- Download our Moving to Madrid Guide (PDF)
- Download our Madrid Schools Guide
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

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.
Expat Health Insurance
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Cigna Global Health Insurance
Moving your family abroad is an exciting time, but for peace of mind you should make sure you get health insurance for you and your family. Cigna gives you access to the best health professionals in your destination, and has a Multilingual Customer Care team that you can call 24/7.
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