Healthcare Basics

Learn the basics of Spain's healthcare system, including how to obtain Spanish health insurance and who to call in an emergency.

Doctor and patient in a consultation, the doctor is showing something on a tablet.

Life insurance in Spain: Complete guide for expats

If you’re thinking of buying life insurance in Spain as an expat, you’ll need to get familiar with the policy options commonly used. This guide walks through options for life insurance to help you decide what’s right for you and your family. Life insurance is intended to offer financial security for people left behind when […]

Do expats get free healthcare in Spain?

Spain has a highly regarded public healthcare system, but whether you can access it for free depends on your residency status, employment, social security contributions, and where you are from. Some expats qualify for publicly funded healthcare, while others need private health insurance or must pay to join the public system. This guide explains who […]

EHIC card in Spain: what it covers and what it doesn’t

Relying solely on your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after landing in Spain can lead to costly surprises if you need non-urgent care. While the card guarantees access to Spain’s public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) at the same rate as locals during temporary visits, it never serves as a replacement for full private […]

Nurse explaining to senior woman how to take her medicine at home.

How to get a prescription in Spain as an expat

Running out of essential medication or needing a new prescription in a foreign country can feel intimidating, especially when navigating a language gap at the pharmacy counter. Fortunately, Spain’s medical system offers several fast, legal ways to secure what you need without unnecessary delays. Whether you need a quick prescription renewal, emergency treatment while traveling, […]

Healthcare and health insurance for seniors in Spain

Discover everything about health insurance for seniors in Spain, including finding specialists, assisted living, and complementary care.

Guide to getting health insurance in Spain in 2026

Find out whether you need private health insurance in Spain in 2026, with insider info on costs, coverage, and medical professionals.

A man sits opposite his doctor as the doctor fills out his medical certificate to move to Spain

Medical certificates and insurance for Spanish visas

What are the medical requirements for a Spanish visa? From health insurance to medical certificates, learn what you need to move to Spain.

Ambulances parked in the emergency area of a hospital in Santander, Spain.

The healthcare system in Spain

From dentists and family doctors to emergency numbers and public hospitals, discover all there is to know about healthcare in Spain.

COVID-19 in Spain: coronavirus resources and information

Living in Spain? Navigate the latest coronavirus restrictions and information in your new home with our look at COVID-19 in Spain.

Emergency numbers and helplines in Spain

This must-have list of emergency numbers in Spain will help you in a variety of emergencies, alongside a list of important Spanish helplines.

Vaccinations in Spain

We give an overview of immunization for children and adults, as well as travel vaccinations and those for higher-risk groups in Spain.