Health Care in Palma de Mallorca

The healthcare system in Palma de Mallorca, is a blend of public and private services. It is known for its high standard of care, with both sectors offering a range of services to residents, expats, and tourists alike.

Spain's Healthcare System

Spain's public healthcare system, known as the Spanish National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud), is widely used by both locals and foreigners. It is generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries due to its high standard of care. Public hospitals in Palma de Mallorca, like the Hospital Universitario Son Espases, are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained medical professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Spain, provided they have the appropriate health coverage or insurance. However, many expats also opt for private hospitals due to shorter waiting times and the availability of English-speaking staff. Private hospitals are also recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries. Private hospitals in Palma de Mallorca, such as the Clinica Juaneda, offer a high standard of care in a comfortable and modern environment.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Palma de Mallorca

• Public: Hospital Universitario Son Espases - Located in Palma, it is the main public hospital on the island.
• Private: Clinica Juaneda - A private hospital in Palma known for its wide range of specialties.
• Private: Palmaplanas Hospital - Another private hospital in Palma, offering a variety of medical services.
• Public: Hospital Son Llatzer - A public hospital located in the outskirts of Palma.

In the event of few or no hospitals in Palma de Mallorca, expats typically travel to the mainland Spain for specialized medical care and surgeries. The travel time by car and ferry to Barcelona, for example, is approximately 7 hours.

Emergency Services in Palma de Mallorca

Yes, there are ambulance services in Palma de Mallorca. In case of an emergency, you can call 112, the general emergency number in Spain. The response time of the ambulance service is generally quick, but there can be delays during peak times or in remote areas.

Health Insurance Companies in Palma de Mallorca

Some of the most popular private health insurers in Palma de Mallorca include Sanitas, Adeslas, and DKV. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans to suit different needs and budgets. While some expats and digital nomads use these local companies, many opt for specialized expat health insurance providers that offer coverage in multiple countries and languages.