Healthcare, Schools & Residency in Costa Blanca for UK Buyers

For many UK buyers, purchasing a property in the Costa Blanca is not just about the home, it’s about the lifestyle that comes with it.

Three of the most common questions we’re asked by clients considering a move to areas like Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja are:

• How does healthcare work?
  

• Are there good schools nearby?
  

• What are the residency rules after Brexit?

Here’s our clear, up-to-date guide.

Healthcare in Spain for UK Residents

Spain’s public healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe, but access is not automatic in the same way as the NHS, it depends on your residency and personal situation.

When You Can Use the Spanish State Healthcare System

You are entitled to public healthcare if you:

• Work in Spain and pay into the social security system

• Are self-employed and contributing

• Receive a UK State Pension and register an S1 form

• Are a legal resident and paying into the system through the Convenio Especial

This gives access to:

• Local doctors (centros de salud)
  

• Specialists
  

• Hospital treatment
  

• Emergency care

UK Pensioners

If you move permanently and receive a UK State Pension:

• The UK funds your healthcare via the S1 certificate
  

• You use the Spanish system on the same basis as a Spanish resident

This is one of the main reasons Costa Blanca remains so popular with retirees.

Private Health Insurance

Private healthcare is:

• A visa requirement for many residency routes
  

• Often used for:
  

  • English-speaking doctors
    

  • Faster appointments
    

  • Dental & additional services

Typical costs:

• €60–€150 per month for comprehensive cover (age dependent)

Many residents choose to keep private cover even when eligible for the public system.

Local Healthcare in Orihuela Costa & Torrevieja

This area is particularly well set up for international residents, with:

• Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja
  

• Quirónsalud Torrevieja (private hospital)
  

• Numerous local medical centres
  

• English-speaking GPs and specialists

This infrastructure is a major reason the area attracts long-term UK buyers.

Schools in Costa Blanca for British Families

For buyers relocating with children, there is a strong choice of international education within easy reach.

International Schools Near Orihuela Costa & Torrevieja

Popular options include:

• El Limonar International School (Villamartín)
  

• King’s College School (La Torre – Murcia, within commuting distance)
  

• Newton College (Elche – for families slightly further north)

These typically offer:

• British or international curriculum
  

• English-language teaching
  

• GCSE / A-Level or IB pathways
  

• Transport routes from residential areas

There are also:

• Spanish public schools (free, fully integrated)
  

• Concertado schools (state-subsidised, bilingual in many cases)

This flexibility allows families to choose between full immersion or a UK-aligned education.

Residency in Spain for UK Buyers (Post-Brexit)

The biggest change since Brexit is simple:

Buying a property does NOT automatically give you residency.

UK nationals can stay in Spain for:

• 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa

If you want to live in your Costa Blanca home full-time, you need a residency route.

Main Residency Options for UK Buyers

1. Non-Lucrative Visa (Most Common for Retirees)

Ideal if you:

• Have savings or pension income
  

• Do not plan to work in Spain
  

Key points:

• Financial requirement (approx. €30k+ per year for a couple)
  

• Private health insurance required
  

• Renewable and leads to permanent residency

2. Digital Nomad Visa

Designed for:

• Remote workers employed outside Spain

Requirements include:

• Proven income from overseas
  

• Private healthcare
  

• Professional track record

3. Work or Self-Employed Visa

For buyers planning to:

• Run a business
  

• Take employment in Spain

Permanent Residency

After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent status, which gives:

• Long-term security
  

• Full access to public services including healthcare

Note for Second-Home Owners

If you plan to use your property for holidays only:

You do not need residency, you simply follow the 90-day rule.

This is still how many UK owners use their Costa Blanca homes.

Why Costa Blanca Works So Well for UK Buyers

Areas such as Orihuela Costa, Villamartín, La Zenia and Torrevieja have developed specifically with international residents in mind, which means:

• Established expat communities
  

• English-speaking services
  

• International schools nearby
  

• Excellent public and private healthcare
  

• Direct flights to the UK year-round

This makes the transition far easier than in many other parts of Spain.

Thinking About Making the Move?

Every buyer’s situation is slightly different, some are looking for a holiday home, others for a permanent relocation.

Understanding how healthcare, schooling and residency fit together is a key part of choosing the right property and location.

If you’re planning a move and want advice based on your timeline, work status or family setup, our team at Right Priced Real Estate can guide you through the options and show you the areas that best match your plans.