Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Madrid
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 have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
"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.
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.
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.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Madrid?
- How do I find a place to live in Madrid?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Madrid?
- What is the average cost of housing in Madrid?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Madrid?
- What should I pack when moving to Madrid?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Madrid?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Madrid?
- What are healthcare services like in Madrid?
- Is the cost of living in Madrid high?
- Will I save money living in Madrid?
- Why do people move to Madrid?
- How are healthcare services Madrid?
- What are medical services in Madrid like?