Spanish physiotherapists move to France for better pay and access, highlighting systemic differences in healthcare models.
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A young physical therapist in Spain, Héctor Sánchez, works in Guadalupe, a French overseas territory, visiting patients’ homes and working in a clinic. He earns a substantial income, noting that many Spanish physical therapists are working in France due to better opportunities and higher pay compared to Spain. Data shows that a significant portion of physical therapists in France are from other EU countries, including Spain.
The article highlights that while physical therapy is recognized in Spain’s public health system, access is limited by a lack of professional positions, leading to long waits and difficulties for new graduates who often face precarious temporary contracts or informal self-employment.
The appeal of working in France is attributed to its healthcare reimbursement system, which ensures high patient coverage for physical therapy, and the generally better working conditions, such as earlier finishing times and more vacation time.
The high demand for physical therapists in France is due to the integration of physical therapy into the patient care pathway and the structural needs of the population. The text notes a pattern of movement where many Spanish physical therapists move to France, and conversely, many French physical therapists study in Spain.
Experts suggest that the focus in Spain should not be on whether physical therapy is public or private, but rather on increasing its capacity and accessibility within the National Health System to meet the challenges of an aging population and chronic diseases, requiring greater public investment and integration into primary care.
