Healthcare
Spain’s healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in Europe. Furthermore, EU individuals with a European Health Insurance Card can use it for free (EHIC).
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free health insurance card that entitles you to emergency medical care while travelling in one of the EEG nations (Europe, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) or Switzerland if you are a resident of the EU. You are covered for emergency medical care with the EHIC. However, it does not cover private or non-urgent medical care, nor does it cover dentists or free care if the treatment is the only reason for your visit. Remember that some treatments that are free in your home country may not be free in Spain. The EHIC does not cover the costs in this scenario. For further information on the EHIC, please refer to the SchengenVisaInfo.com website.
If you have an emergency, you can call the number 112 or 061
There are two different healthcare providers in Spain. The Spanish government’s health-care system, known as Seguridad Social, as well as a large number of private insurers. Spain’s social security system is known as Seguridad Social. Not only does this apply to healthcare, but also to elderly care, unemployment, and poverty. You may check who qualifies for the Seguridad Social in the table below.
- If you are an employee in Spain, then your employer will pay a contribution to the Seguridad Social for you.
- If you are an employer, then you must take care of your payment by yourself.
- If you have a pension, then you pay the premium via the healthcare insurance contribution to the Health Insurance Board.
You will receive a paper to register with the local Centro de Salud after successfully registering with the Seguridad Social. You must first register before selecting a doctor. When registering, you are frequently given the option of selecting a doctor. Ask which doctor speaks English or another language you are familiar with.
There are several private insurers to select from in Spain. It’s important to understand that previous complaints are almost always removed from insurance, and that not everyone is accepted. When applying for private insurance, you must always fill out a medical history form. Following that, you will be evaluated to see if you are eligible for admission. The benefit of private insurance is that you can nearly always see a doctor who speaks English. Depending on your insurance company, you may or may not be able to choose where you receive treatment.