Can I get Health Care In Spain?

COVID 19 British Consulate Health Advice update 26/3/20

UPDATE FROM THE BRITISH CONSULATE -1. If you have been issued with an S1 form and are registered for residency, but you have not been able to register the S1 with the INSS (Spanish Social Security), then please email the Healthcare Team at healthcare.spain@fco.gov.uk They will help you process your application electronically
If you have been issued with an S1 form but you have not been able to register for residency, you can use your EHIC to access any necessary care, including prescriptions. If you don’t have a UK EHIC, please call NHS BSA 00 44 191 218 1999 for a replacement. When you call NHS BSA, you will need the email address of the closest Spanish healthcare centre. Your replacement EHIC will be emailed there.
2. I am entitled to Spanish healthcare cover because I am a permanent resident. I haven’t processed my paperwork yet.
Please email the Healthcare Team at healthcare.spain@fco.gov.uk They will help you process your application electronically.
3. I am entitled to Spanish healthcare cover because I am a dependent on someone who is registered with the social security system. I haven’t processed my paperwork yet.
Please email the Healthcare Team at healthcare.spain@fco.gov.uk They will help you process your application electronically.

The Spanish Health Service

The Spanish National Healthcare Service is considered to be one of the best in Europe. Most statistics show the  the equal of the UK NHS and in some cases better. Access to this service is freely available to EU citizens as long as you have taken the necessary steps to prove your entitlement to the Spanish authorities, which in the case of  a retired person’s S1 document  will include applying for a Green  Residence registration certificate. The rules for getting state healthcare in Spain are different , the system is contribution based not residence based as in the UK.

A European Health Card will entitle visitors to Spain to health service cover for holiday stays of up to 90 days at a time only.

Once you have obtained all the necessary permits, you then have to register with your local GP to finalize the process., Most National health GPs in Tenerife DO NOT speak English and will require you to bring an interpreter. I can translate at this initial meeting and accompany you to any subsequent doctors or specialist appointments. You would be wise to bring any records of previous medical history with you.

Prescriptions are NOT free even for Pensioners a small percentage contribution is payable for each item of medication.

Ways of qualifying for permanent healthcare entitlement in Spain
  • If you are registered to work in Spain and make national insurance contributions then you can get state-run health care on the same basis as a Spanish national. For further information, get in touch with your local TGSS office.
  • If you registered as a resident in Spain before 24 April 2012, have an annual income of less than €100,000 and are not covered for healthcare though any other means, speak to your local INSS office to register for healthcare in Spain as a resident.
  • If you are in receipt of a UK old age state pension or long term sickness benefit, obtain an S1 form from the International Pension Centre on +44 191 218 7777. Once issued, register the S1 form with your local INSS office, before you register with your local GP surgery and obtain a medical card.
  • If you are a worker seconded to Spain, or the family member of a someone making UK national insurance contributions, contact HMRC to see if you have entitlement to an S1 form. Once issued, register the S1 form with your local INSS office , before you register with your local GP surgery.
  • If you are coming to study or are currently studying in Spain as part of a UK-recognised course, you may be entitled to healthcare paid for by the UK .
  • Universal Healthcare – July 20th 2018. This is available for legal Spanish Residents IF they have no entitlement through any other means Further info here

Use the table here to find more information on your particular circumstances.

Information from the UK perspective here