The Spanish Healthcare System for Expats
Spain’s healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) ranks among Europe’s best. As an expat in Mallorca, you can benefit from high-quality medical care – provided you understand the system and know how to access it.
Public vs. Private – Which System Suits You?
Spain operates both a public and private healthcare system. The public system is free for all residents contributing to Social Security (Seguridad Social). Private health insurance offers shorter waiting times and greater choice of doctors.
Public System (Seguridad Social)
Employees and self-employed workers (autónomos) are automatically covered through the Seguridad Social. EU retirees can transfer their European health insurance. The public system covers GPs (médico de cabecera), specialists, hospitals and emergency departments.
Private System
Around 25% of the Balearic population also use private health insurance. Well-known providers in Mallorca include Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa and DKV. Private insurance costs between 50 and 200 euros per month depending on age and coverage level.
Tarjeta Sanitaria – Your Health Card
The Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI) is your access card to the public healthcare system. You receive it after registering with Social Security at your local Centro de Salud. Required documents: NIE, Empadronamiento, Social Security number and a passport photo.
Centro de Salud – Your Health Centre
The Centro de Salud is your first point of contact for health concerns. You will be assigned a GP who can issue referrals to specialists if needed. Appointments can be made by phone, online through IB-Salut or via the app.
Emergency Services
In an emergency, the Urgencias (A&E) at any hospital is open to everyone – no appointment needed and regardless of insurance status. The European emergency number 112 works in Mallorca. For non-life-threatening cases, there are PAC centres (emergency care points).
Medication and Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Farmacias) are well distributed across Mallorca and recognisable by the green cross. With the Tarjeta Sanitaria, employees pay 40% of medication costs, retirees 10%. At night and weekends, a duty pharmacy (Farmacia de Guardia) is always open.
Tips for Expats
Before moving, request the S1 form (for retirees) or S1/E106 (for posted workers) from your home country’s health insurer. This allows seamless registration in the Spanish system. Additional private insurance is particularly recommended for self-employed workers and non-employed residents.
Further reading: Health Insurance Mallorca | English-Speaking Doctors | Hospitals Mallorca | Dentist Mallorca
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