In 1998 the Sistema Sanitario Público (public health service) brought in an official mandate for both doctors and patients outlining the service to which you are entitled — plus what the health service expects from you.

In any doctor’s office you should find these rights in a leaflet entitled Carta de Derechos y Deberes (Charter of Rights and Obligations) – only minimally different, if at all, in various provinces – which tells you everything in detail. Some small practices have posters on the wall containing all the facts you would find in the leaflet, but whatever the case you are entitled to view these rights.
 
Health insurance

It is not necessary to have private health insurance in Spain, and although there are many such insurance companies in the country, they are used mainly by people who feel more comfortable with private health insurance.

If you have been brought over to Spain by a company you are probably provided with health insurance anyway, but there is no need for concern if you don’t have it. The public healthcare system in Spain is extremely good.

EU residents

Under a reciprocal agreement between European Union governments, residents of EU countries can receive free medical care when visiting another country. To make sure you qualify, get an E111 form, which is standard for all member states of the EU, before coming to Spain. It is usually available at post offices.

If you are receiving a benefit for a disability or as a pensioner in your home country (within the EU) you should also ask your local Social Security office for a E121 form as this will be required for you to receive free prescriptions.

Spanish medical card

The EU reciprocal agreement covers you for treatment in Spain until you get an official Medical Card (Tarjeta de SS) from your local Social Security Office (INSS – Oficina del Instuto Nacional de Seguridad Social) in Spain.  The office you require for the medical card is often to be found in clinics and some hospitals. If in doubt as to where to go for this you should ask at your doctor’s office.

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