Learn the Basics of the Spain Healthcare System

Spaniards not only know how to live, they live longer too. Did you know that the Spain healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world? According to a study by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, by 2040 Spaniards will have the longest life expectancy in the world. Even more than the Japanese. The Mediterranean diet, healthy lifestyles and the public health system are to blame. The good news is that if you live or work in Spain, you too can have access to it. Keep reading to discover why this country’s healthcare system is so highly considered and how you can also benefit from it.

The first thing you should know: state healthcare is free to anyone living and working in Spain. Yes, you read it right: to anyone. That alone makes the Spain Healthcare System one of the most envied worldwide. Specifically, the Spanish healthcare system ranks eighth among the best in the world, according to the Healthcare Access and Quality Index (HAQ) published by The Lancet. Even though there have been plans to privatise hospitals across the country, but Spaniards have risen up to defend public health care. Like the information shared in this article, after “a wave of strikes by medical providers, as well as lawsuits and a popular referendum, Spanish unions and citizens won a decisive victory in the battle for public healthcare.”

What's the difference between the public and private Spain healthcare system?

The main difference is waiting times. Public health care is great, but sometimes a bit slow. While you don’t need to have private health insurance, it does allow you to get faster treatment, especially for non-emergency procedures.

The following differences between public and private systems are dependent on each case:

For example, if you just landed, and are not yet a resident or paying your contributions to Spanish Social Security, it’s best to have your own private health insurance if you want to avoid paying the full costs. Plus, if you have private health insurance, you´ll be able to make an appointment with a specialist much sooner.

Another case, if you are member of the European Union, your EU Health Insurance Card is only valid if you are here on a temporary visit or studying. So, if you are already living here or have come here to stay, our advice is to take out private health insurance until you sort out your paperwork.

And, in case you are not from an EU country, remember that Spain has bilateral agreements that allow visitors (non-residents) the possibility to receive free emergency medical treatment. It depends on each country, so contact your embassy to check whether your home country has an agreement with Spain.

What do I need to be eligible to receive treatment via the Spain healthcare system?

If you are not yet a resident, nor a student, 26 years old or younger, keep reading.

First of all, you must be registered at the nearest town hall for at least 1 year to apply for residency. If you haven’t had a chance to read our post on how to get a NIE, check it out now.

Next step: once you obtain your NIE, you will then be able to register with social security and get your number. We know, bureaucracy is a pain, but you're almost there. Make sure you check with the authorities in the autonomous region you live in and speak to your consulate or embassy. Depending on what country you are from and your current situation (retired, divorced or separated from a Spanish citizen or resident…) certain privileges may apply.

So, once you've registered and have your social security number and your NIE, all you need to do is go to the nearest local healthcare centre and apply for a health card. Once you have it, book your appointment and you’re all set to go.

Keep in mind that if you need a special type of treatment, you’ll need a referral and only public hospitals offer treatments free of charge, by showing your social security card. Make sure you are familiar with the public and private hospitals in your area.

In case of an emergency, you must call this toll-free number 112 from any mobile phone or landline. Service is offered in English, French and German in most tourist areas. Remember, the name for Emergency or Emergency Room in Spanish is Urgencias.

What private healthcare options are available through Caser?

Caser offers a range of health insurance with a vast array of benefits to suit everyone’s needs, including Integral, Activa, Adapta, Inicia, Medica and Prestigio. Check out our guide to choosing the right Caser health insurance policy, but first here’s a snippet of those that which have a co-payment* system in place and those which offer hospitalization** cover.

*Co-payment: a small fixed fee charged to an insured party for a medical service covered by the insurance, which makes sure that monthly premiums stay the same.

**Hospitalisation: this covers the cost of healthcare and stays as a private patient in a hospital. Check out the individual plans for more info on the types of hospitalisation covered.

If you are looking for comprehensive coverage and do not want to rely on social security, we recommend an insurance with hospitalisation coverage. On the other hand, we recommend an insurance policy without hospitalisation cover if you only make occasional use of the insurance, and use social security when hospitalisation is necessary. Whatever the case, at Caser you will find an insurance policy to suit you, with which you can cover all your family's needs. Have a look at our compare page to see which one meet your needs perfectly. If you want to know our prices, click here and make a simulation in our no obligation calculator.

And if you still have doubts about our different insurance policies, here is our guide: