Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Madrid

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 04, 2023

Summary: There are numerous hospitals and clinics in Madrid, Spain, including Hospital Universitario La Paz, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, and Hospital Universitario La Princesa. Emergency services in Madrid are generally reliable and efficient. To call for an ambulance, dial 112. The quality of medical care in Madrid is generally comparable to that of the United States, with some differences in the availability of certain treatments and technologies.

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

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

"It is important to seek out reliable, English-speaking obstetricians early on in the process and to regularly follow up with them. Make sure you are well-informed of your maternity leave entitlements and any other legal considerations, like the Spanish system of nacimiento (birth registration) and acquiring a SIP card. Make sure you plan ahead for a smooth transition to life with a baby, such as enrolling in local activities for children and gathering the necessary supplies and baby gear from the start. Research the different options for daycare and childcare services, as well as the hospital for childbirth in Madrid. Finally, connect with support networks for expecting or new parents; either through a clinic or by joining expat communities," explained one expat living in Madrid.

Answer this Question

Are healthcare services good in Madrid?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Madrid. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Madrid are administered by the state-run health system, which offers both primary health care services and specialized medical care to the population of Madrid. Primary care services are provided by the city's primary care centers and health centers, which provide preventive and curative services for patients. Specialized medical care is provided through a network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized centers, including the La Paz University Hospital, the National Repatriation Centre, and the National Institute of Health. Madrid also has a variety of private health care facilities, including private hospitals and clinics, which provide specialized medical and surgical treatments for patients, as well as providing health insurance services. In addition, the city has several health care centers, such as the Carlos III Hospital and the Hospital of La Princesa, which are centers of excellence for cardiovascular diseases, cancer treatments and the neurological treatments, respectively. Madrid also has numerous clinics devoted to physical therapy and mental health services, such as the Institute of Clinical Psychology and the Center of Speech Therapy," said another expat in Madrid.

Answer this Question