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 documentation.
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 typically registers you with the social security system, making you eligible for 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 registered appropriately — 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), private insurance proof, or be asked to pay upfront if uninsured.
Emergency rooms are well-equipped and prioritise cases based on severity, not arrival time. If you’re 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 UK) can receive urgent public care under the same terms as Spanish residents.
• Non-EU visitors (including from the US, Canada, Australia) must show 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, but billing follows later depending on 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.
Common features of private insurance in Spain include:
• 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 also offer benefits like direct billing with clinics, minimal waiting periods, and access to premium hospital networks — all of which can be especially useful for new residents or frequent travellers.
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
Alternatively, you can use healthcare platforms like Oladoctor to book individual doctors directly — with no need for full insurance. You’ll find verified GPs and specialists, sorted by language, location, and availability, including online consultations starting at €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’s not guaranteed everywhere. That’s why many expats use healthcare marketplaces like Oladoctor, which lets you: • Find verified private doctors by specialty and language • Book fast online or in-person consultations • Compare profiles, availability, and prices — starting from €39
Oladoctor supports multiple languages, including English, Russian, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Italian, Spanish, German, Georgian, and Hebrew — ideal for multilingual households and international residents.
Is healthcare free for tourists in Spain?
Spain welcomes millions of tourists each year — but healthcare access depends on where you’re from and whether you have insurance. Understanding how coverage works during short-term stays helps avoid unexpected medical bills.
What EHIC/GHIC covers for EU/UK visitors
If you’re an EU citizen, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to necessary public medical care in Spain, under the same conditions as local residents. UK travellers can use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which functions similarly.
These cards cover:
• Emergency and urgent medical treatment
• Doctor visits at public centres
• Hospital care and prescriptions (partially subsidised)
However, they do not cover private clinics, dental care, or non-urgent treatments.
Do non-EU tourists need travel insurance in Spain?
Yes. Visitors from countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, or Latin America are not covered by Spain’s public system. You’ll need to show valid travel health insurance or be prepared to pay out of pocket for any treatment.
Private clinics may ask for proof of insurance before admitting non-EU tourists. Without it, you may be billed immediately — especially for hospital care, tests, or procedures.
What medical services are available to tourists in Spain?
Even if you’re just visiting Spain, you still have access to a range of medical services — both public and private. The type of care you can receive depends on the severity of your condition, your insurance status, and where you are in the country.
As a tourist in Spain, you can access:
• Emergency rooms (urgencias) at public hospitals — available 24/7 for serious or life-threatening situations
• Urgent care clinics (centros de urgencias) — often open evenings and weekends for non-critical but urgent needs
• Private clinics — ideal for fast access, especially if you prefer multilingual doctors or need care outside public hours
• Pharmacies (farmacias) — a first stop for over-the-counter medication, basic advice, and minor symptom relief
In popular tourist areas like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, or Málaga, private clinics are usually the fastest way to get medical help — especially for common issues like rashes, digestive problems, mild infections, or allergic reactions. Many of these clinics offer same-day appointments, and some support online consultations for added convenience.
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 to many other countries — especially for short-term or one-off visits.
Typical costs for tourists include:
• €80–100 for a standard GP (general practitioner) consultation at a private clinic
• €100–300+ for emergency room visits, depending on the severity and treatment required
• Higher fees for diagnostic tests, specialist care, or hospital stays — these can exceed €500 for complex services
To avoid long waits and potential language barriers, many travellers use online medical platforms. For example, Oladoctor connects you with multilingual doctors and offers same-day online consultations starting from €39, without the need for insurance or in-person visits.
This option is especially useful for non-urgent issues like rashes, infections, stomach bugs, or travel-related stress — and saves time compared to navigating local clinics.
How pharmacies work in Spain
Pharmacies (farmacias) are an essential part of Spain’s healthcare system — offering both prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies, often with faster access than clinics or hospitals.
What you can buy without a prescription in Spain
Spanish pharmacies (farmacias) stock a wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for common health issues. These products are available without a doctor’s prescription and are often your first line of treatment for mild symptoms while travelling or living in Spain.
Some typical OTC medications available include:
• Remedies for cold and flu symptoms
• Treatments for digestive problems, such as heartburn or diarrhoea
• Basic pain relievers and fever reducers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Products for allergies and other seasonal conditions
However, it’s important to note that antibiotics and stronger medications are strictly regulated in Spain. Unlike in some countries, you cannot buy antibiotics, sedatives, or certain anti-inflammatories without a valid prescription. Pharmacists will require official documentation, even if you’ve used the same medicine before or it’s sold freely elsewhere.
If you need a prescription urgently, online medical platforms like Oladoctor can connect you with a licensed doctor who may issue one if appropriate — all without visiting a clinic.
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: often open in the morning only
• Sunday: usually closed
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:
• Skin irritation, insect bites, or minor rashes
• Mild infections, such as sore throats or early cold symptoms
• Stomach problems, including indigestion or mild diarrhoea
• Allergy symptoms, including hay fever and mild skin reactions
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:
• Get your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
• Complete empadronamiento at your town hall
• Register with social security if employed or self-employed
• Apply for your SIP card at your assigned health centre
• Know your local GP (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 Identificación de Extranjero) — the foreigner ID required for all official processes
• Complete empadronamiento at your local town hall — this registers your address within the municipality
• Register with Spanish social security if you are employed or self-employed
• Visit your local health centre to apply for your SIP card (Sistema de Información Poblacional)
• Identify your assigned GP (médico de cabecera) based on your place of residence
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 or GHIC if you’re from the EU or UK — it grants access to public care on the same terms as Spanish residents
• Purchase travel health insurance if you’re from outside the EU, such as the US, Canada, or Australia
• Keep emergency contacts and Spain’s emergency number 112 saved in your phone
• Learn where the nearest hospital or urgent care centre is located in your area
• Consider using an online doctor service for non-critical issues like flu, minor injuries, or infections — it’s fast, multilingual, and available without appointments
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 medications for everyday symptoms
• Professional advice on how to manage minor conditions
• Help determining 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.
