Published: August 2025

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it also brings challenges that can affect your mental health. Many expats in Spain experience periods of loneliness, stress, or anxiety—especially during the first months. The good news is that Spain offers a growing range of mental health resources, both public and private, and there are many ways to get support as a foreigner. Here’s what you need to know about looking after your mental well-being in Spain.

Common mental health challenges for expats

• Loneliness and homesickness
• Culture shock and language barriers
• Stress from bureaucracy or job searches
• Relationship and family pressures
• Adjustment to new routines and environments

Where to find help in Spain

• Public health system: You can access a psychologist or psychiatrist through your local health center (centro de salud), though waiting times can be long.
• Private therapists: Many English-speaking psychologists work in major cities. Try Psicologos Madrid or Therapy in Barcelona.
• Online therapy: Platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace offer sessions in English and other languages.
• Support groups: Many expat communities run peer support groups, both in person and online (check Facebook or Meetup).
• Emergency help: For urgent mental health support, call 112 or visit the nearest hospital’s emergency department.

Tips for protecting your mental health as an expat

• Stay connected with friends and family back home.
• Join clubs, sports, or volunteering to build a local network.
• Learn Spanish—it helps you feel more in control and less isolated.
• Maintain healthy routines: eat well, sleep enough, and exercise.
• Don’t hesitate to seek professional help—mental health is just as important as physical health.

Useful links

• English-speaking therapists in Madrid
• Therapy in Barcelona
• Spanish public health centers
• BetterHelp – online therapy
• Talkspace – online therapy

FAQ: expat mental health in Spain

Can I see an English-speaking therapist in Spain? Yes, especially in larger cities and online. Check the links above for options. Is mental health care free in Spain? Public health care covers basic mental health services, but waiting times can be long. Private care is faster but paid. How do I find expat support groups? Search Facebook, Meetup, or ask at international schools and expat centers. What should I do in a mental health emergency? Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Are there therapists who speak other languages? Yes, many private therapists offer sessions in English, French, German, and other languages. How can I reduce loneliness as an expat? Get involved in local activities, join clubs, and keep in touch with loved ones. Can I use online therapy from Spain? Absolutely—services like BetterHelp and Talkspace are available to residents in Spain. Is mental health stigmatized in Spain? Attitudes are changing—seeking help is increasingly accepted, especially among younger generations. How do I get a referral for public mental health care? Visit your local health center (centro de salud) and ask for a referral. What if I don’t speak Spanish well? Look for English-speaking professionals or bring a friend to help with translation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always contact a professional for specific mental health advice.

Published: August 2025

In 2025, Spain has introduced several significant healthcare reforms that directly impact foreign residents. Whether you are new to Spain or have lived here for years, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect your access to medical care.

Main changes in the Spanish healthcare system

• Universal Coverage Expansion: All legal residents, regardless of employment status, now have access to public healthcare services. This includes non-working dependents and retirees.
• Mandatory Health Insurance for Non-EU Residents: Non-EU citizens must show proof of private health insurance for their first year of residency before accessing the public system.
• Digital Health Records: A new national digital health record system allows patients to access their medical history online and share it with healthcare providers across Spain.
• Shorter Waiting Times: Investment in hospitals and clinics has reduced average waiting times for specialist appointments and surgeries.
• Multilingual Support: Many public hospitals now offer language assistance services for English-speaking patients.

How does this affect expats?

• If you are a legal resident, you are entitled to the same healthcare as Spanish citizens.
• New arrivals from non-EU countries must have private health insurance for at least one year.
• EU citizens can still use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays, but must register for public healthcare if residing long-term.

What should you do?

1. Check your residency status and ensure you have the required health insurance.
2. Register with your local health center (centro de salud) to access public services.
3. Set up your digital health record for easier access to your medical history.
4. Ask about language support if you are not fluent in Spanish.

Useful links

• New in Spain – Guides and Updates</

In Spain, eye operations, including those for cataracts, are widely available and are performed using advanced techniques and technology.
Here’s a detailed guide on how the process works, especially for foreigners, focusing on cataract surgeries such as the Grey and Green cataract surgeries.

Understanding Cataract Surgery in Spain
Cataract surgery is a common procedure to remove the clouded lens of the eye (cataract) and replace it with an artificial lens to restore clear vision.
In Spain, these surgeries are typically categorized by different procedures, including traditional methods and laser-assisted techniques.

Public Healthcare System
Access to Surgery

Eligibility:
As a resident in Spain, you can access public healthcare services, including cataract surgery, through the National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud).
European Union citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive treatment under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.
Non-EU citizens typically need to have private health insurance or be part of a bilateral health agreement to access public healthcare services.

Referral Process:
To get cataract surgery through the public healthcare system, you must first visit a general practitioner (GP) who will refer you to an ophthalmologist.
The ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye examination and determine the necessity of cataract surgery.

Waiting Times:
There might be waiting lists for cataract surgery in the public system, depending on the urgency of your case and the region where you live.
Emergency cases are prioritized, but routine surgeries might have longer wait times.

Cost:
Cataract surgery is generally covered by the public healthcare system, so there is no direct cost to the patient if you are eligible for public healthcare services.

Private Healthcare System
Access to Surgery

Finding a Specialist:
Private hospitals and clinics offer cataract surgery with shorter waiting times and access to advanced technology, such as laser-assisted surgery.
Many private clinics have English-speaking staff and cater to expatriates.

Consultation and Surgery:
You can directly schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist in a private clinic without needing a referral from a GP.
The ophthalmologist will assess your condition and recommend the appropriate type of cataract surgery (e.g., phacoemulsification, laser-assisted).

Cost:
The cost of cataract surgery in private clinics varies depending on the type of surgery and the clinic’s location.
It can range from €1,500 to €3,000 per eye.
Some private health insurance plans cover cataract surgery, so it’s important to check with your insurer about coverage details.

Buying Eye Products and Medications
Post-surgery medications and eye drops can be purchased at pharmacies, usually with a prescription from your ophthalmologist.
Over-the-counter eye care products are also widely available.

Practical Tips for Foreigners

Health Insurance:
Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance that covers ophthalmological procedures. This is particularly important if you are a non-EU citizen.
Check if your insurance plan includes coverage for cataract surgery and related treatments.

Documentation:
Carry all relevant medical documents, including prescriptions and previous eye health records, when consulting with an ophthalmologist.
If you have a foreign prescription, it’s advisable to consult with a Spanish doctor to obtain a local prescription for any necessary medications.

Language:
Seek out clinics and doctors who speak your language, especially if you are not fluent in Spanish.
Many private clinics in urban areas and popular expatriate destinations offer multilingual services.

Emergency Situations:
In case of an eye emergency, public hospitals provide urgent care.
For less urgent but immediate concerns, private clinics might offer quicker service.

Cataract Surgery Options

Grey (Gris )Cataract Surgery:
Typically refers to traditional cataract surgery methods, such as phacoemulsification.
Involves making a small incision in the eye, breaking up the cloudy lens, and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Green (Verde) Cataract Surgery:
Often refers to advanced, laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Uses laser technology to make precise incisions and break up the cataract, potentially resulting in quicker recovery times and improved outcomes.

Summary
Understanding how the system works for eye operations like cataract surgery in Spain, whether through public or private healthcare, is crucial for ensuring you receive the appropriate care.
As a foreigner, having the right documentation, insurance coverage, and language support can make the process smoother and more efficient.
If you need specific recommendations or further assistance, feel free to ask!