Healthcare in Spain for expats in 2025

Relocating to Spain in 2025? Whether you’re planning a long-term stay or just moved, understanding how the Spanish healthcare system works is essential. Spain offers both public and private healthcare, but access depends on your residency status, insurance, and

This guide explains how to access medical services in Spain, whether you’re a working expat, retiree, digital nomad, or tourist. You’ll learn how to register for public care, when private health insurance is necessary, and how to find English-speaking doctors — including fast online consultations through platforms like Oladoctor.

How to access public healthcare in Spain as an expat

Spain’s public healthcare system is high-quality and widely accessible — but only if you complete a few official steps. Access is not automatic for newcomers, so here’s how to get started.

What is a NIE and why do you need it for healthcare?

The first step to accessing public healthcare in Spain is obtaining your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). This is your foreigner identification number, required for all administrative processes — from opening a bank account to registering with the national health system. Without a NIE, you cannot enrol in public healthcare.

What is empadronamiento and why it matters

After receiving your NIE, you must register your local address at the town hall — a process known as empadronamiento. This step proves you live in a specific municipality and allows the government to assign you to your nearest public health centre. You’ll receive a registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento), which is required to get your healthcare card.

Who is eligible for public healthcare in Spain?

Eligibility for Spain’s public healthcare system depends on both your residency status and whether you contribute to the Spanish social security system. Not everyone is automatically covered, so it’s important to understand who qualifies and under what conditions.

You may be eligible for public healthcare in Spain if:

• Employed expats: if you work under an employment contract, your employer usually registers you with the social security system, granting access to public medical services.
• Self-employed workers (autónomos): you must register yourself and make regular monthly contributions to access the system.
• Retirees and legal dependents: coverage is possible if you meet residency requirements and are properly registered — this often applies to family members of employed or insured residents.
• EU citizens: you may qualify under reciprocal healthcare agreements or by registering an S1 form (commonly used by pensioners from countries like the UK or Germany).

If you are not contributing to social security — for example, during a transition period or while holding a non-working visa — you will likely need private health insurance to ensure full access to medical care in Spain.

How to get your SIP card and register with a GP

Once you’ve completed the steps above, visit your local public health centre to apply for your SIP card (Sistema de Información Poblacional). Bring your NIE, empadronamiento certificate, passport, and proof of social security registration or eligibility.

Your SIP card gives you access to public healthcare services, including GP visits, referrals, hospital care, and subsidised prescriptions. A family doctor (médico de cabecera) will be assigned based on your address.

Do public doctors in Spain speak English?

In large cities and tourist hubs, some public doctors may speak English, but this is not guaranteed — especially in smaller towns. If you prefer to speak your native language or need faster access to specialists, many expats choose to supplement public care with private insurance or use a multilingual doctor marketplace like Oladoctor.

What to do in a medical emergency in Spain

Medical emergencies can happen anywhere — and knowing what to do in Spain can save time, stress, and even lives. Whether you’re a resident, expat, or tourist, Spain has a well-organised emergency healthcare system that offers fast response and quality care.

When to call 112 and how it works

Spain’s national emergency number is 112 — available free of charge, 24/7, from any phone. You can call it for medical help, police, or fire services. Operators typically speak Spanish and English and will dispatch the appropriate emergency response team based on your situation.

Use 112 if you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, major injuries, or loss of consciousness.

What to expect at hospital emergency rooms (urgencias)

Emergency departments (urgencias) are located within public hospitals and accept all urgent cases — including foreigners and tourists. Care is not denied based on insurance status, but you may need to show ID, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), proof of private insurance, or be asked to pay upfront if uninsured.

Emergency rooms are well-equipped and prioritise patients by medical severity rather than arrival time. If you are in a life-threatening situation, go directly to the nearest hospital or call 112.

Who can access emergency care — tourists, expats, EHIC holders

• EU citizens with an EHIC (or GHIC for the UK): receive urgent public care on the same terms as Spanish residents.
• Non-EU visitors (including travellers from the US, Canada, Australia) must present valid travel insurance or pay for care directly.
• Residents without insurance: may still receive emergency treatment but could face significant out-of-pocket costs.

Emergency care is never refused in critical cases; however, billing is processed afterwards according to your legal and insurance status.

Urgent care centres: how they differ from emergencies

For non-life-threatening issues like infections, high fever, or minor injuries, many regions have urgent care clinics (centros de urgencias) open nights and weekends. They help reduce pressure on hospital ERs and provide faster attention when your regular GP is unavailable.

