Medicine in Spain: Free or Paid? A breakdown of the Spanish Health Care System

Spain is famous for its culture, cuisine and stunning views. However, when it comes to health care, many people wonder: is medicine in Spain paid or free?

The health care system in the kingdom is based on general access to medical care. It is funded by both public and private sources. The main features of the Spanish health system are:

• universality: all residents are entitled to health care;

• decentralization: the health system is managed at the level of the autonomous regions, which allows them to develop their own programmes and standards of hospital care.

The system includes both public and private facilities, giving citizens a choice of doctors and health services.

The types of health care

Primary health care is the first level of medical care available to all residents. General practitioners, known as "general practitioners" or "médicos de cabecera," provide first aid. They perform general examinations, counsel patients, and may refer for additional tests and consultations with specialists.

Specialized care is available through specialist consultations. These specialists include cardiologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons and other experts in various medical fields. Patients can get a referral to a specialist after consulting a general practitioner.

Dental care is also included in the Spanish health system. It covers preventive exams, dental treatment and dental surgery. However, some procedures may be chargeable and many Spaniards have supplementary dental insurance.

These types of therapeutic care are provided through both public and private preventive care facilities. Patients can choose between them depending on their needs and insurance coverage.

Free public health care

Free health care in Spain is available to residents and non-residents in some cases. Residents have access to free care after registering with the municipality and obtaining a health card.

Non-residents can also access free health care for urgent cases or primary care. However, they may require additional insurance or payment for specialized ones.

Many citizens and residents of the state are additionally insured through private health insurance companies. This allows them to receive faster and expanded hospital care, as well as a choice of doctors and clinics.

Paid medicine

Private medical services are also available in this country. They are usually found in private clinics and hospitals. Fee-for-service medicine allows patients quick access to services and choice of doctors, but it comes with additional costs.