Hospitals in Spain

We can provide an overview of the hospital system in Spain.
Please keep in mind that healthcare systems can evolve, so it’s a good idea to verify this information with up-to-date sources if you plan to use it for any important decisions or purposes.

The healthcare system in Spain is known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which translates to the National Health System.
It is a publicly funded system that provides universal healthcare coverage to all Spanish residents and legal immigrants.

Here are some key features of the hospital system in Spain:
Spain has a universal healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care to residents and, to some extent, non-residents.
As a non-resident, you can access emergency medical care in Spain.
However, when it comes to planning for pregnancy and prenatal care, you may face some challenges.

Universal Coverage:
The Spanish healthcare system provides coverage to all residents, regardless of their employment status or income.
It covers both Spanish citizens and legal residents.

Decentralized System:
Spain’s healthcare system is decentralized, meaning that each of its 17 autonomous regions and two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla) manages and administersits own healthcare services. This can lead to some variations in healthcare services and coverage from one region to another.

Public and Private Hospitals:
Spain has a mix of public and private hospitals. Public hospitals are the backbone of the healthcare system and are funded and operated by the regional governments.
Private hospitals also exist and offer healthcare services to those who have private health insurance or are willing to pay out-of-pocket.

Quality of Care:
Spain’s healthcare system is generally considered to provide high-quality care.
Many of its hospitals are well-equipped and staffed by trained healthcare professionals.

Primary Care and Specialized Care:
The system places a strong emphasis on primary care, with a network of primary healthcare centers (Centros de Salud) that serve as the first point of contact for patients.
Patients are referred to specialized care when needed, and this includes treatment in hospitals.

Access to Emergency Care:
Emergency care is readily available in Spain.
Hospitals have emergency departments (Urgencias) that are open 24/7 to provide immediate medical attention.

Pharmaceuticals:
Prescription medications are generally covered by the healthcare system, and patients often pay a portion of the cost as a copayment.

Health Cards:
Residents are issued a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) that they use to access healthcare services.
This card contains information about the individual’s healthcare coverage.

Waiting Times:
In some regions, there may be waiting times for certain non-urgent medical procedures or specialist appointments, which can vary depending on the region and the specific healthcare service.It’s important to note that healthcare policies and regulations can change over time, so it’s advisable to consult with local sources or government websites,
for the most up-to-date information on Spain’s healthcare system, including any changes that may have occurred after our last update in January 2022.