Guide to health insurance in Spain

Read our guide to health insurance in Spain to know everything about health insurance and public health system. How does it work? Comparison between both systems. Should I get a health insurance? Why? Witch contract is best for me? All the information is here for you.

How does the public health system work?

  1.Where can I get health care?

You are assigned to the health center (centro de salud) of your district. To register you need to provide your social security number and your address. If you do not have a social security card, you can ask for one during your registration in a health center (but you will have to wait around a year to receive it).

  2. Can I choose my doctor?

In this center, an attending physician (medico de cabecera) will be assigned to you. Henceforth, he or she will be the one to talk to. If you are not satisfied, you can ask to your health center to assign you another one.

  3. And if my doctor is not available?

If you are sick and for any reason your doctor cannot see you, you should go to the doctor on call, in the same health center. Go to the front desk and you will get a ticket to see this doctor.

  4. How to get an appointment with a specialist?

If you need an appointment with a specialist, you must see first your attending physician, who will make the appointment for you. He or she will give you an appointment sheet with the name of the specialist.

Why taking a private insurance?

  1. Can I avoid queuing?

Yes, the private healthcare system will give you a faster access to care services. Thus, you won’t have to wait in queues like in public centers.

  2. Can I choose my doctor?

The private insurance in Spain gives you the possibility to choose your doctors and hospitals, with fast interventions and direct access to specialists.

  3. Do I have additional services?

Yes, the private healthcare system gives you the right to additional services not included in the National Health System such as check-ups, acupuncture, dental services, podiatry, etc.

  4. Do I have access to additional help?

If you do not feel comfortable with the Spanish language, many private healthcare professionals can answer you in English. Don’t hesitate to contact INOV Expat to get the list of the professionals nearby.

The comparison of both systems:

The expert's point of view:

“I always advise my clients to have an
affiliation in the public system and also a
private insurance in order to benefit from
both system’s advantages. If they do not feel
comfortable with the Spanish language,
especially when it is about their health, I tell
them that they have access to a list of
healthcare professionals. Moreover, do not
forget about the waiting period in case of
surgical intervention. If you bring the
certificate of your old health insurance,
those periods will be eliminated.”

Julia Jannin Inov Expat CEO