Think of Gibraltar healthcare as two lanes on the same road: the GHA lane (public healthcare, registration-based, no-frills but comprehensive), and the private lane (faster appointments, more choice, often used by expats and professionals). Many residents use both depending on the situation.

Government Healthcare: The Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA)

The Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) provides Gibraltar’s public healthcare services. If you’re entitled and registered, you can access healthcare through the public system, including primary care, hospital services, and emergency treatment.

For most working people, your "front door" into the public system is the Primary Care Centre (PCC). This is where you typically access GP services, repeat prescriptions, routine bloods, referrals and more.

Primary Care: Doctors & GP Services (Primary Care Centre)

The Primary Care Centre (PCC) is where most GP appointments and everyday healthcare begins. If you wake up ill, need an appointment, or require follow-ups and referrals, this is usually the starting point. The PCC also provides a range of services beyond standard GP appointments (for example blood tests and clinics), and appointment processes are structured around phone booking and online services.

• GP appointments: booked through the Primary Care Centre system.
• Referrals: your GP refers you into hospital departments or specialists where appropriate.
• Repeat prescriptions: managed via PCC processes.
• Clinics/services: may include nurse-led and preventative services depending on current provision.

Hospital Care: St Bernard’s Hospital & A&E

Gibraltar’s main public hospital is St Bernard’s Hospital. This is the centre for inpatient care, emergency services, and a wide range of hospital-based treatment. For emergencies, you’ll use Accident & Emergency (A&E) at the hospital.

In simple terms: day-to-day healthcare typically starts at the PCC; urgent and emergency care goes through the hospital.

Registration & Entitlement (How You Access the Public System)

Access to GHA healthcare generally depends on being entitled and registered. Many people qualify through employment and social insurance, and there is also provision for those who are ordinarily resident (rules apply). The practical takeaway is this: register as early as you can once your work/residency position is in place.

Prescriptions are typically subsidised but not always "free" at the point of collection - Gibraltar commonly applies a per-item prescription charge with a cap (so you don’t get rinsed for multiple items on the same prescription).

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Private Healthcare in Gibraltar (Fast Access, More Choice)

Private healthcare is widely used in Gibraltar, especially by:

• Professionals who want faster access to appointments and diagnostics
• People whose employer includes private healthcare/insurance in their package
• Residents who prefer private GP-style services and specialist clinics
• Those who want more flexibility for appointment times and continuity

Private healthcare can include private GP services, specialist consultations, scans/diagnostics, minor procedures, and day-surgery options. Some private providers operate as clinics, and Gibraltar also has private hospital-style services.

Examples of Private Providers You May Hear About

Availability and offerings can change, but here are examples of private providers and private medical facilities commonly referenced in Gibraltar:

• GibMed International Hospital (private hospital-style services, diagnostics and day surgery)
• The Specialist Medical Clinic (SMC) (private GP and specialist care)
• College Clinic (private multi-speciality services)
• MidTown Clinic (private clinic services)

Some employers will include private healthcare as part of a relocation package, either through an insurance policy or direct arrangements with local providers. If you’re negotiating an offer, this is one of those benefits that can genuinely improve quality of life - not just a "nice to have".

Which One Should You Use?

Here’s the reality-based version:

• Use the GHA for core healthcare coverage, ongoing care, and emergency treatment.
• Use private when you want speed, convenience, choice, or quicker specialist access.
• Use both if your employer covers private care but you still want full public coverage as your safety net.

Smart Questions to Ask When You’re Accepting a Job Offer

If you’re moving to Gibraltar for work, these questions will save you hassle later:

• Is private healthcare included in the package? If yes, what exactly is covered?
• Does the plan cover dependants (partner/children), or only the employee?
• Is it insurance-based, or "we reimburse you" (very different in real life)?
• How soon after starting employment does coverage begin?
• Do you still need to register with the GHA? (Answer: in most cases, yes - do it.)

Healthcare is one of those "boring" topics that becomes extremely exciting the minute you need it. Get your GHA registration sorted early, understand what your job package includes, and you’ll be in a strong position from day one.

Note: This article is a practical overview, not medical or legal advice. Rules and services can change, so always confirm the latest details directly with the GHA and your employer/insurer.