Travel Medical & Insurance Glossary (Spain)

This glossary explains, in plain English, the medical and insurance terms a traveller is most likely to meet if they need a doctor in Spain. Each entry is short and self-contained so you can find exactly the one you need. For deeper context, see our travel insurance guide for Spain and our GHIC and EHIC guide.

• ICD-10 code — An international code that classifies a diagnosis. Insurers use it to process claims. An invoice with ICD-10 codes is far easier to claim.
• Reimbursement — Paying for treatment yourself and claiming the money back from your insurer afterwards, using the invoice and receipts.
• GHIC — UK Global Health Insurance Card. Gives UK visitors access to Spain's public healthcare; does not cover private care or repatriation.
• EHIC — The pre-Brexit European card the GHIC replaced for UK residents. In-date EHICs remain valid until expiry.
• Excess / deductible — The amount you pay yourself on a claim before the insurer pays the rest.
• Outpatient treatment — Medical care that does not require an overnight hospital stay — including a home or hotel doctor visit.
• Repatriation — Insurance-arranged medical transport back to your home country. Covered by travel insurance, never by a GHIC.
• Centro de salud — A Spanish public health centre. Free or low-cost with a GHIC, but can mean waits and a language barrier in tourist areas.
• Urgencias — The emergency department of a Spanish hospital.
• Médico a domicilio — Spanish for "home doctor" — a physician who comes to your accommodation. You can book one in Ibiza, for example.
• Colegiado / número de colegiado — A doctor's registration number with their Spanish provincial medical association; proof they are licensed.