
Public vs Private Healthcare on the Costa del Sol: What Expats Need to Know in 2026
A practical guide to healthcare on the Costa del Sol for expats, covering who can access Spain’s public system, how the dual public-private model works, and when private insurance is required for visas. It also compares major hospitals in Marbella, Estepona, and Málaga, explains costs and exclusions, and highlights why medical access matters when choosing a home.