Health is an aspect that concerns us all, especially when we move to live in another country. What will public health be like there? Do I have the right to medical attention or should I take out private insurance? These are some doubts that assail us. In this article we explain how public health works in Andalucía, who is entitled to it and the services and medical coverage it offers.
The public health system in Spain, and by extension that of Andalucía, is among the best in the world for its coverage, cost and quality. The competences in matters of public health in Spain are transferred to the autonomous communities. In Andalucía, the Andalusian Health Service (SAS) is the body in charge of managing it autonomously in accordance with Andalusian and national laws.
Health care for non-resident citizens can be private or public, but it is nevertheless important to emphasize that expatriates do not have immediate access to the public health system. For this reason, it is important to take out temporary travel medical insurance that can be canceled when the local insurance takes effect.
What is public health like?
Spanish healthcare is implemented throughout the country, is public, free and is enjoyed by all Spanish residents. People who work pay monthly social security contributions to maintain the public health system. These contributions are what guarantee access to free health care, which covers almost everything (only a percentage of some prescriptions, orthopedic, prosthetic and nutritional products are paid).
Spouses and children also benefit from this health coverage.
Who has the right to public health in Andalucía?
The Andalusian Health Law provides that the following people have the right to health benefits and services, both individually and collectively:
- Spanish nationals and foreigners residing in any municipality in Andalucía.
- Spanish nationals and foreigners not resident in Andalucía who have established their residence in the national territory of Spain, with the scope determined by current legislation.
- Nationals of Member States of the European Union have the rights that result from the application of European Community law and of the treaties and conventions that are signed by the Spanish State and are applicable to them.
- Nationals of States not belonging to the European Union have the rights recognized by the Laws, Treaties and Agreements, signed by the Spanish State.
- Likewise, vital emergency benefits are guaranteed to all people in Andalusia.
How do you access the Andalusian Public Health System?
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