The healthcare system in Spain is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. With universal coverage and a strong emphasis on primary care,
the Spanish healthcare system also provides comprehensive medical care to its citizens and residents.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the healthcare system in Spain works,
including its structure, funding, and services, as well as how to access medical care as an expat.

Structure of the Spanish Healthcare System

The Spanish healthcare system is decentralized, meaning
that responsibility for healthcare is shared between the national government
and the 17 autonomous regions of Spain.

Also, Each region is responsible for managing its own healthcare system,
which includes hospitals, primary care centers, and specialist clinics.

The national government sets the overall policy and regulatory framework for the healthcare system,
and it also provides funding to the regions to help cover the costs of healthcare.

Also, The national government is also responsible for managing the social security system,
which provides health coverage to workers and their families.

Read more: New rules for residency in Spain

Funding of the Spanish Healthcare System

The Spanish healthcare system is funded through a combination of taxes,
social security contributions, and out-of-pocket payments.
The national government provides funding to the regions to help cover the costs of healthcare,
and the regions also receive funding from their own tax revenues.

Also, Patients in Spain are required to pay a percentage of the cost of their healthcare services, which is known as a co-payment.

However, co-payments are generally low, and some groups,
such as children and the elderly, are exempt from co-payments.
Healthcare Services in Spain

also The Spanish healthcare system provides a wide range of medical services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and emergency care.

Primary care is the cornerstone of the Spanish healthcare system,
and it is provided by general practitioners (GPs) and nurses
who works in primary care centers throughout the country.

Also, Specialist care is provided by specialists who work in hospitals
and specialist clinics. Hospital care is generally provided on an inpatient basis, although some procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Emergency care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it is provided by hospitals and emergency care centers throughout the country.

Accessing Medical Care as an Expat

As an expat living in Spain, you are entitled to access the Spanish healthcare system if you are a resident, and you are paying into the social security system.

If you are not paying into the social security system, you may still be able to access the Spanish healthcare system by taking out private health insurance.

Also, To access medical care in Spain,
you will need to register with a primary care center in your area.
Once you are registered, you will be assigned a GP
who will be your first point of contact for all medical issues.
If you need specialist care, your GP will refer you to a specialist.

Read more: Definition and Benefits of the European Union 

Conclusion

The healthcare system in Spain is a comprehensive and well-regarded system,
that provides universal coverage to its citizens and residents.
With a strong emphasis on primary care, the Spanish healthcare system offers a wide range of medical services, including specialist care, hospital care,
and emergency care.

As an expat living in Spain, you can access the Spanish healthcare system
if you are a resident and paying into the social security system,
or by taking out private health insurance.