our emergency visit last year. We were in and out under two hours, which is unheard of in the US. We would call our insurance Sanitas emergency line or dial 112 for emergency," said one expat.

"On my plan, there are two large private clinics/hospitals in Benidorm which is about a 45 minute bus ride or 20 minute car ride. I have heard and experienced both good treatment at these facilities, and also poor treatment, like a man I know who had surgery for a broken leg after being struck by a car. They botched it and he had to have multiple surgeries to correct it. I had to make multiple trips for assessment and feedback. ," remarked one expat in Altea.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Learn More GET A QUOTE

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"I have not had serious health problems, but did seek out a podiatry specialist for alternative treatment for foot pain from Freiberg's. The IMED doctor told me I need to have part of the second and third bone in my foot cut out. The podiatrist (who has multiple locations in this area of the Costa Blanca) used laser and made me custom orthotics and gave me exercises which helped immensely," wrote an expat living in Altea.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Are common prescription medications available in Spain?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Spain. Most prescription medications can be purchased through pharmacies. In some cases, you may need a prescription from a Spanish doctor, although some medications may be sold over the counter. Depending on the medication you require, prices may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, so it may be worth shopping around. Additionally, some medications may no be available in Spain, requiring them to be purchased from the manufacturer or from another country," said one expat.

"Prescription is inexpensive and available at the local pharmacy. There are many pharmacies at every corner of the town," remarked one expat in Granada.

Answer Question & View More Answers

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Spain?

"Haven't used, but hear they are fine. Private insurance first year (about $80 per month with NO deductible), after that can get on state medical for free," said one expat living in Granada.

Answer Question & View More Answers

As a foreigner living in Spain, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"No, not yet. We just moved to Granada eight months ago. My understanding is that after a year, we can join the public health system. Expats in my area are typically enrolled in private health insurance. We have Sanitas private health insurance and we are happy with them, It’s not difficult to enroll, We paid about €188 per month for two people with a full coverage with no copay and no deductible. There are public hospitals in our area but we have never used them because we are not yet eligible to join until after living in Spain for a year.. We used the private hospital Vithas and are very happy with them," wrote one expat.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Spain if they have access to public healthcare in Spain. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"The government insured everyone would be treated for Covid free of charge including expats," wrote an expat living in Alicante.

"I had to see urgent gynecologist. They did my ultrasound same day .then MRI 1 day later and specialist 1 day later. Super fast!!!! And the cost was all Under $1000 . Incredible compared to US," said an expat in Madrid.

Answer Question & View More Answers

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Spain?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Spain about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"To ask about the antenatal classes run by the midwife. They're not advertised and I just asked if there were any private ones, and it turned out that she ran classes," said one expat in Granada.

"If you think you are progressing faster than they do, speak up! Also don't be afraid to ask for anything you need," wrote a person living in Barcelona.

Are healthcare services good in Spain?

"Healthcare services in Spain are generally very good; the country has some of the best healthcare systems in the world, ranking highly on various health indices. The country offers largely free healthcare for its citizens and residents, with most services provided by the public healthcare system. Patients have free access to general practitioners, hospitals and clinics, and most specialists, tests and treatments are either heavily subsidised or free. Outpatient services are also available, including expert diagnosis and treatment, advice and education. Most medical centres offer comprehensive medical equipment and skilled personnel, and they also provide mental health services and home care. Additionally, Spain offers an extensive range of private healthcare options, and insurance companies in the country often offer incentives for those wanting to invest in private health care," explained one expat living in Spain.

"Yes. When we were applying for our visa we purchased insurance with Sanitas Health. It costs 150 euros ($165) a month. We have only used our insurance to refill our American prescriptions," said one expat in Salamanca.

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Spain

How are healthcare services Spain?

What are medical services in Spain like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Spain?

What are emergency services like in Spain?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Spain?

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Spain?

As a foreigner living in Spain, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Spain?

Are healthcare services good in Spain?

About the Author