All about HEALTH INSURANCE in Spain




The healthcare system and health insurance in Spain

The Spanish healthcare system ranks among the best in the world. Social security payments fund the system, meaning that most residents don’t require private insurance to access health services.

While the Spanish state system is excellent, some expats choose to take out additional private coverage, which can cut waiting times and make it easier to see an English-speaking doctor. The healthcare system and health insurance in Spain

Who needs health insurance in Spain?

If you are living and working in Spain, you generally pay Spanish income tax and social security in Spain. With this you are automatically entitled to use the Spanish health system.

If you’re not eligible for health insurance, you can pay for treatment yourself or take out a private health insurance plan. In some regions, you can register for a government-run scheme called convenio especial which provides social security cover for a basic monthly fee, ranging from 60€ to 157€ depending on your age.

Who does public health insurance cover in Spain?

  • Employees: all employees workers in Spain must pay into the social security system. This then entitles them to Spanish health cover.
  • Self-employed, freelancers and business owners: freelancers in Spain are responsible for paying their own social security. You can apply for a social security number at your nearest Social Security Office.
  • Spouses and children: the spouse and any children of workers and freelancers are also entitled to state healthcare, as long as they also reside in Spain.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who have reached retirement age in their home country are entitled to free healthcare in Spain. In order to qualify they must obtain an S1 form from their country of residence. Preparing this form before moving helps simplify the registration process. EU, EEA and Swiss residents staying in Spain on a temporary basis can use their European Health Insurance Card, which entitles them to receive medical treatment at the same cost as a Spanish national. With this card you can go to your local medical centre and you will be issued a temporal SIP card Temporary SIPs are issued by the Centro de Salud (health centres) for non-residents who needed healthcare when using their EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, previously known as the E111).  This is done purely for the convenience of the health centres concerned

  • Non-EU nationals: non-EU/EEA nationals may have to provide proof of private health insurance before getting a Spanish visa. Some non-EU nations, however, have an agreement in place with Spain. It’s important to know what you’re entitled to, so check with the consulate or embassy in your home country before arrival.
  • Students: EU nationals studying in Spain will be covered by their EHIC throughout their period of study. Non-EU students, however, might need a private health insurance plan prior to arrival. Your university can provide more detail.

Private health insurance in Spain

If you require additional healthcare services, or none of the above qualifies you, you can opt for private health insurance. Spanish private health insurance companies offer a range of packages that cater specifically to your circumstances.

As ever, it’s important to thoroughly research your health insurance options and seek as much advice as possible before committing to a specific plan. Foreigners should check if their package provides the same protection in Spain as it would back home.

EU nationals who travel frequently outside of the EU may also consider private health insurance, as the EHIC card only covers travel within the EU.

The advantages of getting private health insurance coverage in Spain

While the standard of public healthcare is quite high, some residents opt for private coverage. This can shorten the patients waiting times often found in the public system.

This is an important factor to consider when considering private health care, and is particularly important if you will require regular treatment.

With a private health insurance, you can select a doctor that speaks your language. You can find lists with English-speaking doctors at tourist offices and embassies, or click this link.

How to choose a health insurance provider

You can compare private health insurance providers in Spain by asking different companies for quotes. In addition to this, you can also use the following tools: Acierto.com (in Spanish) and Rastreator.com (in Spanish).

Some of the largest private health insurance companies in Spain include:


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