Healthcare in Spain for Expats (2026): Public vs Private System Explained
Spain offers excellent healthcare, but access to healthcare in Spain for expats depends on residency status, employment, and visa type. This guide explains how the system works day to day, not just legally.
For insurance rules and compliance, start here:
How Healthcare Works in Spain
Spain operates a dual system:
- Public healthcare (SNS)
- Private healthcare
Public healthcare is overseen by the Ministry of Health:
Who Can Access Public Healthcare
You may qualify if you:
- Work in Spain and pay Social Security
- Are a dependent
- Use the Convenio Especial
- Hold long-term residency
Many visa holders do not qualify initially.
Why Expats Use Private Healthcare
Private care offers:
- Faster appointments
- English-speaking doctors
- Direct specialist access
To understand insurance options:
Healthcare Access by Visa Type
- Non-Lucrative & Student → private insurance required
- Digital Nomad → private first
- Work visas → public after Social Security
Legal reference:
Access to public or private healthcare depends entirely on your residence status and visa type.
Healthcare access in Spain varies significantly depending on your residence permit.
For example, holders of a Student Visa Spain and applicants under the Digital Nomad Visa Spain typically rely on private healthcare at the beginning, as access to the public system is not automatic.
Costs & Waiting Times
Public care is low-cost but slow.
Private care costs ~€40–€120/month and is fast.
Emergency Care in Spain
In emergencies, call Spain’s national emergency number:
