Spain has excellent healthcare—ranked 7th globally. EU citizens with S1 forms access free public healthcare. Non-EU citizens need private insurance (€50-250/month depending on age). Hospital de Torrevieja serves Costa Blanca South with English-speaking staff. Private GP consultation: €30-50. Most expats report satisfaction with healthcare quality.
Healthcare is often the make-or-break question for people considering international relocation. The good news: Spain has one of the world's best healthcare systems, ranked 7th globally by WHO. The better news: Costa Blanca has developed excellent infrastructure for international residents, including English-speaking doctors, modern hospitals, and multiple access options.
This guide explains exactly how healthcare works for expats in Costa Blanca: who qualifies for what, how much it costs, and practical steps to ensure you're covered from day one.
The Spanish Healthcare System Explained
Spain operates a universal healthcare system funded through taxation and social security contributions:
The reality for expats: Most international residents use a combination. Public healthcare handles serious/expensive conditions; private healthcare provides convenience for routine care and faster specialist access. The systems work well together.
Quality indicators:
Healthcare Access: Who Qualifies for What
Your healthcare access depends on your residency status and nationality:
If you receive a state pension from an EU country (including UK via Withdrawal Agreement):
EU/EEA Citizens Working in Spain
EU/EEA Citizens Not Working/No State Pension
UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)
Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU Citizens
Private Health Insurance: Options and Costs
Private insurance is essential for some, beneficial for many:
When you NEED private insurance:
Major Spanish insurers:
Cost by age (approximate monthly):
What policies typically include:
What to watch for:
For visa applications: Policy must have no co-pays and include repatriation. Not all policies qualify—confirm before purchasing.
Hospitals in Costa Blanca
The region is well-served by public and private hospitals:
Costa Blanca South:
Quirónsalud Torrevieja (Private)
Costa Blanca North:
Hospital Vithas Medimar (Private, Alicante)
Emergency note: In genuine emergencies, dial 112. All hospitals treat emergencies regardless of insurance status—paperwork comes later.
Finding English-Speaking Doctors
Language needn't be a barrier to good healthcare:
In the public system:
Private English-speaking practices: Numerous private clinics specifically serve the international community:
General practices (private):
Consultation costs: €30-50 for GP visit
How to find English-speaking doctors:
Specialists: English-speaking specialists available in most fields:
Dental care:
Prescription Medications
Medications are generally affordable and accessible:
Pharmacy access:
Prescription costs:
Price examples (approximate):
Transferring prescriptions from home:
Medications not available:
Pharmacists are knowledgeable and helpful. For minor issues (cold symptoms, indigestion, minor injuries), ask the pharmacist first—they can often help without needing doctor visit.
Emergency Services
In emergencies, the system works efficiently:
Emergency numbers:
What happens in an emergency:
Hospital emergency departments (Urgencias):
After-hours medical care:
Cost of emergency care:
Registering with the Healthcare System
Practical steps to get set up:
For S1 holders (EU pensioners):
For Convenio Especial applicants:
For private insurance:
Timeframe: Allow 1-2 months to fully set up healthcare after arriving. Consider travel insurance to cover the gap.
Healthcare Costs Summary
What you'll actually spend on healthcare:
If covered by public system (S1/Convenio):
If using private insurance:
Pay-as-you-go private healthcare:
Dental (private):
Optical (private):
Monthly healthcare budget:
Common Health Concerns for Expats
Health issues and resources specific to expat life:
Climate adaptation:
Mental health:
Age-related healthcare:
Chronic condition management:
Mobility issues:
Medical tourism:
The Bottom Line
Healthcare in Costa Blanca meets or exceeds what most expats experience at home. The public system provides excellent care for those who qualify; private options fill gaps with English-speaking convenience. The infrastructure exists, the quality is high, and the costs are manageable.
For property buyers, healthcare access should be planned from the start: determine your route to coverage, research local facilities, and budget appropriately. Most expats report that healthcare becomes a non-issue once properly set up—something that works well in the background while they enjoy Costa Blanca life.
Ready to explore properties in Costa Blanca? We can connect you with healthcare advisors who specialize in helping international residents navigate the system.