Panel Counts

SPAIN

Spain enjoys a universal health care system for all citizens and, under certain conditions, also non-citizens. The system is essentially free except for small copayments in some products and services. Specialist care is provided in specialist care centers and hospitals in the form of outpatient and inpatient care. Patients having received specialist care and treatment are referred back to their primary healthcare doctor, who assumes responsibility for any necessary follow-up treatment and care. Private healthcare insurance for treatment at private hospitals and clinics is not widespread, and mainly used to avoid the sometimes long waiting lists to see specialist doctors in the public healthcare system. The Spanish healthcare system is principally funded through taxation. The central government provides financial support to each region based on population and demographic criteria. The National Health System has 2,914 health centers and 10,202 local clinics providing basic healthcare services to the local population.