When you dream of life in Spain, you probably picture sunshine, beaches, and relaxed afternoons on a terrace. But starting a new life abroad also comes with practical questions — for example: what happens if you need a doctor? Understanding the essential aspects of Healthcare in Spain for foreigners can greatly ease this transition.
For anyone buying a home on the Costa Blanca or Costa Cálida, it’s reassuring to know that healthcare in Spain is exceptionally well-organized and considered among the best in Europe.
For those considering relocation, familiarizing yourself with Healthcare in Spain for foreigners is an integral part of your planning.
Spain offers both a public and a private healthcare system, each with its own advantages. Most residents — including foreigners with legal residency — can access the public system. Many new homeowners, however, choose private health insurance to get faster access to specialists or to have English-speaking doctors available.
The public healthcare system
Spain’s public healthcare system, the Servicio Nacional de Salud, is funded by the government and provides access to general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals. Anyone who lives or works legally in Spain has the right to use it, including EU citizens with an official residence.
Generally, you must live in Spain for at least ninety consecutive days to be considered a resident. The exact rules may vary slightly by region, but once you’re registered locally, you can access medical services through your nearest health center. The quality of care is high, although waiting times for non-urgent procedures can occur.
If you plan to live here long-term, it’s important to organize your documentation properly — including a valid NIE number, proof of address, and municipal registration (empadronamiento). Once those are in place, you can register for healthcare coverage.
The private sector: comfort and speed
Alongside the public system, Spain has an extensive network of private clinics and hospitals. These facilities are known for their modern equipment, short waiting times, and multilingual staff. In popular coastal regions with large expat communities, private healthcare is a common choice.
Many foreign residents take out an additional insurance policy with providers such as Sanitas, DKV, AXA, Asisa, or Adeslas. Coverage ranges from standard care to international plans that include treatments abroad. One of the main advantages of the private sector is flexibility: you can choose your own specialist and often get an appointment within just a few days.
Registering with the national healthcare system
To use Spain’s public healthcare services, you must register at your local health center (Centro de Salud). There, you inform the staff that you wish to join the National Health Service (Servicio Nacional de Salud).
You’ll need to present a few documents — such as your passport or ID, proof of residence or property purchase, NIE number, and certificate of municipal registration.
After registering, you’ll receive a tarjeta sanitaria (health card), which gives you access to doctors and hospitals within the public system. In some regions, you can choose your own family doctor (médico de cabecera), while in others one will be assigned to you. Once your card is activated, you can use all medical services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and emergency assistance.
For new residents, it’s best to complete this process soon after arrival, ensuring you have medical coverage when you need it.
The role of the pharmacy (farmacia) in Spain
A key part of the Spanish healthcare system is the pharmacy, or farmacia. You’ll easily recognize them by the green cross displayed outside — visible day and night. Pharmacies play a much more active role in Spain than in many other countries: pharmacists are often the first point of contact for minor illnesses or health concerns.
For common ailments like sore throats, colds, or muscle pain, most Spaniards visit the pharmacy before going to a doctor. The staff are medically trained and can recommend over-the-counter medication or suitable treatments. Only stronger medications or long-term prescriptions require a doctor’s approval.
Most regions also have a designated farmacia de guardia — a duty pharmacy that remains open outside normal business hours. These rotate daily and are always listed at the entrance of each pharmacy. This means you can find medical help in Spain even late at night or on weekends.
For newcomers, it’s helpful to locate the nearest pharmacy soon after moving in. In many coastal towns and expat communities, pharmacists speak English, making communication much easier.
The quality of healthcare in Spain
Spain has over 700 hospitals — slightly more than half are public. The average waiting time for a non-urgent operation is around three months, which compares favorably with most European countries. In the private sector, waiting times are usually under eighty days.
In popular regions such as Alicante, Murcia, and Málaga, more and more doctors and pharmacists speak English. Combined with modern infrastructure and high medical standards, this makes Spain one of the most accessible and reliable healthcare systems in Europe.
Health and living with Akunas
At Akunas, we help you not only find your ideal home but also understand what life in Spain truly looks like. Healthcare is an important part of that. Whether you choose public or private care, Spain offers excellent medical services that contribute to a safe and worry-free lifestyle under the sun.
Buying a new-build home here means more than just modern living — it also means the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in a country with trusted, high-quality healthcare.
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