Health is considered a right in the Spanish constitution and is financed through a very strict tax system. Health care covers 100% of the population and 100% of the needs, including even illegal immigrants.

The main problem of Spanish Health Care is that it has been transferred to the 17 different Autonomous Communities existing in Spain (regions with high administrative and political autonomy) which are the providers. In order to offer better services (and have more chances to be reelected) the autonomous communities have in the years before the crisis overspent circa 30% of their budget every year in health care, education and other services. The present economic crisis is forcing to better management and more standardization of the system having on the other hand significantly reduced the budget allocated to health care. There is more control on the expenses and no room for overspending via loans. At present there is no agreement on a common portfolio of services yet. There are also limitations such as charging for prescription and the reduction of the number of facilities and professionals.