If you’re thinking about moving to Spain to live and wondering how healthcare in Spain works, check out our quick guide to Spain’s healthcare system and how it relates to UK nationals.
Is Healthcare Free in Spain?
The public healthcare system in Spain is generally free at the point of receipt for Spanish residents and citizens. Similar to the way the NHS is set up in the UK, Spanish healthcare is funded by taxes. However, residents are required to pay for some services such as prescriptions, dental care and other minor, non-emergency healthcare services. If you are thinking of moving to Spain as a UK citizen, you’ll need to take certain steps to ensure that you can access healthcare in Spain, as your GHIC or EHIC will only cover temporary stays.
Is Healthcare Free in Spain for UK Citizens?
Whilst Spanish citizens can access medical services in Spain free of charge in general, you may be wondering, is healthcare free in Spain for tourists or UK citizens moving to Spain? Whilst you should always refer to the official government website to find out more about accessing medical care in Spain, there are a few general rules and things that you will need to put in place before accessing healthcare in Spain as a UK citizen.
How to Access Healthcare in Spain if You’re From the UK
If you will be a resident in Spain, for example, if you are buying a property in Alicante through Welcome Estates to live in, you’ll need to register for healthcare services. You’ll be able to access the Spanish healthcare system if you are employed in and make social security contributions in Spain, however, you may need to initially take out private health insurance. You can also register a UK-issued S1 form with the social security office, pay directly into the public health insurance scheme or access Spanish healthcare as a right if you’ve lived in Spain for more than 5 years as a resident.
When moving to Spain, you’ll need to register as a resident or apply for an appropriate visa if you’re planning on staying for more than three months, and you’ll need proof of healthcare cover when you do this. You may need to purchase private health insurance for this initial stage to prove that you are fully covered for any medical care needed. You’ll need to register at your local health centre with your social security number, which you can get from your local National Social Security Institute (TGSS) office in Spain if you are working in Spain. You’ll also need to register at your local Padrón when moving to Spain to access most public services.
If You’ve Lived in Spain for 5 Years or More
If you’ve lived in Spain for more than 5 years and have residency, you’ll need to register with your local INSS (Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social) office. Dependents of working individuals will also need to register.
You’ll need to show a ‘legislation letter’ (documento de no exportación) stating that you’re not covered by UK healthcare. You can request this by calling NHS Overseas Healthcare Services using the information below:
NHS Overseas Healthcare Services
Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 3pm
The INSS will give you a document to take to your local health centre. If the UK pays for your healthcare, for example, through an S1 form, you cannot register for healthcare as a permanent resident.
Can I Access Healthcare if I’m Not Working in Spain?
If you are living in Spain as a UK citizen but not working, for example if you are retired or otherwise funding yourself, you can register to join the public health insurance scheme once you’ve lived in Spain for over a year. You’ll be joining the public scheme called Convenio Especial, which has a monthly fee which roughly works out at around €60 a month for under 65s and around €157 a month for those aged 65 and over and gives you access to the Spanish health system.
What Might I Still Have to Pay for?
Whilst basic medical treatment is free at the point of receipt, there are a few things that are not covered by public healthcare in Spain. These include things such as prescription costs, where individuals may have to pay a certain percentage of the cost. Prostheses, non-urgent transportation, orthopaedic and dietary supplies may also not be covered by public healthcare in Spain.
Private Healthcare Insurance in Spain
Many UK nationals choose to purchase private health insurance in Spain to ensure they are covered for every eventuality, whether they spend all or just some of their time in Spain. There are a number of different private health insurance companies in Spain, similar to the private healthcare system in the UK, with different levels of cover. It’s also worth noting that if you are moving to Spain for the first time to live, you’ll need to take out private health insurance to prove that you are covered during your initial visa or residency application.
Where to Find Help
When looking at services such as healthcare or other public services, it is always important to consult official guidelines. The UK government has a full guide to accessing healthcare in Spain which you can access online via their website.
If you have more questions about the process of moving to Spain, our team are here and happy to help. We’ve been through the process of moving to Spain from the UK before, so we are perfectly placed to answer your questions and will be with you every step of the way during your Spanish property buying journey.
To find out more about moving to Spain, check out our helpful blogs. Alternatively, contact our team if you’re interested in learning more about Spanish property or starting your buying journey.
