Sunswept Spain is an enduringly popular expat destination. Protect your health while here with comprehensive health insurance in Spain.
Beautiful weather, a relaxed pace of life and fantastic food are a big draw for expats from around the world. If you find yourself needing medical treatment while in Spain, bear in mind that you may not have the same access as Spanish citizens.
This is where private insurance with Cigna Healthcare can help you make the most of your new life Spain – taking the stress and hassle of finding healthcare when you need it most.
Read on to find out more about accessing healthcare in Spain.
While healthcare is generally free for Spanish citizens, thanks to being paid for via taxes and social security, expats don’t always have the same access. You’ll need to sign up with the national healthcare plan or have private health insurance while in Spain.
If you work in Spain and pay social security contribution, you may have access to Spain’s public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud-SNS) – however, there may be some small fees and additional costs for cosmetic treatments or non-regular requirements.
Private cover can give you a wider range of treatment options and means you won’t pay for the national system in taxation – leaving more money in your pocket from your paycheck.
Pros and cons of using Spain’s healthcare system
| Public | Private |
|---|---|
| It can take months to see a specialist. | Patients can choose the specialist they want. |
| While it’s free in some cases, patients will be billed if they don’t have adequate tax payments. | Access to faster treatment. |
| There are plenty of hospital and medical centres across the country. | Need to pay for each appointment if no insurance is in place. |
If you’re in a position where you need medical treatment, whether its elective or urgent, health insurance in Spain can provide a huge relief. You’ll have access to private hospitals and clinics across the country and a choice of specialists – including medical professionals who speak your language.
The shorter waiting times that come with private healthcare also mean you can get the treatment you need sooner, before symptoms progress.
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The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.
Available additional modules:Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.
Available additional modules:Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.
Available additional modules:An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.
Available additional modules:
Not all patients qualify for free healthcare in Spain. Because of this, private healthcare cover may be needed to access some elective and urgent treatments.
If you have lived in Spain for over 12 months, you can apply to join the public health insurance scheme, Convenio Especial. This does require a monthly payment. If you’ve lived in the country for less than a year, you will need private health insurance.
Spain offers a high standard healthcare system. It has a good network of medical centres and hospitals across the country which are equipped with good equipment and staff.