The weather has been unpredictable lately, so please take care of yourselves. I came across some news about Spain’s healthcare system that’s relevant to all of us, so I’ve put together a summary. Let’s discuss it.
National Electronic Health Records Interoperability Moves a Step Closer
Those who move frequently will know this struggle all too well: every time you change autonomous communities, your medical history with your new family doctor has to start from scratch, which is a huge hassle. The good news is that Spain’s Ministry of Health is once again pushing forward with the national electronic health record (EHR) interoperability project. Although this plan has been in the works for years, there seems to be substantial progress this year. The goal is to allow public healthcare systems in different autonomous communities to access authorized medical records. This means that if you need emergency care while traveling or on a business trip in another city, the doctor will be able to quickly access your past medical history, drug allergies, and other vital information. However, it will likely still take some time for this to be fully implemented in every community. As they say, ¡Poco a poco
!
Private Insurance Price and Policy Changes
Speaking of healthcare, many of you, in addition to your public health card, also have private insurance. This year, most private insurance companies have increased their premiums, generally by 5% to 10%. The reasons given by insurers are medical inflation and an increase in the frequency of consultations. Also, when renewing or switching your insurance, be sure to carefully read the new terms, especially the parts about “copago” (co-payment)
and “carencia” (waiting period). Some plans may seem cheaper, but they might have added more services subject to copago or extended the waiting periods for certain specialties, as mentioned in some latest Spanish healthcare news. I’ve compiled a simple table of the more noticeable changes from the main insurance companies this year for your reference:
| Insurance Company | Main Change Trend |
|---|
| Adeslas | Average premium increase; some policies have added new dental coverage. |
| Sanitas | Focus on promoting digital health services; significant price adjustments for some high-end plans. |
| Asisa | Larger price adjustments for ‘no copago’ products; re-evaluation is recommended. |
| DKV | Emphasis on preventive medicine and health management; premiums are relatively stable. |
Price Adjustments for Some Pharmacy Medications
In Spain, drug prices are regulated by the government, and the list is updated annually. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health announced a new batch of drugs to be included for social security reimbursement and price adjustments for some common medications. For example, the prices of some long-term prescription drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes have slightly decreased, while some over-the-counter drugs have seen price increases due to rising raw material costs. While this may not significantly affect those with social security coverage, you might notice different prices if you buy common medicines yourself at the pharmacy. It’s always best to follow your doctor’s advice and get a prescription from your family doctor for necessary medications to save money.
Spain’s healthcare system is continually, if slowly, improving. The push for electronic health records is a positive step, but the rise in private insurance premiums is certainly putting a squeeze on our wallets. What are your thoughts on these changes? Have you recently encountered any issues with seeing a doctor or buying insurance? Feel free to leave a comment below to discuss and help each other out!
