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Healthcare in Spain: cost & waiting times

Tax-funded universal

A tax-funded national health system (SNS) run by the 17 regions. Residents registered with social security get a health card ('tarjeta sanitaria') and are assigned a health centre and GP.

Emergency number: 112

How residents get care

  1. Get your tarjeta sanitaria — Register with social security and your local health centre ('centro de salud').
  2. Book via the regional app or health centre — Each region has its own app/phone line. The GP refers you to specialists and hospitals.
  3. Private insurance for speed — Many residents hold private cover (Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV) to skip waiting lists.

Official waiting-time source

Waits vary sharply by region. Non-urgent surgery can exceed 100 days in several regions.

SNS waiting-time statistics (SISLE), published twice a year ↗

MilestoneReference
Non-urgent surgery (SNS average)120 days (~17w)
First specialist consultation (SNS average)90 days (~13w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

ItemTypical range
Private GP visit€40–€70
Private specialist visit€60–€120
Private MRI€200–€400

Prescriptions

Co-payment is income-based: 40–60% for most working-age people, 10% for pensioners (with monthly caps), free for low-income and some groups.

Visiting Spain?

EHIC covers necessary public care at 'centros de salud' and public hospitals. Tourist areas have private clinics that bill insurers.

Emergencies Call 112. Public emergency care is provided to EHIC holders at no charge.

Official links

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