Regional differences in public healthcare

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain.

Start with "How Spain's regional health systems differ". It explains what regions control and which details vary. After that, pick what fits your situation:

• "Should healthcare access affect which region you choose?" compares regions on waits, free choice of doctor, digital tools and rural access.
• "How to find your own region's healthcare rules and forms" shows you where to find your regional health portal, your local health centre and your area's information.
• "Moving to another Spanish region: what happens to your healthcare" helps you register in the new region and close the old one without a gap.
• "Does your Spanish health card work outside your home region?" covers care while you travel or stay somewhere else for a while.

Key rules

• Order of moving: Register on the padrón at your new address first, then apply for the health card in the new region.
• Card across Spain: Your regional health card is valid in every region, so you get primary, urgent and hospital care anywhere in Spain by showing it.
• Waiting list: A place on a waiting list does not transfer to a new region, so your new GP has to refer you again and the wait starts over.
• Your region: You are covered by the health service of the region where you habitually live.
• Entitlement: The legal right to public healthcare is the same in every region; service and waits are what differ.
• Tie-breaker: Healthcare should usually settle a close choice, not override housing cost, work, climate or your residency route.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your ID or NIE — How Spain's regional health systems differ, How to find your own region's healthcare rules and forms
• A padrón certificate from your town hall — How Spain's regional health systems differ, How to find your own region's healthcare rules and forms
• Photo ID — Moving to another Spanish region: what happens to your healthcare
• A recent padrón certificate for your new address — Moving to another Spanish region: what happens to your healthcare

Other documents

• Proof that you are entitled to the national health system — How Spain's regional health systems differ
• Proof that you are entitled to public healthcare — How to find your own region's healthcare rules and forms
• Original documents for the in-person check — How to find your own region's healthcare rules and forms
• Your old health card — Moving to another Spanish region: what happens to your healthcare

Regional differences in public healthcare: questions that cross several articles

Do I need to be on the padrón to get a health card?

In most regions, yes, because your health card follows the region where you live, and the padrón (the municipal register) is the usual proof. Some regions accept other proof of residence, so ask your local health centre. Read "How to find your own region's healthcare rules and forms" to locate the right office.

Which documents do I usually need for a health card in a new region?

You usually need your ID (DNI, NIE or passport), a recent padrón certificate for the new address and proof that you are entitled to public care, such as your social security number. Some regions also ask for your old health card, a photo or a form. Read "Moving to another Spanish region: what happens to your healthcare" for the order of steps.

Do I have to cancel my old region's health card myself?

Usually no, because your registration moves when the new region registers you in the national health card database. Some regions ask you to hand in or destroy the old card, so check with your old health centre. Until the new card arrives, you can normally keep using the old one, as explained in "Moving to another Spanish region: what happens to your healthcare".

Which phone numbers should I use for health problems in Spain?

For an emergency, call 112, the free number across Spain. Many regions also have their own health line, such as 061 in several of them, and appointment lines are usually printed on your health card or the regional portal. Read "How to find your own region's healthcare rules and forms" and "Does your Spanish health card work outside your home region?".

Can I get care in Spain if I do not have legal residence?

Yes, people without legal residence can get care under regional or national rules for those in an irregular situation, but the details differ by region. Ask your local health centre what proof it wants. Read "How Spain's regional health systems differ" to see what varies between regions.