Malaga
Healthcare
Health centres, hospitals, pharmacies, how to register, English-speaking doctors
Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
Quick facts
- Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga (also known as Hospital Carlos Haya) is the main public referral hospital under the Andalusian Health Service (SAS)
- Hospital Clínico and multiple other public hospitals serve Málaga city
- A network of Centros de Salud provide primary care across the city's districts; your assigned centre depends on your registered address
- Private hospitals including Hospital CIMA and Quirón operate in Málaga alongside the public system
The Andalusian Health Service (Servicio Andaluz de Salud, SAS) delivers public healthcare across Málaga province. Within the city, the main public referral hospitals include:
Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga (also historically referred to as Hospital Carlos Haya) — a major public hospital with emergency services, surgery, maternity, and specialist departments. It serves as the primary referral hospital for much of the city.
Hospital Clínico — another significant public hospital serving Málaga residents.
Primary care operates through a network of Centros de Salud across Málaga's neighbourhoods. Your assigned centre depends on your registered address. Registration requires:
Padrón completion at your Málaga address
SAS registration through your assigned Centro de Salud
Issue of the Andalusian Health Card (tarjeta sanitaria)
There may be a coverage gap between arrival and full activation of your health card. For specialist care, the route is via your GP (médico de cabecera) referral.
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Last updated: 19 July 2026 · Shane
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