Healthcare in Spain

Public healthcare in Spain

Public healthcare in Spain is universal and financed by the state – through taxes and insurance contributions, which are collected from employees' salaries. The healthcare system is decentralized. This means that each of Spain's 17 autonomous communities controls and manages its own system, while the national government only supervises general healthcare policy.

All Spanish citizens and residents are entitled to public healthcare in Spain. This is entitles you to the Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI) – a Spanish health card that gives you full access to medical services. The TSI is issued to people registered in Spain. To obtain it, you need: Certificado de Registro (document of registration of residence), NIE number, ID card and passport. Go to the nearest or selected health center (esp. Centro de salud) or health administration office, apply for a health insurance card and wait for it to be issued. It usually takes a few weeks, but it allows you to use the advice of family doctors and specialists, as well as undergo medical tests and stay in hospitals.

EU citizens who are not residents in Spain can use public healthcare on the basis of the EHIC – European Health Insurance Card. It allows you to use only the necessary scope of medical care during a temporary stay abroad. It does not cover the costs of private healthcare or medical transport to their country.

Private healthcare

In addition to the public system, there is also a developed private healthcare sector. Unlike private healthcare, private facilities are available to everyone, regardless of residency status. This solution is eagerly used by both tourists and expats who want to avoid queues or have access to English-speaking doctors. Those who prefer private healthcare can buy private health insurance from various insurers. These include: AXA, Cigna, Sanitas, Adeslas and many others. Prices for basic packages start from 30 to 50 euros per month for people aged 20 to 30. Costs increase with age.

The pros and cons of public healthcare in Spain

The healthcare system in Spain provides a high standard of healthcare. The system offers modern diagnostic and treatment procedures. Patients have access to a wide range of specialist doctors. They can also take advantage of preventive programs and health education, and in most cases they do not have to pay any costs when using universal healthcare. Despite a number of advantages, the public healthcare system in Spain is struggling with problems. The main ones include long waiting times, especially for planned procedures, surgeries or visits to specialists, which is related to staff shortages. Other problems that affect healthcare in most European countries include an aging population and the costs of maintaining public healthcare.