The healthcare system in Fuerteventura

The healthcare system in Fuerteventura is efficient, well-suited to the large number of tourists from all over Europe and beyond.

And not only that, many people choose the island of Fuerteventura as a second home during the cold northern European winters or even move there permanently.

One of the questions many ask is: How does healthcare work on this island?

Healthcare system in Fuerteventura offers two different levels of assistance:

• Primary care, which includes, for example, consultations with a family doctor
• Specialist care

Fuerteventura , being part of Spain and therefore of the European Community, all European citizens are covered by the health insurance card of their country of origin.

If you don’t have an identity card, we recommend using a passport, which is valid for more than 6 months to access the island’s healthcare system .

If, however, you don’t want to risk losing your passport but plan to use the island’s healthcare system , it’s advisable to bring a photocopy of your passport with you.

Health insurance for tourists in Fuerteventura

First aid and general medical care are covered for a maximum period of three months.

After this period, you no longer have health coverage, which does not mean you are not entitled to assistance in emergencies.

The European Health Insurance Card does not cover any hospital fees in Fuerteventura, expenses in private healthcare facilities and any related ancillary services.

If you like its possible to take out a private health insurance or travel insurance that also covers medical expenses.

The costs of any specialist services are not covered and consequently one is forced to pay for them out of pocket.

One of the real problems could be the long waiting times for specialist visits.

The same situation would occur if the European Health Insurance Card had expired.

If you are unable to find a form of payment, the local health authority in Fuerteventura will contact your local consulate.

The latter will pay off the debt and then recover it upon your return home.

Health insurance for those staying in Fuerteventura for more than 3 months

Health insurance for those who decide to move to Fuerteventura is completely different from that of a tourist.

In this case, you proceed with the white NIE and then the green NIE , the impadroniamento (certificate of residence) and presenting all the paperwork at the offices of the “Policia Nacional”.

For self-employed workers in Fuerteventura, a VAT number must be opened at the Social Security Office of Puerto del Rosario.

After 15 days, you will receive a document from Seguridad Social in the mail certifying that you meet all the necessary requirements.

With this certificate, you must contact the Health Center to choose the GP closest to us.

Private insurance Fuerteventura

When traveling to Fuerteventura, it’s advisable to consider purchasing private health insurance that covers medical risks and can locate the nearest facility for any necessary treatment.

There are many private health insurance policies available, but it is best to choose a policy that is valid 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Monthly health coverage would be around €120 – €150 per month for a couple traveling to Fuerteventura.

If you want to move your residence to Fuerteventura , private insurance costs between €40 and €70 per month.

It should also be considered that the cost of private medical services and medicines is generally 30-40% lower than in Italy.

However, visitors intending to spend a long stay in the Canary Islands must apply for the European Health Insurance Card before traveling.

Of course, it is essential to check with the health systems in your country of origin beforehand.