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Spain Expat Health Insurance / Healthcare System News |
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Spain offers a national healthcare system (“Instituto Nacional de la Salud”) to all Spanish nationals and their family members who participate in the social security system. Non-residents or expatriates who contribute to the social security system are also entitled to public healthcare. Tourists from EU countries can receive free treatment in Spain for up to three months. For non-EU tourists and those who have not contributed to the social security system, medical treatments are provided in case of emergency and they will need to make out-of-pocket payments for services utilised. Outside of the national healthcare system, private healthcare is also widely available in Spain.
Services provided under the state healthcare include free GP, paediatrician and specialist consultations, hospitalisation, laboratory services and maternity care. Other services are subsidised in part, usually around 75%. Prescriptions are free for pensioners and sufferers of chronic illnesses, and a subsidisy of about 60% is provided for everyone else. Dental medical care in Spain is not covered by state healthcare apart from children who are between 6-15 years of age. Free dental treatment only includes one annual check-up and fillings.
The healthcare system in Spain is considered to be very good, the system is decentralised in order to provide broader and easier access to the population, avoiding health services only focusing in urban areas. Hospitals are modern and well-equipped, doctors and nurses are also highly trained. Although the healthcare system in Spain offers one of the best public health programs in the world, there are some flaws. Some people in Spain may choose to purchase private healthcare on top of the basic state healthcare coverage. There are normally long waiting periods at public hospitals, while private healthcare companies offer a quick and attentive service. Moreover, most medical staff in the State hospitals do not speak English, although in some areas of Spain, voluntary translation service can be arranged when setting an appointment with the doctor.
With public healthcare, you will normally be assigned to a general doctor close to where you live when issued with your social security card. In comparison, private healthcare provides a wider choice of medical practitioners and hospitals, you will be able to select a primary care doctor of your choice. There is an assurance of being treated by English-speaking professionals. Private medical treatment is however expensive unless a private medical insurance policy is in place.
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Spain Expat Health Insurance |
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Globalsurance is a one-stop expat health insurance brokerage service provider for you when travelling to Spain. We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations and many others. Contact our professional advisers today to learn more about Spain, expat health insurance plans we can provide to you, or to get a free quote on Expat Health Insurance for yourself and your family.
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