Public vs. Private Healthcare in Spain

When I first moved to Spain, I was not really familiar with the country’s healthcare system. It wasn’t until I got into contact with Caser Insurance, and they explained to me the difference between state healthcare and private healthcare in Spain, (which gives you access to medical treatment in private hospitals), that I really understood how the Spanish health system works.

So, Public vs. Private Healthcare in Spain, which is the better option? If you also have doubts, read on because in this article we will talk about how each one works, and we will explain what you need to know to choose one of them.

Whether to Get Public or Private Healthcare in Spain

When you become a resident in Spain and start working in Spain, a certain amount of money is automatically withheld from your monthly wages for national insurance and healthcare. So, administratively, the first things you need to do when you arrive in Spain are:

• Get your NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
• If you work, you have to be enrolled in the Social Security System, so you get your social security number, which is kind of like your ID for the public health service.
• Obtain your healthcare card. You will need it at hospitals and primary health care centers.
  
  

By following these three steps you will be entitled to enter the Spanish healthcare system, both to be eligible for benefits (such as pensions) or to regular medical treatment. In case of emergency, you will access the public healthcare system, but afterwards you will be charged the cost of your treatment and hospitalisation.

With your health card you will have an electronic prescription, on which your family doctor will charge the medication you need to buy at the pharmacy. Normally, you will enjoy discounts on the normal price of the medication.

Now that I’ve been living in Spain for some years, I understand the difference of having additional insurance. Before I had additional insurance, I visited my local health centre every once in a while, and because I didn’t know that anything else existed, I believed this was standard practice in Spain. With private health insurance I realised that I could visit my doctor or specialist more frequently and with less bureaucracy. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, let's first look at how each system works.

The Spanish Public Health System

It is a known fact that healthcare in Spain is a fundamental right for every citizen and it is free. Public health services depend on governments and their health programs, since all resources are administrated and managed by the state.

However, despite the fact that everyone has access to the Spanish public healthcare system regardless of their social status, you may still encounter some issues. The main problem is the huge waiting lists that are generated, sometimes causing patients to go through months of waiting before being able to see a specialist or have an operation. There are also infrastructure deficits, given that the development and maintenance budget is exclusively public.

It should be borne in mind that there will always be some differences between the different Comunidades Autónomas, as each one manages its own network of health centres, specialities and hospitals. In fact, if you move from one Autonomous Community to another (for example, if you move from Andalusia to Asturias) you will have to manage your new health card in your new place of residence (although your social security number does not change).

Options for Private Healthcare in Spain

On the other hand, private healthcare in Spain often means faster and more personal attention. The patient can choose the specialist they want to see and can reach them directly, without previously visiting a general practitioner. In the public health system, it will be the general practitioner who will refer the patient to a specialist when deemed necessary.

Sometimes, it can be a real challenge to choose the best insurance company for you. If you did’t know Caser Expat Insurance, I am going to tell you about a few advantages that you can enjoy by subscribing to it. The personal assistance is second to none, and the fact that they are able to speak in English makes everything so much easier for expat patients like you. Their insurance deals are always great value for money, and they always offer quality assistance whenever you may have a query. Another great advantage of Caser's health insurance policies is the vast range of private hospitals that you can choose from, in any Comunidad Autónoma in Spain.

If you are looking for a good private health insurance, you can take a look at Integral, the perfect family health insurance. This insurance includes, in addition to 24-hour care, dental treatment. It is important to remember that the public health system does not include dental care, except in some cases such as maxillofacial surgery. Integral also includes emergency home visits, family planning, unlimited check-ups (and no co-payment), hospitalisations, etc.

On the Caser website you can see all the options available, with different health insurance policies to suit different profiles and needs. In any case, you can try out the price calculator to find out in a few minutes what your premium would be and if this insurance is suitable for you.

Fortunately, I have very rarely had to visit the hospital, but in case I go for check-ups, I would love to be able to make an appointment with a specialist doctor without being put on a waiting list and without the intervention of a general practitioner. Also, it’s important that the healthcare professionals take their time with each patient, without seeming stressed or rushed. Healthcare in Spain is generally good (both its professionals and its facilities), but sometimes the saturation of the system means that each consultation with the doctor cannot last as long as we would like it to.

To help you make your decision, Typical Non Spanish has created the ultimate guide for learning about private vs. public healthcare in Spain. I hope that the information we have provided you with has been useful and that you have been able to clear up some important doubts related to the Spanish healthcare system. Hopefully, you will now be able to make the best decision to take care of yourself and your loved ones during your stay in Spain.