How to Register with a Doctor in Spain

Why Registering with a Doctor in Spain Matters

If you're relocating to Spain, one of the first practical steps to take is registering with a local doctor. This allows you to access general medical care, prescriptions, and referrals. Whether you're moving as a retiree, professional, or with family, it’s a key part of settling in.

Public and Private Healthcare Options

Spain offers both public and private healthcare systems. Public healthcare is funded through social security contributions, while private options are often used to avoid waiting times and access English-speaking doctors. Many newcomers begin with private cover, especially while formal residency or employment paperwork is being finalised. To understand how the public system works, see our guide on Spain’s healthcare system for expats.

Who Is Eligible to Register with a Public Doctor?

You can register for public healthcare in Spain if you meet one of the following:

• You are employed or self-employed in Spain and contribute to social security
• You receive a state pension from another EU country and hold an S1 form
• You are a legal resident and qualify through regional agreements or special payment schemes (convenio especial)

Steps to Register with a Public GP

Registering with a public GP (médico de cabecera) typically involves:

1. Going to your local public health centre (centro de salud)
2. Bringing key documents: passport, NIE, residency certificate (TIE or green certificate), and empadronamiento
3. Showing proof of social security registration or an S1 form if applicable
4. Being assigned a doctor based on your registered address
5. Receiving your SIP card for accessing services

What Is the SIP Card?

The SIP card is your access key to Spain’s public health system. Once you’re registered, it enables you to book appointments, collect prescriptions, and visit hospitals. Some regions issue the card on the spot; others post it within a few days.

Choosing or Changing Your GP

You're usually assigned a doctor based on location, but you may request a change if needed. This can be done directly at your health centre. It's also possible to change centres when you move home.

When Public Healthcare Isn’t an Option

Many expats arrive before becoming eligible for public healthcare. In these cases, private health insurance fills the gap. With a plan like Sanitas Más Salud Family, you can access immediate GP care, often in English, with no waiting period for general services.

How to Use a Private Doctor

If you have private cover:

1. Use your insurer’s app or website to find a clinic or doctor
2. Book directly — no SIP card or referrals required
3. Attend your appointment with your digital or physical membership card

Combining Public and Private Healthcare

Many expats use both systems. Public care covers general services and emergencies, while private plans provide faster access to specialists and diagnostics. It's common to maintain private coverage even after gaining eligibility for public care.

English-Speaking Doctors

Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia often have English-speaking doctors, particularly in private clinics. In rural areas, this is less common. Choosing a provider that guarantees English-speaking care can be vital for new residents.

Cost of Seeing a Doctor

Visits to public doctors are free at the point of use for eligible residents. Private visits, if uninsured, typically range from €30 to €90. With insurance, most routine care is fully covered or includes a small co-payment depending on your plan.

Documents Required to Register with a Doctor

• Passport
• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) – learn more in our article on how to get your NIE
• Residency certificate or card
• Certificate of registration with your local town hall (empadronamiento) – see our guide What is empadronamiento?
• Proof of social security or S1 form

Empadronamiento Is Essential

You’ll need to be registered with your local town hall before applying for a SIP card or doctor registration. This certificate confirms your address and is required for many public services in Spain. If you’re unsure how to do this, see our step-by-step guide to registering on the padrón.

Making Appointments

Public health centres require appointments, which can be booked in person, by phone, or online (if you already hold a SIP card). Private clinics generally offer easier same-day access, especially for general consultations.

Registering Children

Children need to be registered just like adults, with the addition of birth certificates and possibly vaccination records. They are usually assigned a pediatrician rather than a general doctor. Families relocating may also want to explore how this relates to medical visas for Spain.

What If You’re Not a Resident?

Tourists and short-term visitors generally cannot register with a public doctor. In such cases, travel insurance or a private policy is required. For a closer look at what happens if you fall ill during a visit, see our post on getting sick in Spain without travel insurance.

What About Mental Health or Specialist Services?

Once registered with a GP, you can be referred to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist for more specific care. If you're new to the country and looking for direct help, here’s how to access mental health services as an expat.

Final Thoughts

Registering with a doctor in Spain is an essential step to accessing healthcare, but the process depends on your residency status and documentation. For those who aren’t immediately eligible for public services, private insurance provides a flexible and reliable alternative — with faster access and English-speaking support.

Need faster access to doctors in Spain? While public registration is essential, many expats choose Sanitas private health insurance in Spain for quicker appointments, English-speaking specialists, and wider choice of clinics. Our quick guide shows you all the options in one place.