Healthcare in Spain: How Is It Arranged?
Good healthcare is an important condition for many buyers, especially if you plan to spend a large part of the year in Spain. The good news: Spain has a healthcare system that is highly regarded internationally. How you get access depends on your situation.
Public and private side by side
Spain has a public system (the Seguridad Social) and a wide range of private clinics. The public system is of good quality and largely free for those who are registered. Many foreigners also choose private insurance, because waiting times are shorter and you are more likely to find English or Dutch speaking staff.
On holiday or as a second-home owner
If you only own a holiday home and remain insured in your home country, you rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency care. That covers necessary treatment during a temporary stay, but it is not a substitute for full cover. For longer stays, additional travel or international health insurance is wise.
If you settle in Spain
Anyone registering permanently arranges healthcare in one of these ways:
- Through work or a pension: you build up rights in the public system, just like Spanish residents.
- Through the convenio especial: a scheme that lets you join the public system for a monthly fee.
- With private insurance: often required when applying for a residence permit if you are not yet in the public system.
Our advice
Arrange your healthcare cover before you leave and match it to how long and how often you are in Spain. Real Estate G. Jimmink is happy to think along with you about these practical matters around your purchase and can refer you to trusted partners. Feel free to contact us.
