Healthcare

How the Spanish public healthcare system works

An overview of Spain's public healthcare system (SNS), how it's organised, and how it fits together for a newcomer.

Registering for public healthcare

How to access Spain's public healthcare system once you're a registered resident.

Getting a public health card

How to get your Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI), the card you'll use for every public healthcare visit.

Who is entitled to public healthcare in Spain

The main routes to public healthcare entitlement in Spain, and what happens if you don't fit any of them yet.

Public healthcare for EU citizens

How EU, EEA and Swiss citizens access Spain's public healthcare system when moving to live there.

Public healthcare for non-EU citizens

How non-EU citizens access Spain's public healthcare system, and when private insurance is required instead.

Private health insurance in Spain

When private health insurance is required or worth considering, and what to look for in a policy.

Choosing the right private health insurance

What to actually compare between private health insurance policies in Spain, beyond just the price.

Public vs private healthcare in Spain

The real differences between Spain's public and private healthcare systems, to help you decide what fits you.

Finding a doctor in Spain

How you're assigned a primary-care doctor in the public system, and how to find one privately.

Booking a medical appointment

The different ways to book a doctor's appointment in Spain, in both the public and private systems.

Seeing a specialist in Spain

How specialist referrals work in the public system, and how it's different if you go private.

Changing your family doctor

How to request a different primary-care doctor within Spain's public healthcare system.

Telemedicine in Spain

How to have a phone or video consultation with a doctor in Spain, in both the public and private systems.

How prescriptions work in Spain

How doctors issue prescriptions in Spain, and how the electronic prescription system works at pharmacies.

Buying medicines at Spanish pharmacies

How Spanish pharmacies work, and how to get prescription and over-the-counter medicine.

Prescription costs and co-payments

How much you'll actually pay for prescription medicine in Spain, based on your employment and income situation.

Getting repeat prescriptions

How ongoing medication prescriptions work in Spain, so you don't need a new doctor's visit every time.

Emergency healthcare in Spain

An overview of how emergency care works in Spain, and how to choose the right option for your situation.

Calling emergency services (112)

How Spain's 112 emergency number works, and what to expect when you call.

Going to Accident & Emergency (Urgencias)

What to expect when you go to a Spanish hospital's emergency department (urgencias).

What to do in a medical emergency

A clear, practical checklist for what to do if you or someone with you has a medical emergency in Spain.

Pregnancy and maternity care in Spain

How pregnancy monitoring and maternity care work in Spain's public healthcare system.

Children's healthcare and vaccinations

How paediatric care and the childhood vaccination schedule work in Spain's public healthcare system.

Sexual and reproductive healthcare

How to access contraception, sexual health screening, and reproductive healthcare services in Spain.

Accessing mental health services

How to get a referral to psychology or psychiatry through Spain's public healthcare system.

Finding an English-speaking psychologist or therapist

How to find mental health support in English (or another language) in Spain, mainly through private care.

Dental care in Spain

What Spain's public healthcare system does and doesn't cover for dental care, and what to expect from private dentists.

Eye tests and opticians

How eye care works in Spain, and what's covered publicly versus what you'll pay for privately.

Chronic conditions and ongoing treatment

How to continue managing a chronic condition in Spain after moving, including transferring your medical history.

Accessing disability or long-term care services

How to apply for official disability recognition in Spain, and what support becomes available as a result.