You don’t need to call 112 for these centres — check local listings or go directly if needed.

Can I go directly to a hospital in Spain without calling?

Yes — if your condition is serious but not immediately life-threatening, you can go directly to the urgencias section of the nearest hospital. However, calling 112 ensures the fastest route to care and may provide ambulance support if needed.

Choosing private healthcare and health insurance in Spain

Spain’s public system is strong, but many expats rely on private healthcare to access faster appointments, multilingual doctors, and a wider range of services. Understanding how private care works — and when insurance is necessary — helps you stay covered and confident.

Why expats prefer private care

While public GPs provide free consultations, appointments can take days or weeks — especially for specialists. Private healthcare in Spain offers shorter waiting times, flexible scheduling, and doctors who often speak English or other languages. It’s a popular choice among working professionals, families, and digital nomads.

Private clinics also provide services that may not be fully covered publicly, such as dental care, mental health support, and alternative treatments.

Is health insurance required for visas or residency?

If you’re planning to live in Spain long-term, having the right health insurance is often mandatory. Non-EU citizens applying for a residence visa must show proof of comprehensive private health insurance — this is a legal requirement for most visa types, including those for retirees, remote workers, freelancers and students.

Even EU citizens may need private insurance in certain situations, especially if they don’t yet have access to the public healthcare system. You’ll likely need private coverage if:

• You’re not contributing to Spanish social security (e.g. early retirees or digital nomads)
• You’re still waiting to complete public registration steps, such as obtaining a NIE or SIP card
• You want direct access to private doctors or hospitals without relying on public referrals or long waiting times

Valid private health insurance protects you from unexpected medical bills and ensures you can access care immediately — especially during the transition period before full public coverage applies.

What’s usually covered by private insurance?

Private health insurance plans in Spain typically offer a broad range of services designed to give you quicker access to care. Coverage can vary depending on the provider and your plan, but most expat-friendly policies include both routine and specialist treatment options.

• GP visits and appointments with medical specialists
• Diagnostic tests, scans and hospital care
• Mental health services, including therapy and psychiatric consultations
• Surgery, emergency treatment and maternity care
• Optional extras such as dental and vision coverage

Some plans também oferecem benefícios como faturação direta com clínicas, períodos de carência mínimos e acesso a redes hospitalares premium — vantagens especialmente úteis para novos residentes ou viajantes frequentes.

How to compare private health insurance plans in Spain

Choosing the right private health insurance in Spain can be overwhelming, especially for expats unfamiliar with the local system. Comparing plans carefully helps ensure you’re covered for what matters most — from everyday GP visits to hospital care and specialist access.

When evaluating different insurance providers and policies, pay attention to:

• Monthly premiums and co-payments (fixed fees per visit or service)
• What’s included and excluded in your coverage
• Whether chronic or pre-existing conditions are covered
• The size and quality of the medical network in your region
• Language support — particularly important if you prefer English-speaking doctors or multilingual clinics

Some plans require full annual payment upfront, which is common for visa applications. Always read the fine print to avoid surprises.

If you’re looking for reliable options, these providers are popular among expats in Spain:

• Sanitas Expat – part of Bupa, with wide coverage and English-speaking support
• ASISA Internacional – strong presence in Spain, including options for students and freelancers
• Cigna Global – international coverage with flexible plans
• DKV Seguros – offers plans tailored for foreign residents
• Allianz Care – good for families and long-term expats
• AXA Health Spain – strong digital tools and broad clinic network

Alternativa sem seguro completo: utilize plataformas como Oladoctor para marcar médicos individuais — GPs e especialistas verificados por idioma, localização e disponibilidade, incluindo consultas online a partir de €39.

How to find English-speaking doctors in Spain

Private clinics in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga often have English-speaking doctors, but it isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Por eso muchos expatriados recorrem a marketplaces de saúde como Oladoctor, que lhe permite:

• Encontrar médicos privados verificados por especialidade e idioma
• Reservar consultas rápidas — online ou presenciais
• Comparar perfis, disponibilidade e preços — a partir de 39 €

Oladoctor suporta vários idiomas — inglês, russo, português, ucraniano, italiano, espanhol, alemão, georgiano e hebraico — ideal para lares multilingues e residentes internacionais.

Is healthcare free for tourists in Spain?

Spain recebe milhões de turistas todos os anos — mas o acesso à saúde depende da sua origem e se tem ou não seguro. Compreender as regras durante estadias curtas evita contas médicas inesperadas.

