Access to Medical Care in Spain
Emergency Medical Assistance (112)
Number 112 is a pan-European emergency service hotline, available free of charge throughout Spain. It is used in cases of:
- Urgent medical assistance
- Fire and rescue situations
- Incidents, traffic accidents, security threats
When calling 112, you will be connected to the relevant services, and a healthcare professional will assess the situation and provide first aid instructions until the emergency staff arrives.
Public Health System
Spain operates a comprehensive healthcare system that provides free access to medical services for all residents, including Ukrainian refugees. According to asylum laws, individuals under temporary protection have the same rights to healthcare as Spanish citizens.
Where to Get Help?
- Primary Healthcare Centers (Centro de Salud, CAP) – for general practitioner (GP) appointments
- Hospitals (Hospitales) – for specialized treatment and emergency cases
- Emergency Care (Urgencias) – available without prior appointment
Important! Your assigned medical center depends on your registered address (Empadronamiento). If you move, you do need to update your registration.
Find the nearest medical center
Private Healthcare
In addition to the public system, there are private clinics where medical services must be paid for directly or covered by private health insurance. Popular health insurance companies include: Adeslas, Sanitas, AXA, DKV, ASISA.
Health Card (Tarjeta Sanitaria)
For regular access to medical services, you need a health card. How to obtain it:
- Register at a health center based on your place of residence
- Obtain a Social Security Number (Número de Seguridad Social) at an INSS office
- Submit an application for the card
Book an appointment at an INSS office
If you do not yet have a health card, emergency care can still be accessed with your passport or NIE.
Medicines and Payment
- With a doctor's prescription – the government partially covers medicine costs (for health cardholders)
- Without a prescription – full payment is required (e.g., Paracetamol, Ibuprofen)
In some regions, free translation services are available for patients who do not speak Spanish.
If you are denied medical assistance, contact a social worker at the health center or request a written explanation of the refusal.
Official Ministry of Health website – Medical Centers & Hospitals