Health and healthcare for foreigners in Spain
Access to public healthcare (SNS) as a foreigner, even without legal residence, pharmacy co-payment and benefits for children (glasses, hearing aids, dental care).
- Hearing aids for minors: SNS orthoprosthetic benefit (RD 1030/2006 anexo VI, RD 1506/2012) Spain's SNS funds hearing aids for minors with hearing loss under the orthoprosthetic benefit, with age cover progressively extended to 26. Managed by each region.
- Real Decreto-ley 11/2026 — pharmaceutical co-payment (copago, contribution by income bracket) How much you pay for SNS prescription drugs in 2026: 40-60% by income for active workers, 10% for pensioners with caps. Exempt groups (minimum income, unemployed without benefit).
- Voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVE): access in the SNS for everyone in Spain (Ley Orgánica 2/2010, reformed by Ley Orgánica 1/2023) Abortion (IVE) is free in the public health system up to 14 weeks on request, for everyone in Spain regardless of nationality or legal residence status.
- Real Decreto 902/2025 — Plan VEO (aid for glasses and contact lenses for minors under 16) Plan VEO: Spanish government direct grant of up to €100/year for glasses, prescription lenses or contact lenses for minors under 16 with public healthcare coverage. Valid until 31.12.2026.
- Real Decreto 180/2026 — access to public healthcare for foreign nationals without legal residence RD 180/2026 grants full public healthcare (SNS) access to foreign nationals without legal residence, asylum seekers and protected groups, by proving habitual residence. Provisional document issued immediately.
- Orden SND/606/2024 — expansion of the common dental care package (children's dental care 0-14 years) Spain's public health system expands free dental care for children aged 0-14: check-ups, fluoride, sealants, fillings for caries or trauma. Managed by each region.
- Private health insurance for foreigners in Spain: when you need it (visas) and what it covers Public healthcare vs private insurance: when health insurance is mandatory for foreigners (non-lucrative residence, students), what it covers (network, copay, waiting periods) and how to get it.
General information, not individual legal advice. Check the official source and consult a professional for your case.