The healthcare system in Spain – public vs. private. What to choose after moving?

Moving to another country involves a lot of paperwork. One of these is taking care of insurance. What is the situation in Spain in this regard? Healthcare and public medical services are not the only option.

The Spanish equivalent of the NFZ is the Sistema Nacional de Salud. It is a healthcare system which, like in Poland, is financed from public funds. In addition to this, citizens and residents can opt for private insurance. Which is the better option, what are the costs of treatment and what is access to specialists like in Spain?

Contents:

Public healthcare in Spain is considered one of the best not only in Europe but also in the world. This is due, among other things, to its universal availability, thanks to which both citizens and residents can use the medical services of the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). At the same time, the SNS ensures high standards and modern equipment in its facilities.

It is precisely the high standard of healthcare in Spain for foreigners that is one of the important factors influencing the quality of life after moving to the Iberian Peninsula. This is particularly important for families with children and people of retirement age, who use medical services more frequently.

Interestingly, there is one important issue that sets Spain apart – healthcare is decentralised. This means that each of the 17 autonomous communities manages its own healthcare system. At the same time, the government oversees overall health policy.

See also: How much does it cost to live in Spain? Prices and living costs

As you already know, public healthcare in Spain is available to all legal residents, including citizens of the European Union. This means that government-funded medical services are available to people who work and pay social security contributions, are retired or receiving a pension, or have limited resources. This includes foreigners who have been in the country for at least three months and are in a difficult financial situation.

Importantly, in an emergency, anyone can use medical services, regardless of their insurance status.

In order to use healthcare services in Spain as a foreigner, you must first register. Here is how to do it step by step:

• obtain an N.I.E. identification number,
• register your residence (certificado de registro),
• obtain a social security number,
• register at the health centre assigned to your place of residence.

The last step is to obtain a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI), or individual health card, which must be presented both at the doctor's office and at the pharmacy (when purchasing prescription drugs).

What are the advantages of public healthcare services offered by Spain? The healthcare system primarily provides comprehensive care at no additional cost and access to a wide network of facilities throughout the country. In addition, the SNS ensures high quality services, offering, among other things, numerous preventive programmes that will be appreciated by people leading a healthy lifestyle.

Another option is private health insurance. Spain offers an exclusive package for wealthy clients, which provides greater comfort and even better accessibility. The advantages of this sector include:
 

• quick access to specialists in Spain,
• no queues,
• the ability to choose your doctor and medical facility,
• a wider range of coverage,
• service in English, which is important for international patients.
   

When deciding on private health insurance in Spain, you can choose from many reputable companies that offer different medical plans. These include Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV Seguros, Caser, Asisa, as well as companies also operating in the UK, such as Axa and Allianz. The scope of services usually includes not only basic care, but also, depending on the plan chosen, hospitalisation, rehabilitation and even medical transport.

What are the approximate costs of treatment in Spain if you decide to take out private insurance? The price of a basic plan can start from as little as 30 to 60 euros per month. The more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the price. Nevertheless, wealthy customers are keen to opt for premium packages. This is due to luxury amenities such as private rooms in hospitals, short waiting times and comprehensive diagnostics in one place.

Which is the better choice – private insurance or public healthcare in Spain? When making your decision, it is worth considering the following:
 

• cost – public healthcare is free, while private health insurance in Spain requires a monthly premium;
• waiting times for appointments – despite the high quality of services provided by the SNS, you have to expect longer waiting times, especially for appointments with specialists or operations;
• access to specialists – in the case of public healthcare, you need a referral from your general practitioner, while in the private system you can use the services of a specialist without a referral;
• additional amenities – in this case, private insurance is a better option, as it guarantees, among other things, greater comfort, no language barriers and assistance in covering the cost of medicines.
   

Interestingly, wealthy expats most often use both systems simultaneously – public for emergencies and hospitalisation, and private for routine visits, preventive examinations or for faster access to specialists in Spain.

Keep in mind that the primary language in the Spanish healthcare system is Spanish. As a result, knowledge of other foreign languages among medical staff, especially in public facilities located outside major cities and popular tourist regions, may be limited.

If you are planning to move permanently, consider the location of your property in Spain in terms of access to high-quality healthcare, both public and private. Pay attention to the proximity of reputable hospitals and clinics, so that you can easily and quickly get help if needed.

Healthcare in Spain for foreigners is of a high standard. Both citizens and residents can choose to use free services under the Sistema Nacional de Salud or purchase private insurance. If you are planning to move to the Iberian Peninsula, discover the luxury properties available from Elite World Estates!

We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. 
We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.