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    Health Care In Spain: A Guide For Expats And Retirees

    Spain offers one of Europe’s best health care systems—affordable, high-quality, and accessible for expats and retirees alike. From public coverage to private insurance options, here’s what you need to know to stay healthy in Spain


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    Spain's Health Care Is Top-Notch

    Doctor holding stethoscope with Spain flag. Spanish Health and Care Concept, Spain flag on stethoscope
    AdobeStock/IHERPHOTO

    Spain offers one of the best health care systems in Europe—affordable, accessible, and high-quality. No matter where you are in Spain, it’s important to know how the health care system works. You might be retiring in Valencia. You could be working remotely from Barcelona. Or you may be enjoying life in Madrid. This guide explains what you need to know about public and private health care in Spain. It covers health insurance options and what to expect as a foreign resident or visitor.

    Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

    Reviewed By Lief Simon

    Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

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      Table of Contents

      The Health Care System In Spain

      Vithas one of the largest private hospital group in Spain
      AdobeStock/l_martinez

      Spain’s health care system ranks among the best in the world by the World Health Organization. High-quality care is available across the country. Major cities like Barcelona are known for their excellent hospitals and English-speaking doctors. In particular, the Sarrià area near the University of Barcelona has many top specialists.

      Expats in Spain benefit from both public and private options. While non-EU residents typically need private insurance, they can also access a government pay-in scheme—about $65/month for those under 65 and $170/month for older residents. Private plans start around $300/month.

      Despite its top-tier health care, Spain offers surprisingly low costs compared to other European countries. From dining out to medical care, the value is exceptional—making Spain a top destination for expats.

      Spain has a dual health care system:

      Spanish residents—both citizens and legal residents—can typically access the public system either for free or at a low cost. For expats, retirees, and digital nomads, this means that once you’re registered as a resident, you’re likely eligible for public health care.

      Who Can Access Public Health Care In Spain?

      You are eligible for Spain’s public health care system if:

      If you don’t fall into one of these categories, you’ll need to purchase private international health insurance to cover your needs.

      Spain’s Public Health Care System (Sistema Nacional de Salud)

      The public system is generally free at the point of use and includes:

      Health care in Spain is decentralized, so regional health services vary slightly by autonomous community (e.g., Andalusia, Catalonia).

      Note: Dental care is not covered by the public system and must be paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance.

      Private Health Care In Spain

      Many expats choose private health insurance to:

      Spain boasts a large network of private hospitals and clinics, especially in major cities and expat-heavy regions like the Costa del Sol and Alicante.

      Some leading private insurance providers for expats include:

      remiums vary based on age, coverage level, and pre-existing conditions, but plans can start as low as €50–€150 per month.

      Health Insurance Requirements For Residency In Spain

      Woman writing, signature or sign on paper with doctor at hospital. Female healthcare professional consulting on medical insurance document or form
      AdobeStock/JackF

      To obtain a non-lucrative visa, retiree visa, or digital nomad visa, you must show proof of private health insurance that:

      This insurance must be valid from day one of your stay and for the duration.

      Pharmacies And Prescriptions

      Spanish Pharmacy Sign
      AdobeStock/smartin69

      Pharmacies (farmacias) are widespread and usually open during regular hours, with some offering 24/7 service. Medications are often cheaper than in the U.S., and many are available without a prescription.

      Prescriptions under the public system are subsidized:

      Emergency Medical Care In Spain

      Madrid, Spain. ambulance on an emergency service.
      AdobeStock/javiindy

      Emergency services are available to everyone, regardless of legal status. Call 112 for urgent medical assistance. Public hospitals won’t turn you away in a crisis, but you may be billed later if you’re uninsured.

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      Cost Of Health Care In Spain

      medicine and money
      AdobeStock/andrifoto
      ServicePublic (with coverage) Private (without insurance)
      Doctor Visit Free or ~€10 €50–€100
      Specialist Consultation Free €80–€150
      Emergency Room Visit Free €150+
      Hospital Stay (per night) Free €300–€600

      Compared to countries like the U.S., Spain offers exceptional value, especially when combined with its high standard of care.

      Top-Rated Hospitals In Spain By Region

      HUCA Hospital emergency, Spain
      AdobeStock/cameraman

      Spain boasts a robust network of public and private hospitals renowned for their medical excellence. Below is a curated list of some of the best hospitals across different regions, based on reputation, patient satisfaction, and international accessibility.

      Madrid

      Hospital Universitario La Paz


      Consistently ranked among Spain's top hospitals, offering comprehensive medical services.

      Phone: +34 917 27 70 00 Location: Paseo de la Castellana, 261, 28046 Madrid
      Type: Public  Website

      Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid


      Part of the Quirónsalud network, known for advanced treatments and international patient services.

      Phone: +34 902 02 02 52 Location: Calle Diego de Velázquez, 1, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid
      Type: Private  Website

      Clínica Universidad de Navarra (Madrid Campus)


      A leading academic hospital offering personalized care and cutting-edge research.

      Phone: +34 948 25 54 00 Location: Calle Marquesado de Santa Marta, 1, 28027 Madrid
      Type: Private  Website

      Barcelona

      Hospital Clínic de Barcelona


      A top-tier hospital renowned for its research and specialized medical services.

      Phone: +34 932 27 54 00 Location: Carrer de Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona
      Type: Public  Website

      Centro Médico Teknon


      Offers comprehensive medical care with a focus on international patients.

      Phone: +34 932 90 62 00 Location: Carrer de Vilana, 12, 08022 Barcelona
      Type: Private  Website

      Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron


      One of Spain's largest hospitals, excelling in various medical specialties.

      Phone: +34 934 89 30 00 Location: Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, 08035 Barcelona
      Type: Public  Website

      Other Notable Hospitals

      Clínica Universidad de Navarra (Pamplona)


      A prestigious academic hospital offering personalized medical care.

      Phone: +34 948 25 54 00 Location: Av. de Pío XII, 36, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra
      Type: Private  Website

      Hospital Universitario de la Princesa (Madrid)


      Specializes in various medical fields with a strong emphasis on research.

      Phone: +34 915 20 22 00 Location: Calle de Diego de León, 62, 28006 Madrid
      Type: Public  Website

      Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (Oviedo)


      Provides a wide range of medical services and is a reference center in the region.

      Phone: +34 985 10 80 00 Location: Av. de Roma, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias
      Type: Public

      Final Thoughts

      Health Care In Spain Is World-Class And Accessible

      Whether you’re planning to retire in Spain or spend a few years living abroad, Spain’s health care system offers peace of mind. With public coverage for residents and affordable private plans for newcomers, you’re well-protected. Just make sure to understand your eligibility, arrange the right insurance, and register with local health services after you arrive.

      Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

      Reviewed By Lief Simon

      Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

      Start Your New Overseas Life Today

      A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2024






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        Table of Contents

        Health Care In Spain FAQs

        Health care is free or low-cost if you are legally residing and registered with the Spanish social security system. Otherwise, private insurance is required.

        Yes. If you’re not working in Spain or covered by another EU country’s system, you’ll need private insurance to get a visa and maintain residency.

        Private health insurance in Spain is generally affordable, with competitive international plans starting at around €50/month. For those with pre-existing conditions or over 65, it can be trickier to find coverage but our expert can help. Contact him here.

        Spain ranks highly for both life expectancy and health care quality, with modern hospitals and highly trained medical professionals.

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