Everything You Need To Know About Health Insurance In Spain

Are you thinking of moving to Spain? With sunshine, sea, and sangria, Spain is the most popular European country for expats looking to relocate.

There are so many aspects you’ll need to consider when moving to a new country: will you buy or rent property? What kind of visa will you need? Will you need to find work when you arrive?

But one of the first things you need to think about when moving to any new country is your health insurance. Will you need private health insurance? Are you eligible for public health insurance?

Here’s everything you need to know about health insurance in Spain:

Is There Any Public Healthcare In Spain?

The short answer to that question is yes. Everyone living and working in Spain can register for free public healthcare, as the country provides almost universal medical coverage to its citizens.

Despite this, many expat residents will need to secure private health insurance as one of the conditions of their visa application – this is the ease the pressure on the public health system.

In addition to this many local residents and expats choose to supplement their public coverage with private health insurance so that they have faster access to treatment when they need it, as well as cover for additional services that don’t have a high level of public coverage. This includes dentistry or mental healthcare treatment.

Who Is Covered By The Public Healthcare System In Spain?

The Spanish public healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world. Only France and Denmark have higher rated systems in Europe. And a wide umbrella of Spanish residents are covered by this system. Anyone living and working in Spain (it doesn’t matter if you are salaried or self employed) then your social security payments will act as insurance payments, meaning you are covered by public healthcare.

Individuals that fall into any of the following categories are covered too:

• Minor children under the age of 15
• Students under the age of 26
• Recipients of certain state benefits
• Retirees with a state pension
• Spouses and partners of those registered for social security, including those who are separated or recently divorced

If you’re not employed, or covered by any of the above categories, then you will need to secure private healthcare in Spain.

What Is Covered By Public Healthcare In Spain?

The Spanish public healthcare system isn’t fully comprehensive. That means it doesn’t cover everything, and this is something to consider when deciding if you’ll need a private health insurance policy.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered by public healthcare in Spain:

• Access to doctors and medical specialists
• Emergency care, hospital stays, and in-home treatment if required
• Partial payment for prescription medications – only 40-60% of the cost is covered  by the healthcare system, and individuals must pay the rest
• Mental healthcare
• Maternity care
• Specialist vision care
• Dental treatment
• Mandatory vaccinations (any optional vaccinations are not covered)
• Sexual and reproductive health care, but only if a prescription has been issued by a medical professional.
• Emergency medical care in other EU member states.

How Do You Apply For Public Health Insurance In Spain?

You will need to hold either a European Health Insurance card or a TSI card to access free health insurance in Spain. Both cards are issued to residents and eligible applicants free of charge.

You can secure a TSI card by registering for a Spanish social security number. If you’re employed then your employer will do this for you and if you’re self employed then you’ll have to do this for yourself. Visit your local Social Security Office to make an appointment and to apply for the card.

If you’re an expat then there are a few extra steps you will need to take to apply for public health insurance in Spain.

Visit the social security e-office, to download a certificate stating you are entitled to free healthcare. You’ll find this by  selecting the option Citizen > Healthcare > Healthcare from the homepage. Demonstrate that you have sufficient ID and then underneath the section ‘Healthcare’, you will find the option to download your certificate

After that, you can apply for a Spanish health card at your local primary healthcare center (centre d’atenció primària – CAP). When you visit your choosen healthcare center take your passport, proof that you are registered with El Padron, and a copy of the healthcare certificate, then you can finish your application and your TSI will be sent to you within 2-3 weeks. This is an important card that proves you have medical insurance in Spain, so you are advised to carry it with you at all times.

What About Private Health Insurance In Spain?

Almost 25% of the Spanish population has some kind of private health insurance, and it is even more popular with expats in the country. If you don’t have a visa that enables you to work in Spain, then you will need to have private health insurance, as you won’t be eligible for free public health insurance.

Even if you are eligible for public health insurance, you might choose to have private health insurance for its many advantages. Private medical insurance gives you easier and faster access to healthcare. You can skip waiting lines and don’t need a referral from a family doctor. Your private health insurance may also cover procedures that aren’t covered by public health care in Spain. Some examples of this include holistic medicine or choosing to have a home birth. You’ll also find it easier to find an English speaking doctor through private insurance – ideal if your grasp of Spanish doesn’t quite stretch to complex medical terms!

So how much should you expect to spend? In Spain private insurance costs on average between €50–200 a month, depending on the coverage plan.

When deciding on an insurance company, you should choose one that offers the coverage you need and is accredited. Don’t just choose the first or cheapest policy you find: take the time to do the research.

Some of the best medical insurance providers in Spain include:

• Allianz Care
• Cigna Global
• Sanitas

Is moving to Spain to live and work in the sunshine still you’re dream? Then we can help you to turn that dream into a reality! If you’re looking for estate agents in Southern Spain then why not get in touch? Our locally based property experts are a font of local knowledge and are perfectly placed to help you find the home of your dreams.