How is Madrid’s healthcare system?

By
Bruno Bianchi
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Question

I would like to know how good/bad the Madrid’s healthcare system is. How long are the waiting lists for surgeries etc. Are the doctors good and reliable?

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

“I’ve had three major surgeries with the public system. The last was an emergency and they scheduled me within a day of seeing my surgeon. No complaints, I was treated very well and everything has been very efficient.
I don’t have private insurance; I don’t see the need for it.”

“Healthcare in Madrid is world class, both public and private.”

“Spanish healthcare system is public and universal. Everyone has a right to be seen. But, they are cutting the budgets so waiting lists are longer and longer. There has been huge demonstrations defending this as it’s something Spaniards take great pride in.”

“From my experience,for serious things the Public health is very good and organised. For not so serious or routine things the waiting list can be long in the public sector …In my opinion it is worth having a private insurance for those but if there is a serious issue go to the public!”

“Healthcare system is definately one of the best in the world.”

“I’ve had brilliant experiences in the six years I’ve lived here except for maternity. Maternity I’d recommend going private because it’s antiquated and over medical and the woman is an after thought , seems to be a lot of obstetric violence although I personally haven’t experienced that just negativity and unpleasant. For that I ended up going private BUT in general the A and E / urgencias I’ve used about five times and I’ve had exceptional care , wait times around 4hours each time but triage quite quickly like within the first hour”

“I never had a serious issue in Madrid, but for anything routine, I have had incredible experience. Just to give an example, when I had a sprain at the gym, I just went to the Cita Sanitaria mobile app, and booked an appointment with my doctor within 20 mins! I was going to do the Camino de Santiago so I wanted it treated asap. They prescribed me some medication, gave me some tips and done!”

“Year after year, medicine in Spain overall is independently rated as within the 10 best in the world. Hospitals in Madrid list several (3?) as within the top 10 in the nation.”

“As many have said, it is largely very good for emergencies and something serious, but long term chronic issues can involve a lot of wait times or run around. And also is currently undergoing the strikes and understaffing. As with many things in Spain, the standard of care often depends on which funccionario you are sitting in front of. I’ve had a wonderful GP but terrible pregnancy support, great trauma and injury treatment and terrible chronic pain treatment. So just depends. Ive never seen a specialist for chronic issues in less than 4 months.”

“Depends what it is. I’ve been very happy with some aspects and not so happy with others, however, still miles better than my home country, so can’t complain and the emergency department has always been really efficient.
In general though, most of the doctors I’ve dealt with have been really good, it’s just some of the wait times have taken longer than I’d like in some departments.”

“Depends on the centre/doctor. There are good ones and bad ones just like anywhere else. Having a private insurance does not mean they are going to be nice to you or give you the best treatment possible. It only means you have to pay extra and maybe wait less. Maybe. If you need a specialist, ask for recommendations.”

“It all depends. I had cancer and they had me in a table within two weeks, now I have an issue with a tendon in my thumb and I’m scheduled for treatment in march when I had the appointment with the traumatologist in august, I’m happy with all of my doctors”

“Public is fast when something is severe. If not, it will take time to be seen so private is better for not so Important things”

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