Healthcare in Spain: the ultimate guide for expats and relocators
Moving to a new country can be exciting, but navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming. In Spain, expats face a mix of public and private healthcare options, insurance requirements, and bureaucratic steps that may be unfamiliar. Our “Healthcare & Medicine” section is here to guide you through everything you need to know after your move—from registering for your health card and finding a local GP, to understanding visa-related insurance requirements and choosing the right private coverage. We break down the Spanish healthcare system into clear, practical advice to help you access quality care without unnecessary stress or confusion.
Whether you’re planning a family, managing chronic conditions, or just want to know how to get prescription medications or dental care, this section covers all the essentials. You’ll find tips on how the system works for EU and non-EU residents, what to expect in public hospitals, how to communicate effectively with doctors, and how to budget for private services. Our goal is to help expats feel confident, informed, and empowered when it comes to health and wellbeing in Spain.
SIP Health Card: how to obtain and use it in the Valencian Community
Artem Garnyshev, CEO of How2Spanish -
In the Valencian Community, public healthcare is linked to the SIP system (Sistema de Información Poblacional). This is a regional patient database. Although Spain operates a unified healthcare system, it has its own name in each autonomous community...
Private Healthcare in Spain: How to Skip the Lines and Save Money
Artem Garnyshev, CEO of How2Spanish -
Spain’s public healthcare system is often praised internationally, including by the WHO. On paper, it looks excellent. However, in practice, the system is overburdened, which is reflected in waiting times: you might wait months for elective surgery o...
Spanish Healthcare System for Expats: SIP Card, Doctors & Insurance Explained
Artem Garnyshev, CEO of How2Spanish -
Table of contents 🏥 Spanish Healthcare: Public or Private? 🔑 SIP Card: The Key to Spanish Healthcare, How to Get and Restore It ➡️ Booking an Appointment with a Do...