Health System

The Spanish state covers the health needs of all of its citizens through the National Health System, which is financed through taxation. The National Health System is structured in a network of health services that operate at the level of each autonomous community. In Catalonia, this service is known as the Catalan Health Service or CATSALUT

The Catalan Health System

CatSalut, the Catalan Health Service, provides public health care for all citizens of Catalonia. The Catalan health system is publicly financed and provides universal coverage: all citizens of Catalonia have access to the system.

Visitors from abroad, depending on their country of origin, will need to undergo certain procedures in order to obtain access to public healthcare. Follow the links below for specific information according to your circumstances:

Foreign nationals of a country in the European Union staying temporarily in Catalonia (less than three months).

Foreign nationals of a country in the European Union residing in Catalonia.

Foreign nationals from non-EU countries who plan to establish residence in Catalonia.

 

As an alternative to the public heathcare system, foreign nationals can take out a private healthcare policy. Users who are not covered by the public system have two alternatives:

To take out a policy with a private provider of medical care, which involves paying a monthly premium. Users may choose from a range of different kinds of policies, some covering practically all health services, others only outpatient services and hospitalisation.

To use services or private care only as required and pay the corresponding charges.

Emergencies___________________________________________________________________

061 Medical Emergencies

Throughout Catalonia, the number to call in the event of a medical emergency is 061. This service operates in coordination with hospital emergency departments and primary care centres. Emergency centres operate 24 hours a day, and specialised medical teams are available to respond to emergencies occurring in the home or in public places.

The 061 emergency centre sets in motion the most appropriate response in each case, using either an ambulance or a doctor who makes a house call. Users can also use this number to obtain medical advice by phone when it is not necessary to see a doctor in person.

Updated July 2008