I was recently chatting with a few friends about seeing a doctor in Spain, and it feels like a lot has changed in recent years, especially after the pandemic. I’ve been to the hospital a few times myself, run into some issues, and learned a few things. So, I decided to put it all together to share, hoping it can help everyone. The information in this post is based on my personal experiences and those of my friends, so it’s definitely not exhaustive. Please feel free to add your own experiences and discuss!
Public Hospitals
Let’s start with the public system, which most people use. The biggest takeaway is that waiting time remains a major issue. Seeing a GP (family doctor) is still manageable; you can usually book an appointment a few days in advance via an app. However, if your GP refers you to a specialist, the waiting time becomes unpredictable. For specialties like dermatology or ophthalmology, waiting three to five months is considered normal, and over half a year isn’t unheard of. For the emergency room (urgencias), unless it’s a life-threatening situation, be prepared to wait for 4-6 hours. But to be honest, the quality of doctors and equipment in public hospitals is still top-notch. As long as you can endure the wait, you will receive all the necessary treatment.
Private Hospitals
If you have private health insurance, your experience will be much better. The biggest advantage is that it’s fast! You can usually get an appointment with a specialist within a week, and there are no long queues for tests like ultrasounds or MRIs. I feel like more and more friends around me are buying private insurance these years, probably because they’re fed up with the public system’s waiting times. However, private healthcare isn’t a cure-all. For some particularly complex conditions or major surgeries, they might still recommend you transfer to a large public hospital, as they have more centralized resources. Also, when buying insurance, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, especially the rules regarding copago (co-payment) and carencia (waiting period), or you might be in for a surprise when you file a claim. The growth in this sector is also reflected in the job market, with an increase in Spanish hospital job openings.
Some Medical Tips and Hospital Information
Whether you go public or private, a few things are always true. First, language is very important. Although large hospitals may offer translation services, it’s best if you can speak some Spanish yourself or bring a Spanish-speaking friend. Second, always bring all your documents: medical records, insurance card, and ID/residency card. Below is a list of some well-known hospitals in Madrid and Barcelona that I’ve compiled based on my and my friends’ experiences, just for your reference—this is definitely not an advertisement!
| City | Hospital Name | Type | Features |
|---|
| Madrid | Hospital Universitario La Paz | Public | Strong overall, especially renowned for pediatrics and transplants |
| Madrid | Hospital Ruber Internacional | Private | Modern facilities, excellent service, a popular choice for celebrities, especially for obstetrics and gynecology |
| Barcelona | Hospital Clínic de Barcelona | Public | Strong in research, with extensive experience in treating complex and rare diseases |
| Barcelona | Centro Médico Teknon | Private | Highly international, offers a great patient experience, and has well-balanced departments |
Finally, I’d like to say that although the Spanish healthcare system has its share of frustrations, like being painfully slow, it is generally quite reliable. Take care of yourselves, and of course, it’s best if you don’t have to visit a hospital at all! I also hope everyone can share their experiences with healthcare in other cities, like Valencia or Seville, to help more people!
