If you’re considering moving to Spain, there’s a lot to think about: housing, paperwork, the language… and healthcare. But how good is the healthcare system in Spain, really? What’s the difference between public and private care? And how can you make sure you’re properly covered when you start living or working here?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key things you need to know about Spanish healthcare as an expat.

The basics: how the Spanish healthcare system works

Spain has a public healthcare system, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). It’s funded through taxation and provides residents with access to free or heavily subsidised healthcare.

You’re entitled to public healthcare if you:

• Work in Spain and pay social security contributions
• Receive a Spanish pension or unemployment benefit
• Are registered as a resident and meet specific conditions

In addition to the public system, Spain also has a strong private healthcare sector, which is accessed via private health insurance. Many locals and expats combine both systems to reduce waiting times and gain access to English-speaking doctors or more modern clinics.

Public vs private: what’s the difference?

Public healthcare	Private healthcare
Free or low-cost care	Monthly insurance premium required
Longer waiting times	Faster access to specialists
Spanish-speaking doctors only	English-speaking professionals available
Limited choice of hospitals	Freedom to choose your doctor or clinic
Doesn’t cover everything (e.g. dental)	More extensive coverage possible

 

Many expats choose a private health insurance policy, especially in the early stages of their move, when they may not yet be eligible for public healthcare.

What do you need as an expat?

To access Spain’s healthcare system, you’ll typically need the following:

1. NIE number – your foreigner ID number in Spain. Without it, you can’t register for most services.
2. Empadronamiento – registration with your local town hall, proving your place of residence.
3. Social security number (número de afiliación) – required to access public healthcare. Once you’re registered, you’ll receive your tarjeta sanitaria, the health card that allows you to visit public clinics and hospitals.

If you’re not working in Spain yet, private insurance is often the best solution. The good news: private policies are usually more affordable than in many other countries. Premiums typically start from around €40 to €70 per month, depending on age and coverage.

What about healthcare allowance or excess?

Two common questions we hear from Dutch and Belgian expats:

• Healthcare allowance? No. Spain does not offer a health insurance subsidy like the Netherlands does.
• Excess? There’s no mandatory excess in the public system. In the private system, however, co-payments may apply depending on your plan (e.g. €10–€20 per appointment).

Healthcare in Valencia: what can you expect?

Valencia offers excellent healthcare, with both large public hospitals and well-equipped private clinics. Notable examples include Hospital La Fe (public) and IMED Valencia or Hospital Quirónsalud (private).

There’s also an increasing number of English-speaking doctors and specialists familiar with the needs of international patients. You’ll even find Dutch-speaking GPs and expat-focused medical practices in and around the city.

What should you arrange in advance?

Thinking of relocating to Valencia? Then it’s smart to prepare for the following:

• Research suitable private health insurance options
• Gather the documents needed to register with social security
• Consider booking an introductory consultation with a local doctor or clinic

At Match Better Valencia, we’re happy to support you in navigating the Spanish healthcare system — from finding the right insurer to avoiding unnecessary delays with paperwork.

Because good care starts with good preparation, and that’s what we’re here for.