Public health insurance covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, emergency care, hospital stays, maternity care, and prescription medications at subsidized rates. Dental and optical care are limited.

Healthcare is largely free at point of use for residents with public coverage. Some small co-payments may apply for prescriptions and specific services. Social security contributions fund the system.

Comprehensive coverage, low out-of-pocket costs, and access to a broad network of public facilities. No exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Waiting times for specialists and elective procedures can be long. Limited English-speaking staff. Fewer choices in healthcare providers than private options.

Most residents use the system based on their address (SIP card assignment). You can't choose your insurer, but can choose your general practitioner within your local area.

Private insurance generally covers consultations, diagnostic tests, specialist visits, private hospitals, and often includes dental and optical care. Coverage varies by provider.

Costs range from €40–€100/month depending on age, coverage, and provider. Some plans may have deductibles or co-payments.

Shorter waiting times for specialists, greater choice of doctors and hospitals, English-speaking options, and access to more comfortable facilities.

Pre-existing conditions may be excluded, higher costs than public, and some treatments may not be covered. Often does not cover chronic disease management.

Anyone can buy private insurance regardless of employment status, but some providers limit coverage by age or pre-existing conditions.

Compare providers based on network size, exclusions, English-language support, and client reviews. Make sure the plan meets requirements for visas if needed.

Expat insurance plans are tailored for foreigners, providing proof of coverage for visa and residency applications. These plans may cover private Spanish and international care for an initial period before qualifying for public coverage.

Expat insurance is easier to obtain for new arrivals without work contracts but may be costlier and offer less comprehensive coverage than public plans. It is usually more flexible than public, but with similar perks as lower-tier private plans.

Travel insurance covers emergencies only and is meant for short stays. Expat insurance is required for long-term visas and provides more comprehensive care and compliance with Spanish immigration law.

Expat insurance may not offer lifetime coverage, can lack chronic care or maternity benefits, and isn’t accepted for permanent residents. Long-term, public or established private insurance is preferable.

Certain categories, such as pensioners from outside the EU, may apply for special government schemes. Some autonomous communities offer minimal public coverage for non-contributors through special agreements.

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for limited, short-term public healthcare access. For long-term stays or employment, you must register for local coverage.

No dedicated Künstlersozialkasse-style system exists in Spain, but autonomous workers (autónomos) can access public healthcare via social security contributions.

Check your residency status, gather required documents, and register at your local health center or with Social Security. If not eligible yet, obtain private or expat insurance for interim coverage.

Local health centers (CAP in Catalonia), official government websites, or expat associations can provide assistance navigating the process and understanding requirements.