Public care. The Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja is the public hospital of the Torrevieja health department, run by the Valencian health service (Generalitat Valenciana (opens in a new tab)). Public health centres in town include the La Loma integrated health centre, with a 24-hour continuous-care point, the El Acequión integrated health centre, and health centres in the centre (Patricio Pérez), La Mata and San Luis (Conselleria de Sanitat (opens in a new tab)).
Private care. Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja is a private hospital at Partida de la Loma, with services for international patients (Quirónsalud (opens in a new tab)).
How international residents get cover
Eligible pensioners may register an S1 form issued by the country responsible for their healthcare, after which they are treated on the same terms as someone insured in Spain. This can include EU, EEA and Swiss pensioners and people receiving a UK State Pension; eligibility depends on your circumstances, so check with the issuing authority before moving (Your Europe, European Commission (opens in a new tab); GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)).
The EHIC is not the route for a permanent move: it covers medically necessary treatment during temporary stays. This is one of the most common misunderstandings among people moving abroad.
Non-lucrative residence holders need qualifying public or private health insurance with an insurer authorised in Spain (Ministerio de Inclusión (opens in a new tab)). Check the detailed requirements published by your Spanish consulate before you apply.
Private premiums depend on age, family composition, pre-existing conditions and level of cover, so ask insurers for quotes for your own profile.
