How does healthcare work for expats in Spain?

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Spain has an excellent public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) ranked among the best in the world. Access depends on your status: EU citizens with an EHIC/GHIC card can access emergency care, and those registered as residents can access the full public system. Non-EU residents need private health insurance until they gain access to public healthcare through employment or social security contributions. Retired EU citizens can use the S1 form from their home country to access Spanish public healthcare. Private health insurance is popular among expats — premiums range from €50-€200/month depending on age and coverage, providing access to English-speaking doctors and shorter waiting times. The Costa Blanca has excellent healthcare infrastructure: Torrevieja University Hospital, Alicante General Hospital, and numerous private clinics. Many doctors speak English and other European languages. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widespread and many medications available without prescription that would require one in other countries. WOW-Estates recommends arranging health insurance as part of your relocation plan.