Registering for Healthcare in Spain as an Expat: Public and Private

Public Healthcare via Social Security

If you're employed in Spain and contributing to the Spanish social security system, you're entitled to access the Spanish public healthcare system (Seguridad Social). After registering as a social security contributor, you visit your local health centre (centro de salud) and request a SIP card (health card), which gives you access to a GP, specialist referrals, and public hospital treatment.

If you're registered as autónomo (self-employed), you also contribute to social security and can access public healthcare in the same way.

NLV Holders: Private Insurance Only

Non-Lucrative Visa holders are not entitled to access public healthcare via the social security system because they're not working or contributing. They must maintain private health insurance throughout their visa period — this is both a visa requirement and a practical necessity.

When your NLV is renewed, continued proof of private health insurance is required. Allowing your policy to lapse can jeopardise your renewal.

DNV Holders

Digital Nomad Visa holders who register as autónomo contribute to social security and can access public healthcare. However, many DNV holders maintain private health insurance as it offers faster access and better English-language service, particularly initially.

EU Citizens and the S1 Form

EU citizens who receive a pension from their EU home country may be entitled to public healthcare in Spain via the S1 form. UK state pensioners living in Spain can obtain an S1 from the UK's Department for Work and Pensions, which entitles them to Spanish public healthcare at the UK's expense. This is particularly relevant for UK retirees.

Registering with a GP

After getting your SIP card (if entitled to public healthcare), register with your local centro de salud. For private healthcare, contact your insurer — most have a list of approved GP practices and specialists (cuadro médico) where you can consult at no or reduced cost.