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Registering with a Doctor in Spain – Local Clinics Near You

Registering with a Doctor in Spain – The Friendly Garners' Guide

If you’re moving to Spain full-time (lucky you!), one of the first things you’ll want to sort out is getting registered with your local doctor. Good news: if you're a legal resident, Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent – and yes, you can access it!

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you on the books with your local Centro de Salud (Health Centre).

Step 1: Make Sure You’re a Registered Resident

Before anything else, you need:

  • A valid residency certificate (TIE card or green EU paper if you’re an EU citizen).

  • A Certificado de Empadronamiento – that’s just proof that you're officially living at your address, which you get from your local Ayuntamiento (Town Hall).

* Tip from the Garners: You’ll need your passport and NIE when you pop into the town hall.

Step 2: Get Your Social Security Number (Número de la Seguridad Social)

If you're working in Spain, your employer usually takes care of this.

If not, you can apply yourself at your local INSS office (Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social). Bring:

  • Your passport

  • Your NIE

  • Your empadronamiento

  • Your residency certificate

This is what gives you access to the public healthcare system.

Step 3: Get Your Healthcare Entitlement Confirmed

Once you’ve got your social security number, the INSS will confirm you’re eligible for state healthcare.

If you’re a UK pensioner or on certain UK benefits, you’ll need to bring your S1 form (from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services). This covers your care here but paid for by the UK.

Step 4: Register at Your Local Health Centre

Take everything you’ve gathered so far to your local Centro de Salud. In Mojácar or surrounding areas, there are several excellent ones.

You’ll be given your Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI) – that’s your Spanish health card. It’s what you’ll show when you visit a doctor or pick up prescriptions.

Step 5: Choose Your Doctor

You can usually choose your Médico de Familia (GP), or they’ll assign one to you. This is your main point of contact for anything health-related.

* Garners’ tip: Once registered, you can also access online services and book appointments through apps like ClicSalud .

What if You’re Not Working or on a Pension?

Don’t worry – there’s a backup option called the Convenio Especial. It’s a public health insurance scheme for residents not covered through work or an S1. You pay a monthly fee (about €60–€157 depending on age), and you get full access to public healthcare.

Documents You’ll Need:

  • Passport

  • NIE

  • Residency certificate (TIE or green paper)

  • Certificado de empadronamiento

  • Social security number

  • S1 form (if applicable)

Need a Helping Hand?

Here at Spanish Property Choice, we’ve helped hundreds of clients settle into life in Spain — and yes, that includes navigating the healthcare system. Whether you’re retiring, relocating, or just looking for a new lifestyle under the sun, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Pop into our Mojácar office or send us a message – we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Local Health Centres in Almería & Costa del Sol

If you're settling into your new Spanish home, registering with a local doctor is a top priority. Below are some of the main public health centres (Centros de Salud) in the Almería and Costa del Sol regions, where you can access general practitioners, nursing services, and more.

Almería Region – Near Mojácar

1. Centro de Salud Mojácar Playa

2. Centro de Salud Mojácar Pueblo

  • Avenida de París, s/n, 04638 Mojácar

  • +34 950 45 16 01

  • Open 24 hours

  • Located in the town centre, serving the local community.

3. Centro de Salud Vera

4. Centro de Salud Albox

Costa del Sol Region – Near Marbella & Estepona

1. Centro de Salud Leganitos (Marbella)

2. Centro de Salud Estepona

3. Centro de Salud Fuengirola-Oeste

Booking Appointments

To book an appointment at any of these centres: