If an American gets sick in Spain, they will receive high-quality medical care at public or private facilities, but they must pay for it out-of-pocket, as U.S. insurance is rarely accepted. While emergency care is guaranteed, tourists should use travel health insurance and can find English-speaking doctors.
If you need hospital treatment in Spain, you're more likely to receive appropriate care in public healthcare facilities. However, in some tourist areas there may not be any public healthcare facilities nearby. Your insurance or medical assistance company will be able to provide further details.
Whatever medical ailments you're experiencing, you'll be happy to know Spain offers a long list of hospitals that accept international patients.
Medical payments and insurance
Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. Medical care is not free in Spain. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
However, in Spain, the average cost of a day in hospital is around €400. It is true that the price can skyrocket if you need to stay in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), where the daily cost can be between €800 and €1,800, depending on the autonomous community you are in and whether the hospital is public or private.
Short-term visitors and travelers to Spain are responsible for covering their own healthcare costs. They are not eligible for the benefits of the public health system.
Accessing Doctors in Spain
While residents benefit from the public healthcare system, tourists usually pay out-of-pocket for services, typically ranging from €30 to €70 per consultation. It is advisable to have travel insurance or international health coverage during your stay.
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
Healthcare in Spain for tourists is easy to access through public hospitals, private clinics, and online doctor services. EU visitors can use an EHIC/GHIC for low-cost treatment, while non-EU travellers pay upfront and claim through insurance. Private clinics offer faster appointments and more English-speaking doctors.
Your insurer may ask to be told when you're going abroad and only provide third party cover when you do. An International Driving Permit when necessary. A Green Card from your insurer when necessary (from 2 August 2021, you no longer need a Green Card when driving in the European Economic Area). Your passport(s).
The "£97 rule" in Spain refers to a Schengen area entry requirement (now around €118/day or €1,065 minimum) for non-EU citizens, requiring proof of sufficient funds for their stay, though Spanish officials call the media hype a "hoax," stating it's rarely enforced for typical tourists but applies to all Schengen countries, not just Spain, and requires showing funds, accommodation, and return tickets.
Access to emergency numbers
In Spain, as in the rest of the European Union, the emergency services, including health and other services (accidents, situations of risk, etc.), can be accessed via the single emergency number 112.
British and Irish tourists in Spain have suffered a rise in cases of a stomach bug that is commonly caught in hotel swimming pools, a new study has found. So far this year, there have been 2,940 cases of cryptosporidiosis, a diarrhoeal disease caused by a parasite and in 121 cases people have been hospitalised.
Antibiotics in Spain: prescription-only
Antibiotics are not sold over the counter. You'll need a doctor's evaluation and prescription. This protects your health and helps prevent antimicrobial resistance.
In Spain and Andorra, hospitals and healthcare providers expect payment from those not covered by the Spanish or the Andorran public health care system. Having private insurance can grant access to both public and private healthcare systems in Spain.
Can US citizens access public healthcare in Spain? Yes, but typically only if you are a legal resident and contribute to Spain's social security system. Non-residents aren't eligible for public coverage.
You don't need to have private health insurance to get medical treatment in Spain. As an expat from an EU or non-EU country, you are entitled to free state healthcare if you are: Resident in Spain and work in employment or self-employment and pay social security contributions.
No, U.S. health insurance generally does not work in Europe; domestic plans (like employer, Medicare, or Medicaid) offer little to no coverage abroad, with exceptions for some limited emergency care in specific private plans or rare Medicare situations, but you'll likely pay out-of-pocket or need separate travel health insurance for emergencies and routine care, as most European countries now require proof of coverage.
Consult your doctor: Especially if you have chronic conditions or are recovering from an illness. Review your travel insurance: Know what kind of medical care is covered at your destination. Rest and hydrate: Build up your body's defenses by sleeping well and drinking water before your trip.
The U.S. government does not provide health benefits to citizens or visitors. Any time you get medical care, someone has to pay for it. Healthcare is very expensive. According to a U.S. government website, if you break your leg, you could end up with a bill for $7,500.
Seeing a doctor in Spain if you have health insurance
If you have valid international health insurance cover you can, in most cases, also seek treatment from private doctors. Although initially you will have to pay the costs, your health insurer will normally reimburse you when you send them the original invoices.
Below, we'll go over some of the nitty-gritty of retiring in Spain, including visa options, healthcare quality, tax obligations, and more. Let's get started! The retirement visa income requirement remains €28,800 (~$31,050) annually, with an extra €7,200 (~$7,763) per dependent.
Ambulance transport is free if transportation is necessary for a medical reason and you present your European Health Insurance Card.