Health Care in Spain

For citizens of the UK and other EU member states the Spanish state health care scheme INSALUD is free or subsidised depending on the type of health care required.

Certain requirements and restrictions apply and this article covers how to qualify for the best health care in Spain including how to get into INSALUD and what exactly is covered by the state scheme.

INSALUD has similarities with the UK’s National Health Service in that the quality of care available is incredibly high, but lack of government funding means that services are stretched and waiting times can be quite high.  The bottom line is that at least in an emergency the level of health care in Spain offered by the state scheme is very good indeed.

Some people who move to Spain consider purchasing expatriate private health insurance to supplement the free services offered under INSALUD especially because certain conditions and procedures are only covered up to 75% of the cost by the state scheme with the patient having to find the other 25% for treatment.  A private health insurance policy can be a good add on it you can afford it and it can help get around waiting times and bed shortages.  GoodHealth and American Express have produced a specific policy for expatriates that might be worth a look.

For anyone moving to Spain temporarily from the UK you need only take your E111 form for emergency cover.  If you’re moving abroad to live in Spain permanently then you need to get into the social security system to be eligible for treatment.

If you’re working in Spain you will have to sign up to the scheme immediately, for everyone else you have a period of grace during which you can get health care required with your E111 form.  Once workers are signed up to the scheme contributions for it are automatically deducted from wages at source.  For pensioners or dependants you have to submit forms E121 (pensioners) or E106 (non-workers) when you apply to get into the health care scheme.

Go to the nearest NSS (Nacional de la Seguridad Social) office with your passport, birth certificate, relevant E form, marriage certificate (if applicable) and proof of residence and you will then receive your social security card and number a few weeks later which you will need whenever you seek medical care.

As a rule of thumb the state health care system in Spain will cover all your doctor appointments, ambulance and hospital costs as well as medical tests, it subsidises the cost of medication, covers basic dental treatment and covers complete ante and post-natal care.