Healthcare in Spain for Foreigners: Do You Need Additional Insurance?

Spain is known for its excellent healthcare system, offering both public and private care. Foreigners living and working in Spain, or enjoying their retirement there, often wonder whether additional health insurance is necessary. We’ll clearly explain how healthcare works in Spain for foreigners and whether extra insurance makes sense.

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Healthcare for Working Foreigners in Spain

If you work in Spain and are officially registered as a resident, your salary contributions (Seguridad Social) automatically entitle you to access the Spanish public healthcare system. This means you and your family members are eligible for free or heavily subsidised care through the national healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud, SNS). This includes:

• Consultations with general practitioners and specialists

• Hospital admissions

• Emergency care

• Prescription medications (at a reduced cost, depending on your income)

While public healthcare in Spain is generally of high quality, waiting times for certain specialists or treatments can be long. For this reason, some working residents choose to take out additional private insurance, allowing for faster access to care and greater flexibility in choosing specialists and hospitals.

Healthcare for Retired (Foreign) Residents in Spain

Retirees who receive a pension from their home country (e.g. the Netherlands or Belgium) are subject to different rules. Thanks to European regulations, they can register for the Spanish public healthcare system via the S1 form, which can be requested from the health authorities in the country from which they receive their pension. This form ensures access to the same healthcare services as Spanish citizens.

Although this means retirees can access the public system without direct additional costs, many find that supplementary insurance is still useful. Reasons include:

• Shorter waiting times for specialist care

• Access to private hospitals and clinics

• Coverage for dental care, physiotherapy, and optometry, which are often not fully reimbursed by the SNS

Do You Need Additional Insurance as a Foreigner in Spain?

Whether or not you need supplementary insurance depends on your personal situation and preferences:

• Working residents: Public healthcare is of good quality, but private insurance can offer quicker and broader access to services.

• Retirees with an S1 form: The public system covers basic needs, but additional insurance can be beneficial—especially for specialist care and reduced wait times.

• Non-contributors to Seguridad Social: If you are not connected to the public system through work or a foreign pension, you are required to take out private insurance to meet residency requirements.

Conclusion

Both working residents and retirees in Spain can access the public healthcare system. Workers gain access automatically through their salary contributions, while retirees with a foreign pension can register using the S1 form. Although additional insurance is not mandatory, it can be valuable for faster access and more comprehensive coverage. It's wise to carefully consider your options and choose a plan that best suits your needs.

Would you like extra help or support in selecting a reliable health insurance provider as a foreigner in Spain? Feel free to contact us via our website or social media—we're happy to assist you! Questions regarding your drivers license?