Gibraltar has its own health authority which provides healthcare facilities. There is a community hospital, residential care for the elderly, a referral hospital and a mental health unit. They run the Group Practice Medical Scheme which covers the medical needs of contributors. All medical treatment that is required is arranged through this scheme.

The size of Gibraltar's population means that it is not always practical for medical specialists to be employed full time, so if needed they are flown in from the UK. The health service also employs dental professionals and opticians. General practitioners can make home visits to patients if required.

Pensioners who move to Gibraltar from the UK will find that the health service there is easy to find their way around. The UK and Gibraltar have a special arrangement which means that all UK citizens have access to free healthcare facilities in Gibraltar with no obligation to pay insurance contributions. It is, however, necessary to pay for prescription medications.

There are a number of private health care options for those who do not make contributions to the medical service or who are not entitled to free healthcare.

UK expats who move to Gibraltar to work will need to contact the Gibraltar Health Authority to see if they are covered by this agreement or if it will be necessary to pay into the country's medical scheme. All UK visitors can obtain free emergency medical care if they produce a UK passport. Visitors from other European countries should also be able to receive free emergency medical care if they have a European Health Insurance card. The emergency telephone number for calling for an ambulance is 190.

Most commonly used medications are available at the country's pharmacies. If you are planning to move to Gibraltar and require specific medications on a regular basis then it is a good idea to check ahead with the Gibraltar Health Authority to ensure that your particular drug is readily available.

Some vaccinations are advised when visiting Gibraltar. Tetanus vaccinations should be up to date and occasionally a Hepatitis A vaccination is advised. If visiting forested areas a vaccination for encephalitis (tick-borne) is recommended.

The standard of healthcare is excellent. Many of the medical professionals have studied and trained abroad, usually in the UK. The hospitals are equipped with the latest facilities and equipment and most conditions can be treated without the need for seeking healthcare elsewhere.