Healthcare and insurance in Spain for UK expats (2025 guide)

Moving to Spain from the UK is an exciting step – but sorting out your healthcare is essential to ensure peace of mind and access to the services you need. Spain has a high-quality healthcare system, but the rules around access vary depending on your residency status, work situation and age.

In this guide, we’ll cover how British expats can access public healthcare in Spain, when private health insurance is necessary, and what to consider if you’re retiring abroad.

How the Spanish healthcare system works

Spain operates a hybrid healthcare model.

Public healthcare is funded through social security contributions and provides access to GPs, hospitals and emergency care.

Private healthcare offers faster appointments, more flexibility, and extras like dental or vision care.

Can UK citizens access healthcare in Spain?

Yes, UK citizens can access healthcare in Spain – but it depends on how long you’re staying and whether you’re employed, retired or self-sufficient.

In most cases, access to Spain’s public healthcare system (Seguridad Social) requires that you:

• work in Spain and pay into the social security system;
• are a UK pensioner with an S1 form registered in Spain;
• are a legal resident on a low income and meet eligibility criteria for regional healthcare support;
• or are a dependent of someone eligible for the above.

If you don’t qualify for public healthcare, you’ll need private insurance to meet visa requirements and ensure medical cover.

How to register

To access public healthcare, you’ll need to:

1. Apply for your NIE (Foreigner’s Identity Number) – essential for all administrative processes in Spain.
2. Register your residency at the local town hall (empadronamiento).
3. Register with the social security office (TGSS) to obtain a social security number.
4. Apply for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria) at your local health centre.

Once you have your health card, you can visit doctors, clinics and hospitals within the public system.

The overall process can take anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on your region and how quickly you can secure appointments. Each step must usually be completed in order.

There’s usually a fee of around €10-€15 to apply for your NIE. The rest of the registration process is generally free, though you may need to pay small admin fees (typically under €20) for document copies, certificates or translations. Private translators or legal help may also add to the cost if needed.

Healthcare for UK pensioners living in Spain

If you receive a UK State Pension and move to Spain permanently, you can apply for an S1 form through the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Once registered with the Spanish authorities, the UK covers the cost of your state healthcare in Spain.

This allows you to access public healthcare on the same basis as Spanish citizens, though it won’t cover dental treatment or repatriation.

Note that you’ll still need comprehensive private health insurance if you move to Spain before reaching UK State Pension age and aren’t working.

Do you need private health insurance in Spain?

In some circumstances, yes. Private health insurance is often required:

• when applying for visas such as the non-lucrative or digital nomad visa;
• if you don’t qualify for state healthcare;
• and for faster access to medical services or to access English-speaking doctors.

If you’re wondering how to get healthcare in Spain as a UK citizen, your first step may be finding a private plan that meets visa and residency requirements. Even if it’s not strictly required, many expats choose private health insurance for greater flexibility and peace of mind.

Benefits of private health insurance

• Shorter waiting times for appointments and treatments
• Greater choice of hospitals and specialists
• English-speaking customer support and helplines
• Additional cover (e.g. dental, mental health, maternity, repatriation)

What does private health insurance cost?

Costs depend on your age, medical history and level of cover:

• Basic plans: €30-€60 per month (may include co-payments)
• Mid-level plans: €60-€120 per month
• Comprehensive cover: €150-€250+ per month

Some insurance companies also offer policies designed for expats. Make sure your plan meets the relevant visa requirements, such as having no co-payments and full coverage across Spain.

EHIC, GHIC and temporary healthcare in Spain

What is the GHIC?

Since Brexit, UK citizens can no longer apply for the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Instead, they must apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

The GHIC provides access to emergency and necessary state healthcare while visiting Spain temporarily – for example, when on holiday or during the initial relocation period.

It’s vital to note, however, that the GHIC is not valid for long-term residency. If you move to Spain permanently, you must have valid residency and appropriate insurance.

Additional healthcare tips for UK expats

• Register with a local GP once you receive your health card.
• Bring your medical records when relocating – especially for ongoing treatments or prescriptions.
• Familiarise yourself with emergency numbers – dial 112 in Spain for urgent medical assistance.
• Review your insurance annually, particularly if your residency or work situation changes.
• Keep up to date with any changes in UK-Spain healthcare agreements, especially post-Brexit.

How Currencies Direct can help with your move to Spain

Sorting out healthcare is just one part of moving abroad – managing your money is another. At Currencies Direct, we help UK expats make fast, secure and cost-effective currency transfers.

Here’s how we can support you:

• Protect against exchange rate fluctuations with a forward contract, locking in today’s rate for up to 12 months.
• Automate regular payments abroad, such as health insurance premiums, rent or pension top-ups.
• Access expert support through our app or by speaking to our friendly team, 24/7.

If you want to find out more, get in touch today or open a free account online.