Spain’s private health insurance sector is thriving amid the declining state of public healthcare since the pandemic. The prices of private health insurance policies rose by 9.5% in the first half of 2024, nearly double the rate of 2020.
The revenue in the private healthcare sector increased by 7.16% in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, totaling €3.18 billion, according to the Union of Spanish Insurance and Reinsurance Companies (Unespa).
The number of Spaniards opting for private health insurance continues to rise. In 2023, 12.4 million people, or 26% of the total population, had such policies, a 4% increase from 2022. This growth is largely driven by companies offering these insurances as a perk to attract and retain talent.
Decline in public healthcare
The deterioration of public healthcare since the pandemic is a significant factor in the increase of private insurance. Two out of three people believe public healthcare functions worse than before COVID-19, according to SATSE research. Lengthening waitlists for treatments and a shortage of medical professionals are pushing more people towards private insurance if they can afford it.
‘Dangerous trend’
Marciano Sánchez Bayle, President of the Federation for the Defense of Public Health (FADSP), warns that the rise in private insurance is a dangerous trend. “We are all financing private healthcare while watching the public system crumble,” he says. He calls for urgent measures to save public healthcare and ensure everyone has access to medical care.
International comparison
Compared to other European countries, the costs for private health insurance in Spain are still relatively lower. However, the growing dependence on private healthcare amidst the declining public system poses a significant concern for the future of healthcare accessibility in Spain.
Spain is a popular destination for Brits, with over 284,000 UK citizens living there in 2023. While Spain’s public healthcare system is highly rated, some expats opt for private health insurance. Private hospitals offer faster access to services and specialists, making them appealing. Approximately one in four Spaniards have private cover, with costs ranging from €50 to €200 per month. If you’ve lived in Spain for less than a year and can’t get healthcare cover, consider purchasing private insurance.
Requirements to access public health care in Spain
To access public healthcare in Spain, residents must meet specific criteria. They need to live in Spain, work and pay taxes there. Special cases include children, pregnant women, state prisoners, and students under 26, who can all receive free medical care. Registration with the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) and obtaining a public health card (tarjeta sanitaria individual) are essential for accessing healthcare services.
Also read: Two million operations not performed in Spain due to long waiting lists