Healthcare System Information for Expatriates Living in Spain
Spain’s healthcare system in Spain, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) provides high-quality healthcare for expats in Spain that is government-funded and can be accessed from across the world. Spain’s 17 autonomous communities manage this Spanish healthcare system. City dwellers typically take advantage of medical facilities or hospitals, while some rural areas may struggle with limited access and services because of variations in geography and resources. The quality and coverage of care differ across Spain’s autonomous communities, showing disparities in domestic health policies, funding, and framework.
Citizens and those residing legally in Spain who make contributions towards the social security can access the public healthcare system in Spain through the SNS, generally free or with minimal co-payments for prescribed services or diagnostics. The key source that funds the SNS is general taxes, with social security contributions mainly supporting other social security benefits instead of healthcare directly. Supervision and administration of the SNS are decentralized, with Spain’s 17 autonomous communities in charge of supplying and arranging for healthcare services within their territories, while the overall coordination and policy guidelines comes from the central government. The system is decentralized, which means that you will have to check the available services in your local facility yourself. There is private health insurance in Spain for expats, too, which is more advanced but more expensive. Expats can look for some good global health insurance plans that can help deal with such high costs of private care.
Overview of Healthcare in Spain
According to the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, the healthcare system in Spain ranks 19th on the whole, 20th in terms of quality, and 12th in choice, which underlines strong performance but potential for improvement. More than 90% of Spaniards use the Spain healthcare system for foreigners and citizens alike through the public healthcare system. Though it’s governed by policies laid down by the country’s health ministry, the entire system is decentralized. Because of that, the delivery of healthcare services varies for each region. About 10 to 11% of Spain’s GDP goes into health, and per-capita consumption is roughly €2,800 (2021 statistics). Public hospitals have to encounter inadequate staffing, especially in primary care, causing discrepancies in periods of waiting for advanced treatments, subject to the region.
Spain’s private sector is complementary to the public SNS by providing speedy access, staff that can communicate in English, and comfort, though all this is expensive. A large number of expats prefer to go for private health insurance in Spain, expats can depend on for ease and practicality or to sidestep public time delays. Private medical facilities have very short to almost no queues, which is another major reason why expats prefer getting treatment there. Health insurance covers their major medical expenses, saving them from any financial burden. Some insurance companies pay the money directly to the hospitals upon request, while a few others reimburse expats after reviewing the bills.
How does the Healthcare System in Spain Work for Expats?
All Spanish citizens have access to seguridad social, or the Spanish National Health System (SNS), which covers them for medical assistance, free of charge. Emergency medical services in Spain are accessible even to the country’s undocumented immigrants.
Expats have many ways to achieve Spanish National Health System (SNS) eligibility:
- Contribute to social security by way of employment or self-employment
- EU/EEA pensioners may register using an S1 form
- Students and minors, under specific circumstances, may be eligible
- Non-EU expats without contributions may register with the Convenio Especial, a public healthcare Spain expats for a monthly charge (approximately €60 if under 65, €157 if 65 or older, which may differ from region to region)
- EU/EEA residents on a temporary residency can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency and essential healthcare.
Expats can easily recognize a Spanish pharmacy with a large green neon cross. Most of the pharmacies open daily, with a few of them even staying open 24/7. Pharmacies, not supermarkets (identified by green cross signs), are the exclusive destinations to buy medicines in Spain. Usually, the prices are highly subsidized, intended for prescriptions, even though some co-payments are applicable. The staff at Spanish pharmacies is generally excellent and well trained.
Spain’s universal emergency number is 112 for contacting ambulances, police, and fire services. Ambulance services are mainly government-provided, though some areas do have private ambulance services.
Necessary Insurance Paperwork for Expats
To access the public healthcare system in Spain for expats, one criterion for expats is to have a social security number (via TGSS) and register at their local centro de salud to acquire a regional health card (tarjeta sanitaria), not essentially necessitating a separate ‘GP registration’ form. Paperwork requirements typically comprise a passport, residence status, and proof of address.
Best Private International Medical Insurance for Expats in Spain
So, are you an expat, who is residing in Spain? Then, it is advisable for you to acquire a global private international insurance plan that includes private health insurance in Spain for expats that provides coverage to all your medical expenses. A large number of global insurance companies can help you with a broad spectrum of plans. Some of the best companies you can choose from include Allianz Care, and Cigna Global. You must sign up for an insurance company so that you can enjoy first-rate medical services at the best hospitals in Spain.
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