Healthcare Info · Spain

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Healthcare in Spain is of a high standard. Hospitals are many and levels of service (on the whole) are excellent. As with the UK, Spain has a public (national) health system which provides free or low cost healthcare for those contributing to the Spanish Social Security systems and their dependants. The system also caters for pensioners and includes those from other EU countries.

Spain has an excellent system of private medicine and this exists easily alongside the State system with both operated so as to compliment each other. There are many English-speaking health practitioners in the more densely populated and tourist areas. For non residents it is required that you are in possession of an E111 form which will entitle you and your family to healthcare whilst abroad.

Some useful links are listed below:
UK Government advice for foreign travellers (includes the E111)
Healthcare and related topics in Spain

When on holiday residents from the UK & Ireland can receive free medical care under a reciprocal agreement between EEC Governments. UK citizens, should obtain a form E121 from the DSS prior to your departure or a if you are simply visiting for a holiday go to your local post office to apply for the new European Union Health Insurance Card [old E111]. You should always carry a photocopy of your Form E111 and your passport when visiting the doctor or the Chemist. IMPORTANT Private hospitals will not accept this form as a means of payment. If you retire to Spain you are covered completely. [over 65 for men, over 60 for women] If you are a citizen of the EU and you are not a pensioner, self-employed or in paid employment you are entitled to full healthcare under the Spanish State Social Security system.

To apply for a 'Targeta Sanitaria' go to your local main health centre and refer to 'la extension de asistencia sanitaria a demanda segun la Circular 1/2002' You will need:
· Your passport
· A recently issued Empadronamiento certificate
· and you will have to complete an application form

The cost of private health insurance is less expensive than in the UK. There are a few large companies such as Sanitas [owned by BUPA], Previaso, Asisa and Adeslas that provide coverage for Ex-pats. Prices vary depending upon your medical history and age. As a guideline, if you are under 60 you can expect to pay approximately 75€ per month as an individual. Family cover, including dental care, can be obtained for approximately €190 per month for a family of five. If you use the Spanish National Health Service, you can still carry a comprehensive medical emergencies policy from one of the private emergency medical companies who will respond to call-out 24 hrs a day & 365 days a year. The cost is around €95 per person or €210 for a family of five. Medications prescribed by the Spanish State Health system are free for pensioners.

If you are working and paying Spanish taxes and insurance contributions, you will still pay for your prescriptions but at a reduced cost than over the counter. Many medications are freely available without prescription, however, it is always advisable that you consult your doctor before taking any medication. If you are self employed, you should have your Assesore obtain your residence card from the Guardia Civil and the 'Alta Fiscal' from Hacienda [tax office]. These documents must be presented to the office of the Tesoreria de Seguridad Social and an application made for the 'Alta de Autonomo' and 'Inscription en la Seguridad Social'. Your medical card entitles you to full medical cover. Please do not lose your medical card as you must present it each time you visit a hospital or the clinic. Your E111 can now be completed online following the link below:

Health Advice for Travellers