Healthcare in Madrid: Local Context

Public healthcare access depends on your status. If you're employed or self-employed (autónomo) and paying into social security, you're covered. If you're on certain visas, you may need private insurance initially. Retired EU citizens can use the S1 form. The rules vary—check your specific situation before assuming coverage.

Registration happens at your assigned Centro de Salud based on your empadronamiento address. You'll need your NIE, empadronamiento certificate, and proof of social security affiliation or private insurance. The center assigns you a primary care doctor (médico de cabecera) who becomes your first point of contact.

Madrid's health centers handle high volume. Central districts like Centro, Salamanca, and Chamberí have significant demand. Appointment waits vary—routine visits typically take a few days to a week. Specialist referrals can take weeks to months. Outer districts often have shorter waits.

Private healthcare is extensive in Madrid. Sanitas, Adeslas, ASISA, Cigna, and international providers all operate here. The capital has numerous private hospitals including HM Hospitales, Quirónsalud, and Ruber Internacional. Private insurance costs roughly €50–150 per month depending on age and coverage.

Your Centro de Salud is determined by your registered address. Madrid has health centers across all districts—Malasaña, Lavapiés, Retiro, and every neighborhood has one or more. You cannot choose freely; you go to the one assigned to your zone.

Registration requires visiting your Centro de Salud in person with documents. Many centers allow appointment booking through the SERMAS website or app. Once registered, you receive a Tarjeta Sanitaria (health card) that you'll use for all public healthcare in the Madrid region.

Madrid's size means more healthcare options than anywhere else in Spain. You'll find specialists in every field, multiple hospital choices, and extensive private clinic networks. This abundance can be useful but also overwhelming when you're new.

The capital also attracts medical tourism and has clinics specifically serving international patients. English-speaking doctors are more available here than in smaller cities, particularly in private practices around Salamanca and Chamberí districts.