Moving to Spain opens up exciting new possibilities, but understanding healthcare access is essential for a stress-free relocation. Knowing the differences between public and private healthcare, insurance requirements, and how to access medical services in Spain will make your adjustment smoother and more comfortable.

Spain has one of Europe's best healthcare systems, combining a robust public sector with comprehensive private healthcare options. Public healthcare, funded by social security contributions, is known for quality care but can involve longer waiting times. Private healthcare offers faster access, extensive coverage, and multilingual medical professionals, especially popular among expats. If you need access to specialized care such as psychiatrists, dermatologists, neurologists, pain medicine specialists, or other specialists, it is advisable to secure private health insurance or use a healthcare marketplace like Oladoctor to find qualified doctors quickly.

## Public healthcare in Spain

To access public healthcare in Spain, you must first obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — the essential foreigner identification number used in all administrative, financial, and medical processes. This is a required step for expats, long-term residents, and anyone planning to live in Spain for more than a few months.

After receiving your NIE, you need to register your address through the local town hall in a process known as empadronamiento. This official proof of residence allows the authorities to assign you to a local primary healthcare center based on your location.

Eligibility for Spain’s public healthcare also depends on your residency status and social security contributions. Expats working in Spain under contract are typically enrolled automatically into the public system through their employer’s contributions. Self-employed workers (autónomos) must register with the Spanish social security system and pay regular contributions to qualify for healthcare services. Pensioners, dependents, and other legal residents may also be eligible, provided they meet the contribution or registration criteria.

Once these steps are complete, you can visit your assigned public health center to apply for your SIP card (Sistema de Información Poblacional). This healthcare card grants access to state-funded medical services in Spain, including consultations with general practitioners (GPs), referrals to medical specialists, hospital care, and subsidized prescriptions.

Your GP (médico de cabecera) will usually be assigned automatically based on your residential area. GPs in Spain manage common medical issues, coordinate care, and refer patients to specialists within the Spanish national health system. Appointments are generally free of charge, although waiting times can vary depending on the region and demand.

Public GPs typically speak Spanish, and while some may speak English or other languages, multilingual support in public clinics is not guaranteed, especially in smaller towns. Many expats choose to supplement their public coverage with private health insurance in Spain to ensure faster access and more language options.

## Emergency medical services in Spain

In a medical emergency in Spain, you can call the national emergency number 112, which is free of charge and available 24/7. Operators typically speak Spanish and English, and they will dispatch the appropriate service — ambulance, fire, or police — based on the situation. For urgent health issues, this is the fastest way to access emergency healthcare in Spain.

Emergency medical care in public hospitals is available to everyone, including tourists and non-residents, but you may be required to show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), private insurance details, or pay upfront if you don’t have coverage. For life-threatening conditions like chest pain, serious injury, or breathing difficulties, patients are taken directly to the urgencias (emergency department) of the nearest hospital.

If your condition is not critical but still needs medical attention outside regular hours, many cities have urgent care centers (centros de urgencias), which are open nights and weekends. These centers handle non-life-threatening situations like infections, high fever, or minor injuries when GP clinics are closed.

Spanish ambulances are equipped with trained paramedics and often arrive quickly, especially in urban areas. You can also go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room if you are able to travel safely.

It’s important to note that calling an ambulance for non-emergency issues is discouraged and may result in delays or out-of-pocket charges if the case is not considered urgent.

For non-critical but uncomfortable symptoms — like urinary infections, stomach issues, or skin flare-ups — many residents and expats turn to online consultations or urgent private clinics for quicker access without going through the emergency system.

## Private healthcare and insurance in Spain

Private healthcare in Spain is a popular choice among expats, especially those seeking faster medical appointments, shorter waiting times, and access to multilingual doctors. While Spain’s public system is excellent, many international residents prefer private healthcare for the convenience, flexibility, and wider range of services it offers.

For many newcomers, especially non-EU citizens, private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for residency visa applications. It also becomes essential if you are not eligible for coverage through the Spanish public healthcare system, such as in cases of self-employment without contributions, early retirement, or short-term stays.

Having private insurance allows you to book immediate consultations, access specialists without referrals, and benefit from extra services that may not be included in public care — such as dental care, mental health support, or alternative medicine.

When choosing private health insurance in Spain, it's important to compare coverage details, including hospital admissions, GP visits, diagnostics, and specialist consultations. Look closely at costs, waiting periods, coverage limits, and whether the insurance includes a wide network of clinics and hospitals in your area.

Finally, for expats who prefer to communicate in their own language, it's helpful to select a provider that includes English-speaking or multilingual medical professionals. Alternatively, you can use a healthcare marketplace like Oladoctor, which helps you find verified private doctors in Spain who speak your language — whether it's English, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, Ukrainian, Hebrew, or others.

## Healthcare for tourists in Spain

If you're visiting Spain as a tourist, it's important to know that you are not automatically covered by the Spanish public healthcare system. This means that having valid travel health insurance or private medical coverage is essential to avoid high out-of-pocket costs in case of illness or injury during your stay.

EU citizens can access emergency healthcare in Spain through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows temporary access to public medical services under the same conditions as Spanish residents. However, it does not cover private clinics, non-emergency treatments, or repatriation.

Non-EU tourists — including visitors from the UK, US, Canada, and other countries — must have comprehensive travel insurance or a short-term private health insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses. Spanish hospitals and clinics often require proof of insurance before providing non-emergency care.

Without proper insurance, healthcare costs in Spain can be significant. A standard GP consultation in a private clinic may cost between €50 and €100, while emergency room visits or hospital stays can lead to much higher bills.

If you’re looking for affordable and accessible care while in Spain, Oladoctor can help you find licensed doctors who speak your language, with online consultations starting from just €39. It’s a convenient way to get quick advice from trusted professionals — without waiting rooms or language barriers.

## Spanish pharmacies

Pharmacies in Spain (farmacias) play a central role in the country’s healthcare system. Easily recognizable by their green cross signs, they are widely available across cities, towns, and even rural areas. Spanish pharmacies are typically open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, with some offering extended hours and weekend service. In every area, there is also a rotating system of 24-hour pharmacies (farmacias de guardia) to ensure round-the-clock access.

Most prescription medications in Spain must be obtained through a registered pharmacy with a valid doctor’s prescription. If you're registered with the public healthcare system, many medications are subsidized, and you’ll only pay a portion of the total cost, depending on your employment and residency status. Pensioners, for example, may receive medication at a significantly reduced rate or even free of charge.

Pharmacies in Spain also sell over-the-counter medications for common conditions such as colds, allergies, digestive issues, and pain relief. However, antibiotics and many stronger medications are not available without a prescription, even if they are sold over the counter in other countries.

Pharmacists in Spain are highly trained and can often provide advice for minor health problems, such as skin conditions, mild infections, or digestive issues. For minor symptoms, they are often the first point of contact before visiting a doctor.

If you’re a tourist or new resident and need help finding medication or understanding how to fill a prescription in Spain, a local pharmacy is usually the most accessible starting point. Many urban pharmacies offer English-speaking staff, but in smaller towns, basic Spanish is helpful.

## Getting healthcare in Spain: what to keep in mind

Navigating the Spanish healthcare system is easier when you understand how it works — from getting your NIE and SIP card, to choosing between public and private healthcare, or knowing when to use urgent care services. Whether you're relocating, retiring, or staying short-term, having the right health insurance in Spain and knowing your local options ensures you get the care you need, when you need it.

By planning ahead and understanding the differences in coverage, access, and language support, you can feel more confident and protected as you start your life in Spain.