Healthcare in Spain

Spain is not just a dot on the map with beautiful resorts, paella and sangria. It is a country of long-livers: for many years the kingdom has firmly held leading positions in terms of average life expectancy. In 2022 this figure stood at 82.4 years. So what is the secret of a long and happy life in Spain? The mild climate, siesta lifestyle, Mediterranean diet with fresh fruit and seafood all year round — and an equally important factor: the high standard of healthcare.

At Granfield Estate, our team has personally navigated the Spanish healthcare system — both public and private — and we regularly help clients understand their options before they move.

The Spanish Approach to Medicine: "Don't Over-Treat"

When you visit a local doctor for the first time, you might even think they are not very competent: more often than not, the recommendations you receive will be "Worry less, rest more, eat well and take long walks by the sea." But in fact, this is one of the core principles of Spanish medicine: "don't over-treat". In many CIS countries, for example, as soon as you step into the consulting room the doctor is already writing out a prescription. That is not how it works in Spain. Here they genuinely believe — and put into practice — that your immune system is capable of dealing with most minor illnesses by itself.

Hospitals in Spain are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and public hospitals regularly appear in rankings of the best medical centres. For example, Torrevieja hospital has been awarded the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval from Joint Commission International, which evaluates medical institutions according to 1,200 criteria. Only three hospitals in Germany and just one in the UK meet these very highest standards, while in Spain there are four.

The Public Healthcare System in Spain

Most Spaniards fully trust the public healthcare system, and only about 19% of the population has private health insurance. Access to free medical care is based on the fact that you or your employer pay social security contributions in the Kingdom of Spain. Therefore, if you are not officially employed in Spain, your route to healthcare will most likely be private insurance, which typically costs around 400–500 euros per year.

Doctors in public health centres avoid not only unnecessary treatments but also excessive check-ups: you will only be referred to a specialist by your GP and only when it is actually needed. This is done to reduce waiting lists, which are already quite long — in many regions you may have to wait six months to a year for an appointment.

One unquestionable advantage of the Spanish public healthcare system is that the insurance can cover between 40% and 100% of the cost of medicines. This means that when you buy drugs prescribed by a doctor from the public system, you receive a significant discount or even full coverage. Many medicines for children and pensioners are dispensed free of charge at the pharmacy.

Who Is Entitled to Free Healthcare in Spain?

All Spanish citizens have access to free public healthcare. If you are a foreigner, you can access free public healthcare in Spain if you meet one of the following conditions:

1. You are legally resident in Spain, work under an employment contract and pay contributions to the Seguridad Social.
2. You are officially registered in Spain as a pensioner.
3. You are registered with the employment office as unemployed or actively seeking work.
4. You are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, registered in the Spanish foreigners registry, and Spain is your permanent place of residence.
5. You are married to a person entitled to public healthcare, or have recently divorced such a partner.
6. You are a child under 18 years old, and at least one of your parents has access to the public health system.
7. You have a recognised disability of 65% or more and are dependent on a person who pays contributions to the Seguridad Social.
8. You are a pregnant woman — prenatal care and childbirth are free of charge.
9. You are a refugee with a valid residence permit in Spain.
10. Your life is in danger and you require urgent emergency care.
11. Your financial situation is very vulnerable and you cannot afford private insurance — contact a trabajador social (social worker) with proof of your circumstances.

If you belong to one of these categories, you simply need to obtain a SIP card — your Spanish health card. With it you can go to your local health centre (centro de salud) and to the corresponding hospital if necessary.

Private Health Insurance in Spain

If you are not eligible for free public healthcare, you will need to take out private insurance. Otherwise, a single visit to a doctor will cost you 100–200 euros, not including tests and examinations. A simple accident can end up costing you several thousand euros. It is much better to spend money on insurance and have peace of mind. With private insurance, you are not limited to public centres and can choose any specialist you wish.

A major advantage of private insurance is that it can include dental care. Public healthcare does not cover dentistry at all, except in emergencies. Private insurance is therefore a way to save on these costly services. Waiting times to see a specialist, even with private insurance, can be up to two months in some cases, though in many private clinics an appointment can be arranged the next day.

Maternity, Childbirth and Specialist Care

Many pregnant women come to the Spanish coast specifically to give birth. There are excellent doctors, comfortable rooms, anaesthesia options, partner-assisted births — all available alongside good food and a mild climate, which is especially important during pregnancy. And the cost is below the European average and significantly lower than in the United States.

In critical situations, emergency departments in both public and private hospitals are available 24/7. In summary, healthcare in Spain is genuinely of a high standard, although the public system can be slow. In any serious situation, you can be sure that no one will be left without help.

As Spanish doctors like to say: less stress, daily walks by the sea — and you won't need a doctor at all. If you are not yet living by these rules, come and try it — or better still, move to Spain. And Granfield Estate will be happy to help you find the property of your dreams on the sunny Spanish coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners use public healthcare in Spain?

Yes, with a health insurance card (tarjeta sanitaria). EU citizens receive it through the European Health Insurance Card. Non-residents with a residence permit can obtain it after registering (empadronamiento) in the municipality and attaching to a general practitioner. Tourists and non-residents without a residence permit can use emergency services for free, but planned medical care is only available through private insurance.

Is healthcare good in Spain?

Spain consistently ranks in the top 10 countries in the world for healthcare quality. The average life expectancy is over 82 years. Public hospitals are equipped with modern facilities, and there are specialized international clinics in Alicante and Torrevieja. A distinctive feature of Spanish medicine is the principle of "not treating beyond what is necessary," which is appreciated by most patients.

Is private health insurance necessary in Spain?

For permanent residents attached to the public healthcare system, private insurance is not mandatory, but many choose to obtain it for expedited access to specialists without waiting. For non-residents applying for a non-lucrative residence visa, private insurance with full coverage is mandatory as per visa requirements. The cost ranges from €50–80 per month per person.

Where is the nearest hospital to Torrevieja?

Torrevieja has its own public hospital — Hospital de Torrevieja. It is part of the Valencia Community healthcare system and provides a full range of services including surgery, cardiology, and pediatrics. There are also numerous private clinics and diagnostic centers in the city and surrounding area, many with staff who speak Russian.

Our team at Granfield Estate lives and works on the Costa Blanca year-round. If you’re considering a move to Spain or looking for property in the area, we’re happy to share our local knowledge — get in touch for a free consultation.

Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33