Despite the European Union’s best efforts to harmonise social security and health insurance provisions across member states, the Spanish system still has a few specific quirks you should know about. This article gives a brief overview of health insurance in Barcelona and the practical details you’ll need to register.<\/p>\n
\nTo be covered by Spanish social security, you need to fulfil two conditions:\n<\/p>\n
\nYou’ll still be able to access free care, without being registered, in the following cases:\n<\/p>\n
\nSpanish social security registration goes beyond your period of contributions and extends to certain other beneficiaries.<\/p>\n
Your dependents may also benefit from social security coverage, and may include:\n<\/p>\n
\nYou’ll be able to choose your GP, pediatrician or dentist from those within your zone of residence, following the official map. In this case, consultations are free. Each doctor has a maximum patient quota which they must not exceed.<\/p>\n
With the exception of pediatricians and dentists, you’ll need a written referral from your GP in order to consult a specialist. Dental care coverage is also fairly minimal.<\/p>\n
Certain drugs are reimbursed (between 40 and 90%, depending on your income); these must be prescribed by a GP or specialist doctor. Things such as food supplements, however, will not be reimbursed, even if they’re presecribed by a nutritionist.\n<\/p>\n
\nTo be entitled to sick pay, you must have made social security contributions for at least 180 days <\/strong>in the 5-year period preceding your illness (except in cases of accidents at work).<\/p>\n Sick pay is paid from the 4th day of absence from work, and may continue for up to 365 days. If full recovery is expected in the 180 days following this period, the duration may be extended by a further six months. After this point, if you’re still not better, you may be deemed unfit to work (giving you permanent incapacity benefit).\n<\/p>\n \nSpanish health insurance covers medical care throughout pregnancy and assistance during and after the birth. Maternity leave is paid at the same rate as your salary during the last month before maternity leave (except in cases of multiple births or simultaneous adoption of more than one minor, in which case you’ll get more).<\/p>\n Maternity pay is granted for 16 consecutive weeks<\/strong>. It may be extended in the case of multiple births, or if your baby is sick or disabled.<\/p>\n The 16 weeks of leave may be freely shared with the child’s father, if he works. However, the mother must take at least 6 weeks of leave following the birth.\n<\/p>\n \nSocial security contributions can go up to just under 30% of your salary, if you’re an employee. The employer pays the largest part.<\/p>\n Freelance workers have to pay through the nose, with obligatory contributions each month, even with zero earnings.\n<\/p>\n \nWhether you’re an employee or a freelancer, you’ll need to get a social security number before you can sign your first contract or register as self-employed.<\/p>\n To do this, simply visit one of the social security offices in Barcelona. A full list of sites is available here<\/a>. There’s no need to book agead – just turn up during opening hours.<\/p>\n Once you’re there, you’ll need to fill in a form and take it up to the window with your NIE<\/a> (original and photocopy) and your passport or national ID card (original and photocopy). You will then be given a document with your official registration number. This is one of the simplest administrative tasks you’ll need to carry out on arriving in Barcelona!\n<\/p>\n \nYour social security number doesn’t automatically give you access to healthcare. Once you have one, you’ll need to go to the Primary Care Centre nearest to your address to register. To find your nearest centre, enter your address into the search engine here<\/a>.<\/p>\nMaternity\/paternity<\/h3>\n
Contributions<\/h3>\n
Registering for social security<\/h2>\n
Getting a social security number<\/h3>\n
Obtaining the Tarjeta Sanitaria (health insurance card)<\/h3>\n