Life in the Balearic Islands

Healthcare in the Balearic Islands

The healthcare system in the Balearic Islands combines private medical centers with free, publicly funded hospitals and clinics. The Ministry of Health and Consumer Protection of Balearic Islands, or IB-SALUT oversees and regulates the free health facilities of the Islands.

Any person who legally and officially resides on one of the Balearic Isles is entitled to receive free healthcare from the IB-SALUT managed public hospitals. At least one of these hospitals can be found in all of the most populous Balearic Islands: Mallorca is home to the Hospital Son Dureta and Fundación Hospital Son Llatzer, and on Menorca the Hospital Manacor and Hospital Verge de Mont Toro can be found.

There are also private health facilities in the Balearic Islands. The private health group Juaneda manages two hospitals in Palma de Mallorca, and three more in Muro, Ciutadell and Mahon. Many expats choose to purchase international medical insurance which will cover the cost of treatment in one of these hospitals or a private clinic.

Education in the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands’ school system is the same as in mainland Spain. Education is free and compulsory for children from the age of six. The public, state-funded schools of the Balearic Islands have an excellent reputation and welcome pupils from a wide range of nationalities.

However, many expats prefer to send their children to a private international school, especially if they are not fluent in Spanish. There is an excellent array of private and international institutions throughout the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca. This island is home to eight exceptionally regarded multinational educational facilities. These schools are multi-lingual; the majority teach in English however there are also Swedish, French and German speaking schools located in Mallorca and Ibiza, all of which have the highest standards of teaching and are well-equipped with school facilities.

Transportation in the Balearic Islands

Driving in the Balearic Islands is very simple and straightforward. Driving is on the right-hand side and many foreign drivers find that getting to grips with the smooth, well-conditioned roads and relaxed traffic is a very fast process. The traffic is mostly quiet, however the traffic can be significantly heavier during peak summer seasons — especially in popular places such as Ibiza.

An alternative way of getting around is to use public transport. All of the islands have regular, reliable bus services which are affordable and very easy to navigate. To travel between islands, many choose to travel by water ferry. These fast boat trips depart several times a day and travel to all the islands.