As with the healthcare system throughout Europe, Spain’s healthcare is public, free and/or low cost if you are registered on the National System.  If you do not qualify for Spain’s health system, then you must obtain private health insurance in order to obtain legal residency.  People who are qualified also opt to carry additional insurance, guaranteeing them less of a wait to see a doctor.

Emergencies are treated regardless of your ability to pay.  In a non-emergency, you must show proof of ability to pay before services will be rendered.  Credit cards are accepted.

Spanish doctors are well-trained in Spain and throughout Europe and North America.  Many speak English. 

If you see a building with a white cross at the top, it is a hospital.  If a green cross is lit, that means the pharmacy it represents is open.  There are 24-hour pharmacies in many cities.  Drugs, including antibiotics can be obtained without a prescription in many cases.