What EHIC/GHIC covers for EU/UK visitors

Se é cidadão da UE, o seu Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença (EHIC) dá-lhe acesso aos cuidados médicos públicos necessários em Espanha, nas mesmas condições dos residentes locais. Viajantes do Reino Unido podem usar o GHIC, que funciona de forma semelhante.

Estes cartões cobrem:

• Tratamento médico de emergência e urgência
• Consultas em centros de saúde públicos
• Cuidados hospitalares e receitas (parcialmente comparticipadas)

No entanto, não cobrem clínicas privadas, cuidados dentários ou tratamentos não urgentes.

Do non-EU tourists need travel insurance in Spain?

Sim. Visitantes dos EUA, Canadá, Austrália, América Latina e de outros países fora da UE não estão abrangidos pelo sistema público espanhol. Terão de apresentar um seguro de viagem válido ou pagar na totalidade qualquer tratamento.

Clínicas privadas podem exigir prova de seguro antes de admitir turistas extra-UE. Sem cobertura, a cobrança é imediata — sobretudo em internamentos, exames ou cirurgias.

What medical services are available to tourists in Spain?

Mesmo em visita, tem acesso a diversos serviços médicos — públicos e privados — dependendo da gravidade do caso, do seu seguro e da região onde se encontra.

Como turista em Espanha pode recorrer a:

• Serviços de urgência (urgencias) em hospitais públicos — 24/7 para situações graves ou de risco de vida
• Centros de cuidados urgentes (centros de urgencias) — geralmente abertos à noite e fins-de-semana para necessidades não críticas
• Clínicas privadas — melhor opção para acesso rápido, médicos multilingues ou fora do horário público
• Farmácias (farmacias) — primeiro ponto para medicamentos OTC, aconselhamento básico e alívio de sintomas menores

Em zonas turísticas populares como Barcelona, Madrid, Valência ou Málaga, as clínicas privadas costumam ser a via mais rápida para cuidados — especialmente em casos comuns como erupções cutâneas, problemas digestivos leves, infeções ou alergias. Muitas oferecem marcação no mesmo dia e, por conveniência, consultas online.

How much does private healthcare cost in Spain for tourists?

If you’re travelling in Spain without health insurance, you’ll need to pay out of pocket for any private medical services. Costs vary depending on the location and clinic, but in general, private healthcare in Spain is affordable compared with many other countries — especially for short-term or one-off visits.

• €80–100 for a standard GP consultation at a private clinic
• €100–300 + for emergency-room visits (price depends on severity and treatment)
• €500 + for complex diagnostics, specialist care or hospital stays

Para evitar longas esperas e possíveis barreiras linguísticas, muitos viajantes recorrem a plataformas médicas online. Por exemplo, Oladoctor liga-o a médicos multilíngues e oferece videoconsultas no mesmo dia a partir de 39 €, sem necessidade de seguro nem deslocações.

Esta opção é especialmente útil para problemas não urgentes — erupções cutâneas, infeções leves, perturbações gástricas ou stress de viagem — e poupa tempo face à procura de clínicas locais.

How pharmacies work in Spain

Pharmacies (farmacias) são parte essencial do sistema de saúde espanhol: fornecem medicamentos prescritos e produtos OTC, muitas vezes com acesso mais rápido do que clínicas ou hospitais.

What you can buy without a prescription in Spain

As farmácias espanholas vendem uma vasta gama de medicamentos de venda livre (OTC) para problemas de saúde comuns:

• Remédios para sintomas de constipação e gripe
• Tratamentos para problemas digestivos, como azia ou diarreia
• Analgésicos e antipiréticos básicos — ibuprofeno ou paracetamol
• Produtos para alergias e outras condições sazonais

No entanto, antibióticos e medicamentos mais fortes são estritamente regulados. Não é possível comprar antibióticos, sedativos ou certos anti-inflamatórios sem receita. Os farmacêuticos exigem prescrição oficial, mesmo que já tenha usado o fármaco noutro país.

Se precisar urgentemente de uma receita, plataformas online como Oladoctor podem pô-lo em contacto com um médico licenciado que poderá emitir a prescrição adequada — tudo sem sair de casa.

Do you need a prescription for antibiotics in Spain?

Yes. Spain enforces strict rules on antibiotic use to prevent resistance. Even if you’ve taken the same medication in your home country, you’ll need a local prescription — either from a public GP or private doctor.

If you need a prescription quickly, online consultations through services like Oladoctor can connect you with a licensed physician who may issue one if medically appropriate.

