Spain in Moscow? (Part 1)
What do you need to know about the Spanish healthcare system when applying for a visa at the Spanish Embassy in Moscow? (Part 1)
The Spanish healthcare system is considered one of the best not only in Europe but also in the world today. And all potential immigrants who have submitted documents to the Spanish Embassy in Moscow and are waiting for a long-term visa know this. What should you keep in mind in order to take advantage of all the benefits of Spanish medicine while paying a minimal amount of money for it?
Those who live and work in Spain can access free healthcare services. They are, of course, conditionally free: funds for these purposes are partially allocated by the social insurance system, contributions to which are automatically paid by all officially employed residents of the country. Spain spends up to 10% of its GDP on healthcare, and currently the kingdom ranks sixth in Europe in terms of the number of doctors per 1,000 people. Considering that in terms of life expectancy, Spanish women are second only to Japanese women, we can conclude that the country is pursuing the right policy in this direction.
The Spanish healthcare system includes public and private healthcare services. Interestingly, some hospitals and health centers offer both types of services. You do not need to purchase private insurance to receive healthcare in Spain. However, it is worth considering that having such insurance allows you to receive assistance in treating conditions that do not require urgent medical intervention much faster.
Public health services in Spain are free for residents who officially reside and work in the country. They can benefit from these services if they:
- are residents of Spain, work in the country and contribute to the social security system;
- are residents and receive certain benefits from the state;
- are residents and have recently divorced their partner who is registered with the Social Security system;
- are residents and children of Spain;
- are residents and pregnant women;
- are studying in Spain and are under 26 years of age;
- are state pensioners.
Immigrants who are not entitled to free health care can buy private health insurance. For those who have been living in Spain for a year, the government offers the possibility of participating in the state insurance system “convenio especial”. This requires the payment of monthly contributions.
Since the Spanish healthcare system is decentralized, the specific conditions for providing medical care are determined by the regions. More detailed information can be found on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Health.
Spanish residents who do not pay social security contributions can either pay for treatment in full or purchase private insurance.
To obtain a social security number, you must contact the Dirección General de la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social, a government agency that has offices in all localities. To obtain a number, you must provide a passport or other identification document, as well as a residence certificate, and fill out a questionnaire. You must also have a residence permit. After completing these procedures, you will receive a social security number and a document confirming your right to medical care. With the received certificate, passport and foreigner identification number, you must go to the medical institution where you live. There you will be issued a medical card tarjeta sanitaria individual, or TSI, as well as a SIP card. Every time you visit a doctor and buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy, you must present the SIP card.
