This letter consists of two parts. The first section briefly describes how the Spanish health system and what the consequences may be if you are on holiday (short or long stay) or if you are resident in Spain. The second part gives you more information on the private health insurance.
Before we go any further, the best rule of thumb is: if you are on holiday, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Hire a travel insurance enough to cover your stay. If you plan to be in Spain during 90 days or moreIf you have travel insurance, you should check that you are covered by your travel insurance or take out an private health insurance in Spain for the rest of your stay.
We don't claim to be perfect, but if you have any comments, please let us know. You won't find advice here on what to insurance company choose; these are only general guidelines to be taken into account.
It is important to understand that in Spain there are two health systems which operate in parallel: the public attention and the private care. Both systems have their own infrastructure (primary care, hospitals, home care, nursing homes, etc.). In certain situations there may be overlap and the two may work together.
In the public system (INSS: National Social Security Institute) are covered for those who have the SIP Health Insurance Card or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) of a country with an agreement with Spain. In the latter case, the coverage is only for emergency medical care.
You can use the private healthcare with a travel insurancea foreign health insurance with coverage abroad or with a Spanish private insurance. And, of course, by paying directly.
Holidays
If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)you can use all the public health facilities Spanish. Make sure you apply for the card before leaving your country. This card only covers urgent medical attention.
To find out all you need to know about the EHIC - how it works, coverage, costsituation after the BrexitThe process of request, validity and more - you can consult the website of SchengenVisaInfo.com.
It is advisable to have a travel insurance. The costs of repatriation y aftercare are covered. You will communicate in your own language, which always makes things easier. We have a good relationship with all the international travel insurance companies. It is important to read the terms of your policy.
Long stays
If you are in Spain during long periods of timeit is presumed that you will have a general practitionereven if you are still registered in your country. You can also use your EHIC cardas it covers all public sanitation facilities, but only for urgent medical attention.
However, the majority of people hire a private insurance (with international coverage or a Spanish private insurance). Below you will find information on what to consider when taking out private insurance. The travel insurance with medical cover for short stays (depending on the policy, normally up to 90 days) also offer coverage.
Residents
For those who live and work in Spainmost of them are listed on the state system (directly or indirectly) and can use the Spanish public health. You have full access to the National Health System (NHS) with your SIP card. However, a large part of the residents also have (and some exclusively) private insurance. You can read below what you should consider when hiring a private health insurance.
Public or private care?
In many cases, unless otherwise specified, the public attention and the private at complement and provide a system comprehensive and flexible. The public sector cooperates with the private sector to reducing waiting lists and, for example, collect information about a foreign patient. If it is necessary for the Police or the social services If the public system were to become involved in a case, they can call on the private sector for support. Conversely, there are certain procedures which are only available in the public system. In exceptional cases, some treatments started in the private sector can continue in the public system.
The majority of people (foreign and Spanish) opt for additional attention in the private sector due to the absence of waiting liststhe possibility of choosing doctors/specialists, private roomsa more personal treatment with more time and a more efficient care.
Private insurance: a complicated issue
Choosing a private insurance is not straightforward. This is mainly due to the wide-ranging offer of companies with very different policies. The following section aims to provide you with information on what to consider when searching for the best company for you. It is important to take the time to read carefully all the conditions. Speak to agents, brokers and perhaps even doctors before you decide. Don't just go by the price.
Aspects to consider:
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You should first ask yourself whether you need a additional insurance to your Social Security/EHIC. If you only want to use private care for small things and you have money to spareYou can also do it on your own.
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If you cannot use the public attentionyou need to have private insurance. Most private insurance is considered to be complementary to public health care and do not offer complete coverage. For example, they do not reimburse medicines.
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There is very cheap Spanish companies. They often offer limited coverage. Don't be fooled by the low premiumsoften by paying a little more you get a better price. much better coverage.
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In difficult economic times it is better to choose a large insurer than a small one. A large company is less likely to close due to lack of funds.
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There are also other aspects to consider: franchises per year or per act, exclusions of medication, prosthesis and other elements that complicate the choice. Most insurers set a Maximum age (usually 64sometimes 74 years old). If you have important medical historyyou will be hard pressed to find a new unrestricted insurance.
Types of private insurance
Broadly speaking, there are four types of private insurance:
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Foreign insurance with coverage in Spain.
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Reimbursement insurance. It offers the possibility of going to the doctors y hospitals you choose. You pay the bill and are reimbursed between the 80 % and the 100 %according to the insurer.
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Insurance with medical directory. With this option you must use hospitals, doctors, consultants and surgeons affiliated to that company.
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Spanish insurers with mixed policies. They allow you to go to doctors and hospitals within one networkbut also outside it.
The advantages of the reimbursement insurance are clear: total freedom of choice of doctors and hospitals (including some abroad). In practice, doctors and hospitals are often provided with better payments of these insurers, which in some cases has had an impact on the health care. The downside is that you must always pay in advance and the premium is usually higher.
Our experience indicates that, in addition to the foreign insurance with coverage in Spainthe mixed policy is an option good, flexible y not too expensive.
Our advice
Request various budgets to different agents (please note that agents usually offer only a single limited selection of insurers) or to brokers. You can then preselect various insurances. Check the medical directory in your area. It is highly recommended read the small print y compare everything in detail. Once you have made your decision, you can contact the Dr. Meertenswho will help you to confirm how the policy works and whether it is a good option for you.
Below you will find a list of almost all of the health insurers in Spain covered by Dr. Meertens. Please note that many companies have various products. We have not included foreign insurancewould be impossible, but they are definitely options to consider.
Redemption or mixed brokers:
Catalana Occidente Universal Gold
Plus Ultra (formerly Groupama)
Saint Lucia Reimbursement
Generali Health Choice
Cigna Health Reimbursement
Sanitas Health Plan (Complete)
DKV (Mundi Salud)
AXA Optima (Plus)
Asefa Health TOP
Caser (Prestige)
Mapfre (Medisalud)
Allianz (Reimbursement/mixed)
Medical staff:
Sanitas Health Plan
Caser (Integral)
DKV (Integral)
AXA Optima
ASSSA (Master)
(If you are agent and you think you should be on this list, contact us).
