Healthcare in Spain
for Americans
Is Spanish healthcare really better and cheaper than in the US?
Compare public and private options, costs, and access in one place
“See how American families cut medical costs while gaining peace of mind.”
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Recognized US-SPAIN Experts
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How Do Americans Actually Use Healthcare
in Spain?
Understand who qualifies for public care, when you
need private insurance, and how emergencies work
Compare public, private, bilingual option by age, visa and lifestyle
The 3 Key Benefits for Americans
Universal healthcare for residents-public system is top 10 globally, private is affordable and fast
Cost up to 70% less that US healthcare with excellent specialty and dental options
Emphasis on prevention, wellness and family friendly care even for newcomers
Public vs Private: Which Route is Right for You?
See exactly how retirees, remote workers, and families get covered from day one.
- Retirees on Spanish residency → often quality for public + can add private.
- Remote workers / digital nomads → typically start with private, may later access public.
- Families with kids → mix of public pediatricians + private specialists is common.
Public vs Private System
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Public |
Great for every and serious care |
Slower and less flexible for appointments |
|
Private |
Slower and less flexible for appointments |
Choice of hospitals for a fraction of US premiums |
Comparison Public & Private Healthcare in Spain
| Features | Public Healthcare (SNS) | Private Healthcare |
|---|---|---|
|
Who Qualifies |
All residents, incl. US |
Anyone with insurance |
|
Costs |
Free/low co-pay (€10-60) |
50-100/month premium |
|
Wait times |
Longer for specialists |
Short/no wait |
|
Prescription costs |
€3-10 typical |
Discounted/included |
|
Dental/vision |
Not covered |
Included in many plans |
Choosing Your Path:
Most Americans begin with private insurance (for visa/fast access), then add/transition to the public system for broad coverage.
Sample Healthcare Cost Comparison
| Service | Spain (Resident) | US (Average) |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctor Visit |
Free |
$100-200 |
|
Emergency room |
Minimal/free |
$500+ |
|
Hospital stay |
Covered |
$2,000+/day |
|
Private insurance |
€30-100/month |
$500+/month |
|
Dental Check-up |
€30-50 |
$75-150 |
MEDIA
WATCH • LISTEN • READ
NATIVES
(video)
Learn more from real people, just like you & experts about moving to Spain.
Healthcare in Spain
Truly first in class, at a fraction of the cost vs. US
DEEP DIVE
(podcasts)
5-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Key Considerations
Tom & Ina talk through the incredible benefits & savings on healthcare.
SPAIN MADE SIMPLE
(blogs)
10-15 minute conversations about Americans living in Spain.
Is it Possible?
Yes. When you get first in class healthcare for a fraction of US insurance costs.
THE EXPLAINER
(video)
10-15 minute videos answering your biggest Spain questions.
Education in Spain
Over 100 leading sources, from comparison and insurance companies. Quality & savings are indisputable.
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NATIVES-DEEP DIVE-SPAIN MADE SIMPLE-THE EXPLAINER
Watch • Listen • Read
Everything You Need to Know
Visa and Residency Options
All pathways explained in plain English
Buying and Property in Spain
Step-by-step guides written for Americans
Mortgages for US Citizens
How to secure Spanish financing from abroad
Schools and Education
American & International school options
Healthcare for
Expats
Public vs private: what Americans need to know
Cost of Living & Comparison
How much will Americans save by living in Spain?
Double Tax & Beckham’s Law
Will Beckhams’s law work for you? Paying tax in Spain?
Moving Step-by-
Step
Guiding you from an idea to living the life you want
Resources
Healthcare Setup Quiz
Get matched to ideal coverage before or after arrival
Registration Checklist Download
All steps for public & private system access
Doctor Finder Tool
Locate English-speaking providers in popular regions
Retiree Health Guide
Additional steps for those moving without employment
Visa Page Link
Explain insurance requirements for NLV, Nomad, family visas
Moving, Cost of Living & Education interlinks
Direct referral for family health, school vaccinations, total budget planning.
FAQ Library
Health questions plus links to cost-of-living, schools, moving pages for life-stage coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a remote worker - what’s the simplest way to get covered on day one?
Usually a Spanish-approved private policy that meets visa rules, then review later.
We’re retiring in Spain - will we qualify for public healthcare and do we still need private?
Many retirees mix both: public for core coverage, private for speed and English.
We’re moving with kids-are pediatricians, ER care, and vaccinations easy to access?
Yes; most families use nearby public clinics plus private pediatricians in English-speaking centers.
Can I use my US health insurance in Spain?
In most cases, US health insurance is not accepted in Spain, whether you’re visiting or relocating. Spain requires residents and long-term visa applicants to have Spanish private health insurance or be covered under the public system (if eligible).
How do I register for public healthcare?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Is private insurance required for Americans?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
What does private insurance cost?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Is Spanish healthcare better that US care?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Can Americans get dental care in Spain?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
How easy is it to find English-speaking doctors?
Yes. Americans can attend both US-curriculum and international schools in Spain without any special restrictions. Spain has many American schools offering a US K–12 curriculum, AP courses, and a smooth path back to US colleges. There are also international schools offering IB, British, and bilingual programs, which are popular among expat families.
Still Have Questions?
Not finding the answer you need? Our team is here to guide you with visa, tax, and property questions — no pressure, no obligation.