Getting health insurance in Spain (2023)

FAQs

Does Spain require proof of health insurance? ›

One of the main requirements for a short-stay visa to Spain is a document that proves you have travel insurance that covers the whole territory of Schengen. The document must prove your insurance has minimal coverage of €30,000. It should also cover any health-related incident, including repatriation in case of death.

As an expat, you can get free state healthcare if you are: A resident in Spain and work in employment or self-employment and pay social security contributions. Living in Spain and receiving certain state benefits. A resident in Spain and recently divorced or separated from a partner registered with social security.

The only downside to public healthcare in Spain is the long waiting lists for specialists and non-emergency care. To find the nearest hospital, check the Spanish health ministry website.

How much you'll pay. Once registered for healthcare, basic state services are free. There are some things that you may need to pay a percentage of the cost for, such as orthopaedic services. Spain uses a co-payment system where residents usually pay between 10% and 60% of the cost of prescription medication.

American expats in Spain have two main options to obtain health insurance while living in Spain: Purchase international health insurance with global coverage. Purchasing an international health insurance policy is one of the best options for US expats in Spain.

All EU and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals below retirement age who visit Spain for a short holiday are entitled to free or reduced-cost emergency medical healthcare and treatments at all Spanish public medical centres and hospitals on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Spain has both public and private healthcare systems. The public system provides free basic healthcare to those who contribute to the Spanish social security system and their families. The public system also provides free healthcare for retirees, including those from other EU countries.

It's possible to retire comfortably in Spain on about $25,000 a year. That breaks down to roughly $2,083 per month. Of course, it is possible to live in Spain on less — $20,000, for instance. This amount would make more sense if you decide to live farther from big cities and lead a more minimalist lifestyle.

Are Spanish doctors good? ›

The Spanish health care system is ranked as the 7th most efficient healthcare in the world, as indicated in the year 2000 in a report by the World Health Organization. Spain's healthcare system ranks 19th in Europe according to the 2018 Euro health consumer index. Spain is ranked 1st in the world in organ transplants.

Spain's single-payer health care system is ranked seventh best in the world by the World Health Organization. The system offers universal coverage as a constitutionally-guaranteed right and no out-of-pocket expenses — aside from prescription drugs.

If you're moving abroad on a permanent basis, you'll no longer automatically be entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules. This is because the NHS is a residence-based healthcare system. You'll have to notify your GP practice so you and your family can be removed from the NHS register.

The Spanish equivalent of the NHS is called the Spanish National Health System, or the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). It was founded in 1986, and exists to offer healthcare to all Spanish citizens, alongside all EU citizens that happen to be within Spain's borders.

If you wish to stay longer than 90 days you will need to get a visa appropriate for the purposes of your stay in Spain. Thus Brits or other Non-EU citizens wishing to retire to Spain will generally need to apply for a Golden Visa or a Non-Lucrative Visa if they wish to stay long term in Spain.

The residence permit is usually issued for a period of 2 years, renewable, provided that you still meet the economic requirements and you have lived at least 183 days in Spain each year. After 5 years of holding the temporary residence permit, you will be eligible for permanent residency.

You can get one by going to your local health centre and applying there. You will need to take the necessary documentation such as your social security certificate, your green residency certificate or TIE and your padrón certificate. The SIP, the public health card in Spain's Valencia region.

In case of an emergency in Spain

For emergencies, call 112 right away for an ambulance or police. All foreigners and citizens have a right to be served for emergency or urgent treatment in Spanish hospitals, no matter your insurance coverage or whether or not you have a general practitioner.

Why is travel insurance to Spain more expensive? The price of Spain travel insurance is based on claims costs. When something happens in Spain, the cost can be higher than elsewhere in Europe. Usually because medical treatments are more expensive, particularly in private hospitals.

How do tourists get antibiotics in Spain? ›

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin are not available to buy over the counter. You will need to show a prescription if you require these. So if you have a minor ailment, don't worry about making an appointment with your doctor, just pop down to your local farmacia first.

An EHIC or GHIC covers state healthcare, not private treatment. With an EHIC or GHIC you can get medically necessary treatment in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. This means that you'll get healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost.

Anyone with an income greater than 18,000€ a year will have to pay half the cost of the medication. Those below this amount will pay up to 40%. Pensioners with an income of less than 18,000€ who have made a tax declaration will pay 10% for a Spanish prescription with a maximum payment of 8 euros a month.

Are foreigners allowed to buy property in Spain? Of course! There are no restrictions on buying property in Spain, whether it's commercial, residential or land. In fact, Spain encourages investment by foreigners, both resident and non-resident.

Yes, Americans can retire in Spain. Technically, you can enter the country and stay there for 90 days with an American passport. However, if you wish to spend more than 90 days there, you must get a visa. The best visa option for that is a Residence Visa without the right to work.

Main Applicant - The main visa applicant will need to prove an income of 400% of the Spanish IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which in 2022 equates to €579,02. This means you will need to have an income of at least €2,316,08 per month or its legal equivalent in foreign currency.

Triay Medical Centre is an English-speaking private medical centre with 24 hour emergency call out based in San Pedro de Alcantara, Malaga.

