Healthcare

Healthcare in the Canary Islands

Spain has one of the best public healthcare systems in the world, and the Canary Islands are no exception. The public health system (Servicio Canario de Salud) provides free or low-cost medical care to residents.

Health Card (Tarjeta Sanitaria)

To access public healthcare, residents must register on the padrón (municipal register) and apply for the Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI) at the nearest health centre. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. EU pensioners can access public healthcare via the S1 form.

Major Hospitals

• Tenerife: Hospital Universitario de Canarias (HUC) in La Laguna; Hospital Ntra. Sra. de Candelaria in Santa Cruz
• Gran Canaria: Hospital Insular; Hospital Doctor Negrín in Las Palmas
• Lanzarote: Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife
• Fuerteventura: Hospital General Virgen de la Peña in Puerto del Rosario
• La Palma: Hospital General de La Palma
• La Gomera: Hospital Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in San Sebastián
• El Hierro: Hospital Insular Nuestra Señora de los Reyes in Valverde

Private Healthcare

Many residents choose private health insurance to avoid waiting lists and access English/German-speaking services. Monthly costs range from €50-€150 depending on age and coverage. Major insurers include Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, and Mapfre. Hospiten and Quirónsalud operate private hospitals across the islands.