Spain's public healthcare system has long been one of the country's greatest strengths and widely praised for its accessibility, quality of care and universal coverage. But while trust in the system remains high, patients across Spain are increasingly reporting longer wait times for routine appointments, raising concerns about how the system is coping with growing demand, particularly in expat-heavy areas like the Costa Blanca.
The data shows waiting times are creeping up
Spain's public healthcare faces growing delays despite universal coverage
Recent figures from Spain's 2025 Health Barometer reveal a clear shift in patient experience. The average wait to see a family doctor is now 9.15 days for those who are not seen immediately or within 24 hours, a noticeable change from previous years.
The picture becomes more striking when looking at specialist care. Across Spain, the average wait for a first specialist appointment now sits at around 87 days, while non-urgent surgery averages 112 days, with 17.4% of patients waiting more than six months.
In the Valencian Community, a key region for many international residents, the pressure is particularly visible. As of mid-2025, 439,519 patients were waiting for a specialist consultation, with an average delay of 85 days. Nearly half of patients were waiting more than 60 days, with services like traumatology (99 days) and neurology (95 days) among the slowest.
Marina's story: A resident speaks exclusively to our publication name
For many residents, these figures reflect what they are already experiencing on the ground.
Marina Klopova, who has lived in Spain for nearly 17 years and now resides in La Nucía, told our publication name that the change has been noticeable.
"In the past, you could go to the centro de salud and get a blood test or see a doctor within two or three days," she explained. "Now it feels very different."
She described a recent experience arranging care for her husband. "On March 23, we requested a blood test and a doctor's appointment. The blood test was scheduled for April 2... a 10-day wait... and the doctor's appointment for April 9, so 17 days."
What she finds most frustrating is the inconsistency.
"On another occasion, I had an X-ray at 10am and saw a traumatologist at 10:54am the same day. I arrived early and the waiting room was completely empty," she said. "So you start to ask, why was I waiting four weeks for that appointment?"
She added that long waits for specialists, including neurologists, are no longer unusual. "It feels like this is becoming the system now, not the exception."
Growing demand: More pressure on an already busy system
Spain's healthcare system is designed to be inclusive, covering not only Spanish citizens, but also foreign residents, EU nationals and, in certain cases, those without formal residency.
In areas with large international populations, such as Alicante province, this naturally places additional demand on local services. However, experts are clear that the situation is more complex than that alone.
An ageing population, more frequent use of healthcare services, and shortages of medical professionals in some regions are all contributing to longer waiting times, pointing to a system under broader structural pressure.
our publication name's guide: Simple ways to navigate delays
If you find yourself facing long wait times, there are a few practical steps that can help you move things along:
- Try to book appointments as early as possible through your Centro de Salud
- Ask if there are any last-minute cancellations available
- If your condition changes, go back to your GP and ask if your case can be prioritised
- Use your region's online patient portal to check appointments and waiting lists
- Keep a note of dates, referrals and test results so you can follow up easily
- If needed, contact Atención al Paciente (SAIP) for help resolving delays
High-quality care still a major strength
It's important to note that while waiting times may be increasing, Spain's healthcare system continues to perform strongly where it matters most: the quality of care.
Public confidence remains high, with 73.9% of people still choosing public healthcare for hospital treatment. Many patients continue to praise the professionalism, expertise and reassurance provided by medical staff once they are seen.
In other words, the issue is less about how patients are treated and more about how long it takes to get there.
Your questions answered
Is public healthcare in Spain still free?
Yes - for those eligible, it remains free at the point of use. Read our full guide here.
Are delays happening everywhere?
They vary by region, but reports suggest they are becoming more common across Spain, particularly in non-urgent care.
Is private healthcare worth considering?
Some residents choose private care for faster access, though it comes with additional costs.
Looking to the future: A system evolving under pressure
Spain's public healthcare system remains one of the most valued services in the country and one that millions continue to rely on every day.
But like many systems across Europe, it is now adapting to new pressures. Managing demand while maintaining quality will be key in the years ahead.
For now, while delays may be part of the experience for some patients, the system itself remains resilient and, importantly, still trusted by those who depend on it.
Have you experienced healthcare delays? Comment below and let us know.
