Zembelo GuideLetting Journey

Healthcare & Insurance

Moving Journey — Step by step

Spain has an excellent healthcare system, but navigating the choice between public and private can be tricky for new arrivals.

Spain's healthcare is regularly ranked as one of the best in the world, but your experience will differ significantly depending on whether you rely on the public system or choose private care.

1. Public Healthcare (Seguridad Social)

If you are registered in Spain and working here, or are a pensioner with an S1 certificate from your home country, you are entitled to public care. The large regional hospital, Hospital Costa del Sol, is fantastic for emergencies. For planned care, however, waiting times can be long and it is not guaranteed that doctors will speak English.

2. Private Healthcare (The International Choice)

Most people moving to Marbella choose private health insurance. It gives you direct access to specialists and luxury facilities without the wait.

- Hospitals: HC Marbella International Hospital and Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella are the most popular for international patients.

- Companies: Sanitas, DKV, and Adeslas have niche expat plans.

3. Residency Requirements (Critical!)

If you are applying for residency and do not have access to the public system, your private insurance MUST meet three strict requirements for the police to approve your application:

1. Full coverage: It must match the scope of public care.

2. Sin Copagos: No co-payments. You must not pay per visit.

3. Sin Carencias: No waiting periods for major treatments.

from an insurance broker who is an expert in residency requirements. This ensures your costs and taxes or valuation guide are based on correct financial planning.

Advisor Insight

"Even if you have private insurance, always keep your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new GHIC if you travel outside of Spain during the transition period."

What usually happens

  • You decide between public and private coverage.
  • You apply for your 'Tarjeta Sanitaria' (if public) or choose a private plan.
  • You register with a local GP (Medico de Cabecera).
Timing
Immediately upon arrival (or before for residency).
People
You, Insurance Broker, Social Security Office
Cost
Private insurance €50 - €150 per month per person.

Prepare

  • Passport
  • NIE
  • S1 form (if applicable)

Risks

  • Non-acceptance of a policy for residency due to co-payments.
  • Waiting times in the public system for non-urgent matters.

Expert Q&A

Compared to the US, it is very affordable. Compared to Northern Europe, it is competitively priced for the level of access you get.