Opening hours and 24/7 ‘farmacias de guardia’

Pharmacy opening hours in Spain are fairly standard during the week, but vary on weekends and holidays. To guarantee access to medication at all times, Spain operates a rotating system of 24-hour pharmacies known as farmacias de guardia.

Typical pharmacy hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 – 14:00 and 17:00 – 20:00
• Saturday: normalmente apenas de manhã
• Sunday: geralmente fechado

Outside of these hours, each area designates at least one duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia) that remains open overnight, on Sundays, and on public holidays. You’ll usually find a printed notice on the door of your nearest pharmacy listing the closest open location and its address.

In larger cities, you can also search online or ask at any open pharmacy to find the closest 24/7 option. These services ensure round-the-clock access to essential medications, including for tourists and new arrivals unfamiliar with the local system.

Can pharmacists in Spain offer medical advice?

Yes — pharmacists in Spain are licensed healthcare professionals and often serve as the first point of contact for minor health concerns. You don’t need an appointment, and they can offer quick, practical advice without the need to visit a clinic or doctor first.

You can ask a Spanish pharmacist for help with:

• Irritações cutâneas, picadas de inseto ou erupções ligeiras
• Infeções leves, como dor de garganta ou sintomas iniciais de constipação
• Problemas estomacais, incluindo indigestão ou diarreia ligeira
• Sintomas de alergia, como rinite sazonal ou reações cutâneas leves

If your condition requires a doctor’s attention, the pharmacist will tell you clearly — and may even recommend a nearby clinic or urgent care service. For tourists or expats unsure where to begin, pharmacies are a safe and accessible place to start when something feels off.

Planning healthcare access in Spain: what to prepare in 2025

Getting the right medical care in Spain as an expat, traveller, or new resident means planning ahead. From paperwork to insurance, here’s what to prepare for a smooth experience with both public and private healthcare.

Public healthcare: documents and registration

To access Spain’s public system, make sure you:

1. Obtain your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
2. Complete empadronamiento at your town hall
3. Register with social security if employed or self-employed
4. Apply for your SIP card at the assigned health centre
5. Identify your local médico de cabecera and health zone

Even if you plan to use mostly private care, having access to the public system is useful for emergencies or subsidised prescriptions.

When private healthcare makes sense

Before you can access Spain’s public healthcare system, you’ll need to complete a few key administrative steps. These are essential for registering with your local health centre and obtaining a SIP card, which grants access to state-funded medical services.

To register for public healthcare in Spain, make sure you:

• Obtain your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — the foreign-ID number required for all official processes.
• Complete empadronamiento at your local town hall to register your address.
• Register with Spanish social security if you are employed or self-employed.
• Visit your health centre to apply for your SIP card (Sistema de Información Poblacional).
• Identify your assigned GP (médico de cabecera) for your neighbourhood.

Even if you prefer to use private care, being registered in the public system is highly recommended. It gives you access to emergency services, subsidised prescriptions, and ensures that you’re covered in case of unexpected health issues.

Tourists: stay covered while visiting Spain

If you’re coming to Spain for a short stay, it’s important to plan for healthcare access in case of illness or injury. While emergency services are available to everyone, having the right documents and insurance will save you time, stress, and money if you need medical attention.

Here’s how to stay protected as a tourist in Spain:

• Bring your EHIC / GHIC (EU/UK visitors) to receive public care like a resident.
• Purchase travel health insurance if you’re from outside the EU (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia).
• Save emergency number 112 and key contacts in your phone.
• Locate the nearest hospital or urgent-care centre to where you’re staying.
• Use an online-doctor service for non-critical issues; it’s fast, multilingual, and appointment-free.

A few basic preparations can make a big difference if something unexpected happens during your trip.

Pharmacies: your first stop for common symptoms

In Spain, pharmacies (farmacias) are often the most accessible place to get help with minor health issues — especially if you don’t need a full doctor’s appointment. Spanish pharmacists are well-trained and can offer guidance, recommend treatment, or point you in the right direction if further care is needed.

You can visit a pharmacy for:

• Over-the-counter medicines for everyday symptoms.
• Professional advice on managing minor conditions.
• Help deciding whether you need a prescription.
• Directions to nearby clinics, hospitals or 24-hour pharmacies.

Many pharmacists in larger cities speak at least basic English. In smaller towns, it can be helpful to know a few key Spanish phrases or bring a translation app to explain your symptoms clearly.