Health system
The Spanish National Healthcare System ("Instituto Nacional de la Salud") guarantees universal coverage and free healthcare access to all Spanish nationals, regardless of economic situation or participation in the social security network.
Emergency treatment is guaranteed for everyone and is provided in hospitals and some health centres. Care at private centres will always be charged. Medical care for illness or accident is free to citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein as long as they have a European Health Card (EHIC) and the reason for the trip is not to seek specific medical treatment. If you forget your EHIC, you will have to pay all the costs and request reimbursement back in your country. If you require scheduled medical treatment, this must be authorised by the competent institution in your country of origin via form S2. In all cases, dental treatment (with the exception of extractions) are excluded, and repatriation in the case of illness.