Marbella, far from being merely a summer tourist destination, is a thriving town of almost 150,000 inhabitants. It offers the perfect environment for health and fitness, with 320 days of sunshine a year in which to practice golf, run, hike or swim, as well as many other healthy outdoor – and indoor – activities.
To cater to the needs of residents, Marbella boasts a mature, sophisticated infrastructure which also encompasses an impressive healthcare system that caters to both permanent and visiting residents. Located in the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol, Marbella offers a blend of public and private healthcare facilities, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality medical care.
Public Healthcare
The Spanish healthcare system, ranked 8th globally by the last WHO Best Healthcare Report, is renowned for its high-quality and affordable medical care. It spends 9.2% of its GDP on healthcare annually, one of the highest rates in Europe, while the average cost of healthcare per person is €2,000 p.a.
The Costa del Sol Hospital, located in the eastern part of Marbella, is known for its state-of-the-art equipment and first-class specialists. Foreigners are well-served, with many English-speaking staff as well as the offering of voluntary translators on hand to help. The hospital offers a vast range of services from emergency care to specialised treatments and with a new wing currently under construction, the services are only going to improve.
Private Healthcare
There is also a large choice of private healthcare options which provide premium medical care and individual attention to each patient. Private healthcare in Marbella is characterised by its high standard of care, with some clinics offering staged payments, ensuring that healthcare is always available.
Facilities range from health centres that provide family doctors and nurses to specialist services, including antenatal clinics. A large proportion of foreign residents have private medical insurance to pay for the use of these clinics. Some of the most popular private clinics in Marbella include Quirón Hospital, Helicópteros Sanitarios, Hospiten Estepona, Hospital CERAM, Clínica Excelan, and Vithas Xanit.
Each of these private healthcare facilities brings something unique to the table.
– Quirón Hospital is the largest private non-profit hospital in Marbella, known for its high professionalism, precise diagnostics, and excellent medical care in intensive care, radiology, cardiology, and other specialized fields.
– Helicopteros Sanitarios provides a unique service, with a large fleet of fully equipped vehicles for patient and emergency care who provide emergency doctor home visits as well as a walk-in clinic and specialty service in their newly expanded facility in Puerto Banús.
Hospiten Estepona, part of the international network of Hospiten Clinics, treats more than one million patients annually in its modern facility to the west of Marbella.
– Hospital CERAM is a multidisciplinary international hospital that initially specialised in assisted reproduction but now offers a wide range of services, including 24-hour emergency medical care for adults and children.
– Clinica Excelan provides 24/7 family physician and emergency medical services. With their own fleet of ambulances, they can attend to you wherever you need their services, or alternatively, they offer a walk-in clinic and a multi-lingual staff to break down language barriers.
In addition to these healthcare facilities, Marbella also has a robust pharmacy system. Spanish pharmacists are highly trained and often able to help find a treatment for minor conditions, meaning you can avoid a visit to the doctor. Also, many medicines are available at pharmacies in Spain that may require a prescription in your home country.
Marbella offers a comprehensive healthcare system that caters to the needs of its diverse population. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you can rest assured that you’ll have access to top-notch medical care in this vibrant city. The city’s commitment to healthcare is evident in its wide range of public and private facilities, its well-trained medical professionals, and its robust pharmacy system. Marbella is not just a city of luxury and leisure; it’s a city that values health and well-being. Its healthcare system is a testament to this, offering a range of services to meet the needs of its diverse population. From state-of-the-art hospitals to skilled specialists, Marbella is equipped to provide excellent healthcare to all who live and visit here.