Healthcare in Gibraltar

You will enjoy high standards when it comes to healthcare in Gibraltar. Many of the doctors and nurses have trained abroad (often in the UK) and hospitals are equipped with the latest facilities and equipment.

It’s not always practical for medical specialists to be employed full-time in Gibraltar, but they are flown in from the UK on a rotating schedule. Patients may also be referred out to the UK or a nearby Spanish hospital if their healthcare needs can’t be met locally. Note that reciprocal healthcare arrangements with Spain ended in 2022, so referrals to Spanish hospitals may involve additional costs.

Public healthcare in Gibraltar

The government-funded Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) manages the territory’s healthcare facilities and services, which are closely modelled after those of the NHS in the UK. There are three main public facilities managed by the GHA that provide primary, secondary, and mental health care.

If you’re employed in Gibraltar, you make compulsory contributions to social services. This entitles you to the use of public healthcare. To sign up, you must show proof of identity and will have to prove that your social security contributions are up to date. This is done by providing the GHA with your tax number or obtaining a letter from the Contributions Unit confirming payment. Note that post-Brexit, access requirements may be different for EU citizens, and some may need to rely on private insurance instead.

Useful links

• GHA Website 

Private healthcare in Gibraltar

Despite Gibraltar’s small size, there are several private options available for those who aren’t entitled to free healthcare at public facilities. Non-British residents typically need to obtain private medical insurance, as access to GHA services may be more restricted post-Brexit. You should take out private medical insurance to cover the cost of using private clinics and doctors.

Pharmacies in Gibraltar

Normal pharmacy hours are from 9am to 6pm or 7pm during the week and from 9am to about 1pm on Saturdays. However, there is always a pharmacy available after hours, on weekends and on public holidays. Duty pharmacies are open from 7pm to 9pm on weekdays and from 11am to 1pm and 6pm to 8pm on weekends and public holidays.

The various pharmacies in Gibraltar work on a rotating duty roster to determine which pharmacy stays open. All pharmacies are obligated to have a notice in their window indicating the current duty pharmacy. It’s also possible to download a copy of the duty roster from the GHA website.

Emergency services in Gibraltar

The Gibraltar Ambulance Service can be reached by dialling 999. Paramedics are highly trained in patient assessment and can carry out basic, intermediate or advanced life support as necessary. These ambulances will often take patients over the border into Spain for treatment, although less complex cases may be treated locally in Gibraltar instead.