Overview
Two Systems, Both Excellent
Spain has one of the top-ranked public healthcare systems in the world, free at point of use for residents. Alongside it sits a well-developed private sector that most expat families use for faster access, broader English-speaking coverage, and choice of specialist. On Costa del Sol, most relocating families use both.
This page covers what each system costs, which hospitals serve families near Almitak, and how to register for both public and private care once you arrive.
Public Healthcare
Spain's public health system ranks in the world's top twenty (WHO, OECD). Coverage includes GP visits, specialists, hospital admissions, surgery, most prescription medications, maternity, and paediatrics. For residents, the entire system is free at point of use.
Who qualifies: EU residents (via S1 form for UK state pensioners and Irish/European residents), Spanish residents contributing to social security through employment, Digital Nomad Visa holders registered with Spanish social security, and children of any resident parent. Non-Lucrative Visa holders do not qualify by default and need private insurance.
Registration: once you have residency, visit your local health centre (Centro de Salud) for Las Lagunas de Mijas with your residency certificate, NIE, empadronamiento, and social security number. They assign you a GP (médico de cabecera) and issue a SIP or TSI card.
Nearby centres: Centro de Salud Las Lagunas (1.5 km from Almitak), Centro de Salud Fuengirola Oeste (3 km), Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella, 12 km - regional public hospital with strong cardiology and oncology).
Private Healthcare
Most expat families add private insurance for faster access, English-speaking doctors, and direct specialist booking without GP referral. Major providers include Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, and DKV.
Typical family premiums 2026: €260-€440 per month for a family of four on a standard policy. Coverage includes GP visits, specialists, hospital stays, basic dental, maternity (if declared at enrolment), and paediatric care. Pre-existing conditions often excluded for the first 6-24 months.
Private hospitals within range:
Vithas Xanit International (Benalmádena, 9 km, 12 minutes) - strong English-speaking staff, paediatrics, and orthopaedics.
Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella (16 km, 20 minutes) - flagship private hospital on Costa del Sol. English-speaking ER, maternity unit, all major specialities.
Hospital HC Marbella (18 km, 22 minutes) - established oncology and surgical reputation. International staff.
Paediatric Care
Families tend to prioritise paediatrician access above other healthcare considerations. Private paediatricians at Vithas Xanit and Quirónsalud Marbella typically offer same-day or next-day appointments for under-5s. English-speaking paediatric specialists are widely available in Marbella, adequately available in Fuengirola and Benalmádena, and present but rarer in Mijas Costa directly.
Typical paediatric consultation costs (private, if paying out of pocket without insurance): €60-€90 per GP paediatric visit, €80-€120 for specialist paediatricians (dermatology, allergy, ENT).
For chronic or complex conditions, Hospital Costa del Sol's public paediatric department handles most regional referrals and receives strong expat-family reviews for its continuity of care.
Vaccinations and Routine Care
All routine childhood vaccinations are free under the Spanish public system, on a schedule broadly similar to the UK and most of Europe. Minor calendar adjustments may be needed for children transferring from other schedules - your public GP or private paediatrician handles reconciliation at the first appointment.
Adult flu vaccinations are free for over-65s and at-risk groups. Others pay €15-€25 privately.
What to Bring From Your Home Country
Medical records for each family member, translated if not in English or Spanish
Vaccination records
Prescription records for any ongoing medications
Contact details for your current GP and specialists (for follow-up referral letters)
If relevant, copies of recent imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray) and blood work
Spanish doctors accept records in English without translation for routine care. For complex cases, invest in certified translations.
Insurance Tiers
Essential (€240-€320/month for family of four): GP, specialists, basic hospital, no dental, limited maternity. Suits adults under 50 in good health.
Standard (€320-€400/month): adds maternity, paediatrics, basic dental, and mental health (12 sessions). Most common choice for expat families with children.
Premium (€400-€500/month): adds cosmetic dentistry, full maternity, no co-payments, English-speaking helpline. Families wanting top-tier coverage.
Children typically cost 30-40% less than adults. Over-65s expect 2-3x standard premiums.
BlancaReal's Healthcare Support
Our relocation team connects families with vetted insurance brokers who speak English and help you compare Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, and DKV policies side by side. We also walk you through public system registration at Centro de Salud Las Lagunas once you have residency.
Fifty years on this coast, ISO 9001 certified, seven languages in-house - we have seen every family healthcare scenario and can point you at the right hospitals and GPs for your situation.
Call +34 951 120 686 or WhatsApp to discuss your family's healthcare plan. Because we understand the importance of healthcare, we are here to help. And with our in-house legal team, you can trust that you are in good hands.