SPAIN | Emergency | Healthcare system

Healthcare in Spain

The Spanish welfare system provides all residents in Spain with healthcare. Citizens can choose between the public health system, commonly called Social Security, or take health insurance with an existing private health insurance company. You have to be registered in order to be entitled to health service benefits offered by Social Security and associated organisations.

Emergency medical care

The hospital network in Spain is extensive. There are public and private hospitals and, if needed, you can use either. Emergency rooms in hospitals are open 24 hours. In the event of a serious injury, you have to go to the emergency room. If it is a minor ailment, you have to make an appointment at your health centre (each area has one). A doctor there will refer you to a specialist in the hospital if necessary.  

Costs

Healthcare in Spain, both public and private, is expensive. As regards Social Security, Spanish workers and companies pay the costs through what is known as "social security deductions". In the case of the private health sector, the policyholder pays the costs through insurance premiums. In general, the Social Security coverage is cheaper for an employee than taking out private health insurance, although the quality of the service is inferior.

Pharmacies

Most pharmacies or chemists open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., although in big cities some are open 24 hours a day. There is a rota system for chemists to open both at night and weekends. Opening hours are displayed in every chemist’s window and local newspapers, which also list their addresses.  

In Spain, chemists are the only establishments authorised to sell prescribed drugs. There are also over the counter drugs, mainly medication for colds and such.