Being new to Spain, one of my biggest fears was getting sick in an unfamiliar place. After a few hospital visits where I learned things the hard way, I’ve gained some experience. I decided to take the time to compile information on public and private hospitals across Spain’s different autonomous communities, which is useful to review alongside this overview of Spanish hospital mortality rates. I’m sharing it in hopes it can help others. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s practical, focusing on hospitals with good reputations and facilities.
Public Hospitals
Public hospitals are the first choice for most people. With a public health card (tarjeta sanitaria), most services are free. The downside is that, unless it’s an emergency, you’ll typically need a referral from your family doctor (GP) to see a specialist, and as noted in various Spanish hospital rankings, wait times can be quite long. However, the quality of medical care in public hospitals is undeniable, as many top specialists work within the public system.
Key Public Hospitals by Autonomous Community
| Autonomous Community | Hospital Name | City |
|---|
| Community of Madrid | Hospital Universitario La Paz | Madrid |
| Catalonia | Hospital Clínic de Barcelona | Barcelona |
| Andalusia | Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío | Seville |
| Valencian Community | Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe | Valencia |
Private Hospitals
If you have private health insurance, going to a private hospital is much more convenient. The biggest advantage is that it’s fast! You can book an appointment with a specialist directly without a GP referral, which significantly reduces waiting times. The environment and service experience are generally better, and many private hospitals offer multilingual services. Of course, if you need to do a Spanish hospital search without insurance, the costs at private hospitals can be quite expensive. Before choosing a private hospital, always confirm that it is covered by your insurance plan.
Some of the well-known private healthcare groups include Quirónsalud, HM Hospitales, Vithas, and Sanitas. For example, the Hospital Universitario Quirónsalud Madrid in Madrid and the Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona are very famous private hospitals. You can choose a hospital from the list of providers covered by your insurance company. I hope this guide is helpful, and feel free to add your own recommendations and share your healthcare experiences!
