Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare in Gibraltar

• Private Health Insurance: Non-British residents or those who do not qualify for GHA services will need to obtain private health insurance, which is widely available in Gibraltar. Some employers provide health insurance as part of the benefits package.
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): EU citizens may be able to use their EHIC temporarily but will need local coverage for long-term stays.
• Access to Healthcare: Gibraltar has a public healthcare system similar to the UK’s NHS, known as the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA). British citizens living in Gibraltar are entitled to free or low-cost healthcare.

Gibraltar’s healthcare system closely resembles the UK's NHS and provides a comprehensive range of medical services to its residents. The Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) oversees the system, and obtaining a GHA card is required for access. This can be done easily once residency has been established. Those relocating to Gibraltar may need to provide additional guarantees for complex healthcare needs. Retired British passport holders can transfer their medical entitlement from the UK to Gibraltar. The GHA’s mandate covers primary, secondary, and mental health care for a population of just over 30,000 residents.

Primary Care Services

Primary healthcare is accessed via the Primary Care Centre, which operates with a team of general practitioners (GPs). Services can be accessed by booking appointments online, by phone, or in person. The centre also manages services such as repeat prescriptions, sick notes, and urgent medical advice. In general terms, waiting times are shorter than in the UK.

Secondary and Tertiary Care Facilities

St Bernard's Hospital is Gibraltar's only public hospital, with 210 beds across various departments, including orthopaedic, maternity, surgical, medical, and paediatric wards. The hospital includes two main operating theatres, a day surgery unit, an emergency backup theatre, a hydrotherapy pool, a rehabilitation clinic, and a cardiac rehabilitation unit. Services like physiotherapy, medical investigations, dermatology, and others are also provided, often with visiting specialist consultants.

The Accident and Emergency department handles both major and minor incidents. For treatments not available locally, the GHA coordinates referrals to NHS facilities in the UK or hospitals in nearby Spain.

Mental Health Services

Mental health care is a key part of Gibraltar's healthcare system. The GHA provides inpatient care through facilities like Ocean Views and community support via the Community Mental Health Team, established in 2017.

Public Health and Data

The Public Health Department helps protect and improve community health. An Information Analyst collects and evaluates data used for health needs assessments and strategic planning. This supports GHA annual reports, lifestyle surveys, and broader health initiatives.

Access to Private Healthcare

In addition to public services, private healthcare is available in Gibraltar. Private medical insurance offers flexibility and additional care options. Both public and private hospitals are well-equipped, and the healthcare standard is considered excellent, according to AXA Global Healthcare.

Tax and Healthcare

One reason Gibraltar is attractive to expats is its favorable tax system, with no VAT, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. However, income tax and social security contributions still apply.