Health protection is a universal constitutional right. Workers are entitled to healthcare, including both medical and pharmaceutical services, and this right applies nationwide.

The National Health Institute (INSALUD or Instituto Nacional de la Salud) is responsible for the management of healthcare services, except in Autonomous Regions with devolved powers (Catalonia, Andalousia, Basque Country, Valencia, Galicia, Navarre and the Canary Islands), which have their own counterparts.

The National Health System provides people with healthcare directly, financed by the Social Security or by public funds earmarked for healthcare.

The system provides the following services:

• Primary care
• Specialised care
• Pharmaceutical services
• Complementary services

Doctors, inpatient care, medical care, etc. are all free under the Social Security system, although the patient pays for prescribed medication. Exceptions include pensioners and other people entitled to benefits, who pay only 40% of prescription charges.

If treatment is very lengthy and/or the medication expensive, a much greater percentage will be paid for by Social Security.

Further information at the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs.