When moving to another country, there are dozens of considerations, from visas to housing to choosing the right place to settle. But no matter what your circumstances, healthcare affects everyone. As a non-citizen, you will be asked to provide proof of insurance for a visa application or to obtain your residency; depending on your citizenship, you may be eligible for the national social security scheme, or you may have to take out private insurance.
Make sure to learn and use the most important vocabulary for healthcare in Spanish by using this handy guide.
Spain has universal healthcare coverage that is available to citizens and residents alike, and Spanish citizens enjoy one of the longest life expectancies in the world. What’s more, Spain sits close to the top in global healthcare rankings, pulling in within the top 25 on numerous ranking sites.
Spanish citizens and residents can be a part of the Sistema Nacional de Salud or choose a private insurer – or even be a part of both systems simultaneously. While this is an individual choice, healthcare costs are far lower than countless other developed nations, with prescriptions heavily subsidized. In short, healthcare and lifestyle in Spain are top-notch.
For additional information about healthcare, it’s best to refer to the autonomous community in which you live or plan to move to for specifics.
No matter what system you will choose for your health and well-being, you should know how to communicate about healthcare in Spanish. Here are 40+ of the most important terms and short phrases to know in Spanish:
Spain’s vast network of healthcare facilities, specialists and commitment to ground-breaking research and development have long placed it at the forefront of medicine. The country’s social security health insurance scheme means that all citizens are eligible for public healthcare and many residents qualify, too. To sign up for the public health system, you will need to go to the ambulatorio (remember what that means?) nearest to your residence and enquire; note that you will be asked to provide additional paperwork, such as your residency card and a copy of your social security number, if applicable.
Many residents and even Spaniards take advantage of private health insurance policies for them and their family. Among the biggest reasons why are quicker access to non-emergent treatments, like surgeries or specialists, reduced wait times, and better access to telehealth options.
Telehealth is a relatively new standard of care in Spain, skyrocketing with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Using technology, you can access healthcare services remotely, from the privacy of your home, and consult with healthcare professionals. In many cases, it can take the place of an in-person visit. Telehealth is not universally available in the public, social security sector, save specific home visit options.
In some cases, like in the event of long commutes to nearby healthcare facilities, frail health or concerns about infection, telehealth is the best option for diagnosis, care and follow-up. In the case of all Caser health insurance options for expat, telehealth is a standard of care that is included with each healthcare plan.
The list of advantages is long:
If you’d like to avoid speaking in Spanish and use Caser’s telehealth solutions, the first step is to fill out an online quote calculator, indicating any additional family members or pre-existing medical conditions that could alter your quote. After you’ve chosen the plan that best suits your needs, you can begin using its advantages right away – including telehealth!
Healthcare is a major concern, and it affects everyone. Whether you plan to reside long-term in Spain or even if you’re simply traveling, knowing a few words in the local language can help you receive the best care possible. Bookmark or print this handy list if you’re traveling to Spain (and don’t forget about travel insurance!).
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If you are searching for health insurance in Spain, Caser Expat Insurance has the right policy for you!
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