Comprehensive Public Healthcare
Spain’s public healthcare system is the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). It is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. This universal, tax-funded system provides free basic medical services to Spanish citizens and legal residents, including expats and foreign workers.
The SNS covers a wide range of benefits, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and most tests and procedures. However, some services like adult dental care are not fully covered.
The Role of Private Health Insurance
While the public system is comprehensive, many expats and foreign workers choose to supplement it with private health insurance. Private plans can offer several advantages, including:
- Reduced wait times to see specialists or get non-urgent procedures
- Access to private hospitals and multilingual staff
- More comprehensive coverage, such as dental care
The popularity of private health insurance in Spain has been growing, with about a 5% increase. In the number of people with private coverage in the last 5 years.
Eligibility and Registration
To access the public healthcare system, expats and foreign workers living and working legally in Spain must register and obtain a medical card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual). Self-employed individuals and retirees are also eligible but need to register separately.
EU/EEA citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access the public system for the first 3 months, after which they need to register.
Navigating the System
While the Spanish healthcare system is comprehensive and of high quality, navigating it as an expat or foreign worker can present some challenges, such as language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles. However, with the right information and preparation, you can ensure that you and your family have access to the care you need.
By understanding the options available, eligibility requirements, and registration process, expats and foreign workers can confidently take advantage of Spain’s excellent healthcare system, whether through the public SNS, private insurance, or a combination of both.
Expats and foreign workers in Spain have access to the excellent public healthcare system, but many choose to supplement it with private insurance to get faster access to care and more comprehensive coverage. The registration process is straightforward for those living and working legally in the country.
