Healthcare in Spain
The good news if youre planning to buy a property in Spain is that its healthcare is among
the best in Europe. The excellent state SALUD system is one of the best in Europe, far outperforming
Britains NHS, and is complemented by a first-class private sector available through Spanish and
international medical insurance companies.
Like the rest of the country, southern Spain offers superb facilities. Take a look at this quick
guide to healthcare in the area.
Eligibility for state healthcare
UK & European non-resident visitors
If youre below retirement age and on a short visit to Spain from the UK, EU or some non-EU European
countries, youre entitled to free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment. This will be equivalent
to the treatmentSpanish nationals receive, though it may vary from what is offered in your country
of residence.
Before you are treated youll need to produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, known in Spain
as a Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) which has replaced the former E111 form, and several other healthcare
forms.
You should note that this only covers you for medical emergencies within the state sector and does
not include repatriation due to illness, the so its not an alternative to private insurance.
The EHIC card is available and valid in all European Community countries, as well as Switzerland and
the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Apply for the EHIC card in your country
of residence prior to departure. In the UK, EHIC forms are available free of charge from post offices
and travel agents. For further information or to download an application, log on
to: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers
EU (&EEA) visiting pensioners
If youre a pensioner resident in the EU or European Economic Area (see above) youre entitled to receive,
subject to certain criteria, the same free or low-cost state emergency medical treatment as Spanish
pensioners, provided that you are in possession of an E121 form, issued in your country of residence.
In the UK, the E121 can be obtained from The Department for Work and Pensions. Contact them on 0191 218 7777
or visit: www.dwp.gov.uk
Youll need a separate E121 form per person, which must be shown to the doctor or hospital before receiving
treatment. It does not entitle you to non-urgent medical or dental treatment, or repatriation, and is no
substitute for private health insurance.
Non-European visitors
In a life-threatening emergency Spanish state hospitals are required to provide vital primary care
treatment irrespective of the patients ability to pay. Non-European visitors should always be covered
by appropriate medical insurance usually private and in many cases will not be able to obtain the
necessary visa without proof that such cover exists.
Residents of Spain
If you are resident in Spain, youll have to pay monthly Social Security (Seguridad Social) contributions
to qualify for state healthcare. If you are an employee, part of the cost will be borne by your employer
and the state. If you are self-employed, you will be responsible for making the payments yourself
(the same applies to those neither working or yet of pensionable age).
Hospitals in southern Spain
Southern Spain has several major hospitals serving the state and private sector. Many doctors and nurses
are fluent in English and there are volunteer translators on hand to help.
Doctor's surgeries and clinics
There are state-operated medical centres (ambulatorios) in every town and village, offering a wide
range of medical services. Unfortunately, these GPs tend to speak only Spanish and are often booked
up for days in advance.
You may prefer to visit one of the many private GPs, family practitioners and paediatricians in the
area. Many allow you to drop in without an appointment, with some open 24 hours a day.
The British Consulate may provide you with a list of doctors from the UK in practice, and there are other English-speaking GPs from Spain, Scandinavia and Germany.
Dentists
There's a vast network of private dental clinics in the area, but very few state dental practices.
Pharmacies
Chemists or pharmacies are called farmacia in Spanish and they usually have a green or red cross
outside. Theyre open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8.00pm. Details of the nearest
24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) will be displayed on all pharmacy doors.
Non-prescription drugs are only sold in pharmacies in Spain, you wont find them in supermarkets or
elsewhere.
Useful Numbers:
Emergencies operator: 112
Police: 092
Medical: 061
Sea Rescue: 900 202 202