A Report Highlights Persistent Barriers to Healthcare in Spain Despite Recent Reforms

Approximately 13,000 people in Spain faced difficulties accessing the National Health System in 2025. This was reported by the non-governmental organisation "Doctors of the World" (Médicos del Mundo) in its latest report, published to coincide with World Health Day on 7 April.

In total, more than 34,545 cases were recorded where individuals encountered barriers when attempting to obtain medical assistance. Those most affected were women from Latin America, followed by migrants from North Africa. Notably, around 2% of those excluded held Spanish citizenship but still faced obstacles to care.

The primary hurdle was municipal registration (padrón), which for a long time was mandatory for medical assistance. Additionally, a lack of adequate information from healthcare staff, cultural barriers, financial constraints, and transport issues remain significant obstacles.

"In 2025 alone, we documented 45 cases of cancer, 65 cases of cardiovascular disease, 105 cases of diabetes, 119 cases of hypertension, 70 cases of HIV, 80 cases of severe mental health disorders, 26 cases of respiratory diseases, 47 cases of degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's, and 29 cases of voluntary termination of pregnancy that were not properly addressed," the report states.

The authorities have already taken steps to address these issues. On 12 March, the government approved a new decree simplifying medical access for foreigners. It is now sufficient to sign a declaration stating a lack of health insurance. Furthermore, residency in Spain can now be proven through various documents—such as school certificates, social service reports, utility bills, or consular registration—rather than relying solely on the padrón.