Understanding the new healthcare system can be stressful. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting doctors in Spain so you can find the care that’s right for you.
Spain’s health care system is one of the best in the world. Moreover, visiting a doctor in Spain is free for almost everyone who lives and works in the country.
However, because both private and public services are widely available, finding the right doctors in Spain can be difficult. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with the Spanish health care system so that you can make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.
Before you can make an appointment with a doctor in Spain, you must register with a local doctor. Note that doctors can offer both public and private consultations and treatments, so check which type you require.
When you register, you should be given a booklet called Carta de Derechos y Deberes (Charter of Rights and Responsibilities), which outlines your rights as a patient.
After you register with your local medical center or doctor’s office, you will receive a medical record SIP (Free Information System). Be sure to carry this with you, as you will need to show it whenever you seek government medical services or treatment. This ensures that you will not be charged any fees for going to a doctor in Spain or visiting a Spanish hospital.
Once you have registered, you can make an appointment with a doctor in Spain, sometimes even on the same day. Generally, the opening hours are Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Most doctors have both telephone and online appointment systems, while others work on a first-come, first-served basis. However, even with an appointment, you may have to wait to be seen when you get there if your doctor is government-funded, since the highest priority patients are seen first.
Whenever you visit a doctor or hospital in Spain, be sure to bring your public health card or proof of your insurance.