Which European country has best healthcare? ›

The Netherlands has topped the rankings in the Euro Health Consumer Index more than once, never slipping below third place in more than ten years.

The average pay for a Physician is €106,070 a year and €51 an hour in Spain. The average salary range for a Physician is between €70,431 and €134,921. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Physician.

Calamocha, Teruel, Aragón

In fact, the province of Teruel as a whole, is one of the coldest provinces in Spain, often featuring in the list of places that have recorded the coldest temperatures in Spain. The town of Monreal del Campo twice recorded temperatures of −28° C in December 1963 and January 1971.

The average price of private insurance for expats in Spain ranges from €100 to €200 per month. The price varies depending on your provider, which plans you pay, and your personal situation. The cost of a basic health insurance plan goes as follows: For a single person in their 30s: €35 ($39)

Spain ranks as the best place in Europe for expats wanting to enjoy life, and second overall, just behind New Zealand. “Rather than living mostly in the expat bubble, experience-hungry expats look for the local culture following their move to the country,” according to the survey.

Voting and citizenship

Your UK citizenship will not be affected if you move or retire abroad.

Do expats get free NHS? ›

The NHS is a residency-based system and so non-UK-residents, including UK nationals who move abroad on a permanent basis lose their entitlement to free NHS healthcare.

As Spain has world-class medical care, you will be able to see almost any specialist you need. To see a specialist in Spain, you will need a referral from your doctor. With private insurance, you may be able to visit a specialist clinic directly, as long as the clinic is approved by your insurance company.

All residents in Spain need to register to access healthcare. Once registered for healthcare, basic state services are free, but there are some things that patients need to pay for. For example, you usually have to pay something towards prescriptions – either a reduced price or the full price.

UK pensioner residing in Spain

You will receive medical care in the country where you live as long as you are entitled to medical care in the country you receive your pension from, such as a State Pension or Government Pension. You must apply for the S1 form in the UK when you arrive in Spain.

Get a GHIC or EHIC card if you are holidaying in Spain

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office says: "With an EHIC or GHIC you can get medically necessary treatment in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. This means that you'll get healthcare services for free or at a reduced cost."

It's possible to retire comfortably in Spain on about $25,000 a year. That breaks down to roughly $2,083 per month. Of course, it is possible to live in Spain on less — $20,000, for instance. This amount would make more sense if you decide to live farther from big cities and lead a more minimalist lifestyle.

Rates of state pension

Your state pension will rise annually, even if you live in Spain as it is within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Spanish taxes for non-residents

Investment interest and dividends are taxed at 19%, although are typically lower through double taxation agreements. Interest tax is exempt for EU citizens. Royalties are taxed at 24%. Pensions are taxed at progressive rates, from 8% to 40%.

If you do not have your EHIC or GHIC with you

You'll need to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) if you need treatment and you do not have your EHIC or GHIC , or your card is lost or stolen abroad. Call the Overseas Healthcare Services. This is part of the NHS Business Services Authority (BSA).

Do you need a EHIC card for Spain? ›

When you travel to Spain you should have either: a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) travel insurance with appropriate healthcare cover.

Do I need a Ghic or Ehic card? If you're travelling to any EU country it's important you take a valid Ghic, or an existing Ehic that's still in date, along with you. Anyone travelling with you should take one too. Present the card if you need to use that country's emergency or state medical care services.

Valid EHICs can still be used by UK nationals living in the UK to get free or discounted medical treatment in EU countries and Switzerland. According to figures from the NHS, 5.6 million EHICs are due to expire in 2022. Ensure yours is valid before you go away – if it's not, you'll normally need to apply for the GHIC.

You'll need to pay in full for medical treatment if you do not have an EHIC, GHIC or provisional replacement certificate (PRC).

Your new GHIC card should usually arrive within 10 days from the point of application.

Current immigration guidelines state that you will need at least €96.50 per day you will be in Spain, with a minimum amount of €865.50 (or equivalent in another currency).

Embassies will not resort checking the bank statement, it may not be their job. They take the documents on their face value in good belief. However if any of the evidences turns to be fake then they may resort to all sort of investigations.

It is not usually necessary for tourists to be able to speak Spanish when they see a doctor. Doctors in private practices often speak English, especially at popular tourist resorts such as Mallorca. This is convenient for travellers, but it can be costly.

What to do if I make a mistake on the FCS form to travel to Spain? #shorts

Can I take prescription medication to Spain? ›

As a rule, you should only be carrying up to 3 months worth of medication. Any more and you may need to apply for a licence from the Spanish Agency of Drugs and Health Products (AEMPS). Note also that according to the UK government website, there are “some products prescribed for health conditions with you into the EU.

What's the difference between an EHIC and GHIC? The EHIC covers the 27 countries in the EU, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. However, the GHIC just covers the 27 EU countries. If you still have a valid EHIC, since 1 January 2021 it has stopped covering Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

If you're abroad and do not have your card with you

You can get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to medically necessary healthcare if you travel to Europe without your existing EHIC, UK GHIC or new UK EHIC and need treatment during your visit.

nationals from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland who started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, and their families. some British State Pensioners who started living in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland before 1 January 2021, and their families.