Health
Public Health System
In Andalusia, the public health system guarantees universal care for all citizens and has an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally. If you need medical attention, you can start by visiting a local ambulatory or primary care center (CAP), which is the first point of contact for free medical services. These centers handle common health issues, provide diagnoses, and offer social assistance.
For more serious health concerns, hospitals are equipped to provide specialized treatment and perform surgeries. In Málaga, there are numerous health centers located throughout the city and province, and patients are assigned to the health center nearest their residence. When you register, you will be assigned a general practitioner or family doctor, and if you have children, they will be assigned a pediatrician.
To register with the Andalusian Health Service (SAS), you need to be registered in the local census (Padrón de Habitantes), as this will determine which health center you are assigned to. If you are not working or contributing to Social Security, you will need to follow a procedure to obtain the right to health care. See the related procedures for more details.
Once registered, you will receive your individual health card (TSI), which grants you access to public health centers and services. This card is personal, and each family member must have their own, regardless of age. If you are not registered with Social Security, you will need private health insurance to cover you while living in Spain.
For more information, you can visit the following website:
See also the following related procedures:
Health Emergencies
Medical emergencies are handled at both health centers and hospitals. During regular business hours, most emergencies are dealt with at health centers. Outside these hours, you can visit primary care emergency centers, which are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. These centers collaborate with hospital emergency services and the Medical Emergency System (SEM).
You can also call 061 (Salud Responde), a service available throughout Andalusia 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is recommended to call before visiting an emergency center to avoid long waiting times. This service is staffed by doctors, nurses, and specialists experienced in telephone assistance, with access to translation and interpretation services.
Hospitals
Málaga has several public and private hospitals. Among the main public hospitals are Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, and Hospital Civil. These hospitals offer emergency services and specialized treatments, staffed by some of the best medical professionals in the country and equipped with advanced medical technology.
Private Medical Insurance
Private medical insurance in Málaga offers several advantages that fit well into a dynamic lifestyle. One of the main benefits is quick access to specialists and a wide range of health professionals, allowing you to get appointments with significantly reduced waiting times.
In addition, private health insurance typically provides a network of high-quality hospitals, clinics, and laboratories equipped with advanced technology and highly qualified medical staff. This ensures excellent medical care and access to services that may not be covered by the public health system.
Another significant advantage is the flexibility in choosing medical professionals and facilities. Most insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for consultations with specialists outside their network, giving you more freedom to select the professional that best suits your needs.
Pharmacies
The city of Málaga has a wide network of pharmacies to meet all your health needs. Whether you are working or exploring, you will always find a pharmacy nearby to offer the medications and advice you may need.
Pharmacies in Málaga are spread throughout the city and province, ensuring easy access, whether for a quick consultation or to purchase over-the-counter medications. Many pharmacies also offer additional services such as blood pressure checks, glucose control, and personalized health and wellness advice.
For added convenience, some pharmacies in Málaga are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. This is especially useful if you have an irregular work schedule or need medication outside regular business hours.
To find the closest pharmacy to your location, simply click on the following link for an updated list of available pharmacies in Málaga:
https://icofma.es/listado-farmacias-provincia-malaga
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