Each region in Spain takes individual responsibility for its own healthcare and the only jurisdiction the central government has is for the overall budget.  The Spanish National Health System offers a wide network of health centres and hospitals all over the country with primary health care services including GP services, pediatrics, nursing, midwives, physiotherapists and social workers.

The system combines public and private healthcare and within each state free or low cost health care is given to those who contribute to Spanish Social Security and who can present a tarjeta sanitaria (health card). EU citizens visiting Spain are automatically entitled to the same care as Spaniards if they obtain a European Health Insurance Card.

The ruling in Spain is that Health Centres should be located within 15 minutes of any place of residence and if necessary a patient can be seen at their own home. In rural areas and small villages there are local surgeries which open on certain days with visits from healthcare staff from the region.  Hospitals offer specialist attention, with access via referral from primary healthcare. Accident and Emergency services are available at hospitals and some of the larger health centres.

Although there are waiting lists for operations in Spain, they are nowhere near as long as in the UK. Many people choose to take out private healthcare so they only rely on the national health system for emergencies.  Spain’s medical facilities are generally good, with many doctors and nurses speaking English and most hospitals and clinics in tourist areas like Marbella providing interpreters. 

You do not have to make an appointment to see a doctor as you just turn up at the surgery early in the morning, sign your name on the list, and wait your turn. Depending on your time of arrivals you may have to wait a couple of hours before being seen, but the receptionist can usually  tells you roughly what time your turn will be so you can go away and have a coffee.