Travel Insurance for Spain

Spain Health System

Spain has a well developed national health system that is free of charge for citizens of EEU member nations and for Swiss citizens. Healthcare in Spain is of a high standard, hospitals are many and levels of service are excellent.

Residents of the UK and Ireland can receive free medical care under a reciprocal agreement between EEC Governments, while in Spain. UK citizens should obtain a E121 form from the DSS prior to your departure and holiday makers can apply for the new European Union Health Insurance Card [old E111] at a local post office.

Public healthcare

Over 90% of the Spanish population uses the public health system. Public healthcare is provided to all citizens under a tax scheme run by Insalud (Instituto Nacional de Gestión Sanitaria). This plan allows Spaniards to choose their primary care doctor, through which they access the rest of the system.

Patients generally get to see their primary care doctor within a day or two. Although, there can be long waiting lists to see specialists or for non-emergency surgical care. Referrals are required by the primary care doctor to allow patients to consult specialist, except in emergencies.

The Spanish public system only covers medical care (with some exceptions). Dental and eye care is covered privately.

Private health care

In recent years, the private health care sector has become more important. An estimated 15% of the population holds private health insurance including most civil servants who have the choice of coverage by the public or the private systems.

Private insurance companies have their own web of hospitals, laboratories and clinics and policy holders usually do not have to wait as long for treatment. Certain companies can insist that patients use only the doctors who are members of their group. But most have programs that refund 80% of the fees charged by physicians outside the group. Adeslas, Asisa and Sanitas are the largest private health care providers.