Spain—the land of paella, flamenco and fine weather — also offers an eminent location for medical tourists seeking a wide range of treatments in top-ranked hospitals. It’s not surprising: In an analysis of the world’s best health care systems published in the 2019 edition of CEOWORLD magazine’s annual Health Care Index, Spain holds the No. 7 position out of 89 countries surveyed, a placement earned for factors ranging from quality and training of health care professionals to infrastructure and cost (for comparison, the United States sits at No. 30).
A wide range of health issues and opportunities draw foreign visitors to seek treatment in Spain. Among them are stem cell therapies along with treatment solutions related to orthopedics, dental care, assisted reproduction and weight loss. Highly regarded hospitals, doctors and surgeons also provide specialty care in arenas including organ transplants and innovative treatments within the fields of cardiology, neurology and oncology.
Overall, the national hospital network includes more than 700 hospitals and clinics. Some of the most popular facilities for medical travelers venturing to Spain for treatment are located in Madrid, Málaga and Barcelona. That’s a boon for travelers, as these cities also rank as some of the most popular destinations for leisure travel, offering a wide selection of world-class museums, restaurants, hotels, galleries and shopping. Joint Commission International-accredited hospitals worth noting by potential medical tourists include Hospitales Sanitas and Hospital Universitario de Madrid in Madrid and Centro Médico Quirónsalud Teknon and Hospital Quirónsalud in Barcelona. Other facilities with outstanding global reputations are Parc de Salut Mar, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete and Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves.
Foreign visitors from non-European Union countries do not need visas, provided a stay is not more than 90 days in duration, and direct flight options are plentiful from North America and other parts of the world. Organizations including Medical Stay Group can help medical travelers coordinate services such as diagnostic testing, surgeons, nurses, interpreters, drivers, apartment rentals, hotels, price assessments and medical interventions. Even tour guides can be arranged; and while hospital staffs and medical providers are generally multilingual, these types of support services can be particularly reassuring to non-Spanish speakers who attempt to navigate the intricacies and nuances of a foreign medical system.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 18, 2026Downtown Phoenix Welcomes First Upscale Urban Retreat
This month, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pacific Hospitality Group opens Denū Hotel & Spa, the newest hotel property in The Meritage Collection.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look
In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences
Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
September 2026
Sep 17, 2026High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture
It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.
METT Hotels to Debut in Albania
Daily
Sep 17, 2026Review: InterContinental Barcelona
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 17, 2026Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences
Daily
Sep 17, 2026eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026LXR Hotels & Resorts Coming to Costa Rica in 2029
Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts in Costa Rica in 2029 with the launch of Maravé Manuel Antonio, bringing a new level of luxury to Costa Rica’s Pacific beachfront. The property will sit on a nearly 40-acre estate of rare beachfront that descends from rainforest ridge to ocean.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
Airlines
Sep 16, 2026Delta, Hyatt Announce Long-Term Loyalty Collaboration
Hyatt and Delta Air Lines announced a new, long-term strategic loyalty collaboration bringing together two leading premium travel brands to create a connected, personalized and rewarding experience for World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles members.
ShareThis