You’ll find that the healthcare system in Madrid constitutes numerous excellent public facilities and a diverse private sector. As is the case with all other regions in Spain, the national government provides basic coordination and legislation, and the regional administration is in charge of managing and planning public healthcare.

During a short-term visit, EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare here. UK citizens can make use of their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit.

Expats moving to Madrid permanently can access free healthcare once they begin to pay into social security. This is a facility that can only be arranged by those with residence permits who have obtained an Empadronamiento, an NIE number and a health card. If you’re working, this payment is usually arranged through your employer as an automatic deduction from your salary. If you’re self-employed, you’ll have to pay into social security yourself to begin receiving free healthcare.

There is an impressive range of public hospitals and an extensive network of healthcare centres and pharmacies in Madrid, but many people prefer to use private healthcare. This sector eliminates the long queues that often plague the public system and provides you with more choice when it comes to specialists and practitioners. You’ll want to have comprehensive private insurance to take full advantage of these facilities.

Healthcare and Health Insurance for Expats in Spain
Visas and Residency in Spain

Read more about healthcare and health insurance for people in Spain.

Hospitals in Madrid

healthcare professionals in a hospital corridor

Hospital Ruber Internacional

Website: www.quironsalud.com/ruber-internacional/en 
Address: Calle de La Masó 38, 28034

HLA Moncloa University Hospital

Website: www.grupohla.com/hlahospitalmoncloa 
Address: Avenida de Valladolid 83, 28008

Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz

Website: www.fjd.es/en 
Address: Avenida de los Reyes Católicos 2, 28040

Central Hospital of the Red Cross San José and Santa Adela

Website: www.comunidad.madrid/hospital/cruzroja 
Address: Avenida de la Reina Victoria 22-26, 28003

Angloamericana Medical Unit

Website: www.unidadmedica.com 
Address: Calle del Conde de Aranda 1, 28001

What do expats say about Madrid's healthcare system?

"My experiences with the public healthcare system have been about the same as back home (both good and bad, so 4 out of 5 compared to the US) but the services are all paid for through universal healthcare, so you only ever have to pay for medical prescriptions."

Find out more in our expat interview about Madrid with Canadian expat Mimi.

Further reading

►Healthcare in Spain gives in-depth information on the country's medical services

►Getting Around in Madrid gives an overview of transport in the city

Are you an expat living in Madrid?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Madrid. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.