Healthcare in Spain for Foreign Families: What You Need to Know Before Moving 🏥

Why healthcare matters when moving to Spain

When planning a move abroad, most families worry about schools, housing, and jobs. But one of the most important questions is: “How does the healthcare system work in Spain for foreigners?”

Spain’s healthcare is among the best in Europe—affordable, accessible, and with excellent medical professionals. But as a foreign family, there are things you should know to avoid confusion and make the best choices.

🏥 How the Spanish healthcare system works

Spain has two systems:

Public healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud – SNS)
- Funded by taxes.
- Free or very low-cost for residents.
- Covers most general and specialist treatments.
Private healthcare
- Paid through monthly insurance.
- Faster appointments, more language support.
- Often used by expats as a complement to the public system.

✅ Who has access?

EU citizens → can access Spanish public healthcare with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. For long-term, registration as a resident is required.
Families working in Spain → automatically covered if paying into the Spanish social security system.
Children → always entitled to healthcare, regardless of status.
Private insurance → recommended for expats who are self-employed, remote workers, or not yet registered.

👍 Pros of healthcare in Spain

High-quality doctors and hospitals.
Much lower costs compared to the UK, Netherlands, or USA.
Universal access → children and pregnant women always covered.
Pharmacies are accessible and affordable.

👎 Cons or challenges for foreign families

Waiting times can be long in the public system.
Language barrier → not all doctors speak English or Dutch.
Bureaucracy → registering for a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) can be slow.
Regional differences → in Catalonia, Valencia, and other areas, documents may be required in local language.

👨‍👩‍👧 Practical advice for expat families

Register at your local town hall (empadronamiento) to get access to public healthcare.
Apply for your social security number if working.
If not working, consider private insurance—costs range from €40–120/month per adult.
Choose areas with good bilingual healthcare services (Castellón and Valencia have clinics with English-speaking doctors).
Always check that your children’s vaccinations are updated and compatible with Spain’s system.

🌍 Why Castellón is a good choice for families

Less crowded hospitals than in Costa del Sol.
Good access to both public and private clinics.
Affordable private insurance compared to bigger cities.

✨ Conclusion

Spain offers some of the best healthcare in Europe, but expat families should prepare in advance. Understanding how to combine public and private systems ensures your family is always protected.

At Sunny Spain Realty, we don’t just help you buy a house—we guide you through every step of your relocation, including healthcare, schools, and daily life.

👉 Want more practical tips about moving to Spain with your family?
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