Health cover for temporary visitors in Spain (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The EHIC covers public, state-provided healthcare only. Private providers, repatriation and planned treatment are not covered.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Health cards acceptedUnplanned care during a temporary visit | EHIC, GHIC [1] |
| What the card coversUnplanned care during a temporary visit | Public (state-provided) healthcare only, free of charge at the point of use. Prescribed medicines cost 50% of the price (10% for pensioners from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland). [2] |
| Private care coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit | No [2] |
| Repatriation coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit | No [3] |
| Planned treatment coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visit | No [3] |
| Body to contactUnplanned care during a temporary visit | The Ministerio de Sanidad, whose website lists public health centres and hospitals that accept the EHIC. [2] |
Notes
- GOV.UK says UK visitors should carry a GHIC or EHIC and that EHICs continue to be accepted. The Commission country page covers the EHIC.
- Healthcare is organised by autonomous community, so check with the public health service of the region of stay.
- Private healthcare is not subsidised and must be paid in full.
- The EU pages state this for the EHIC in general: the card does not cover rescue or repatriation.
- The Commission page lists the Ministry of Health as a contact point; it does not name a body that handles visitors' claims.
Sources
- GOV.UK (UK Government): Healthcare for UK nationals visiting Spain (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- European Commission (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion): Spain - European Health Insurance Card (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- European Union (Your Europe): Health cover for temporary stays (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.