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Choosing health insurance in Barcelona is a very important issue, especially for newcomers. I have experienced this process myself and I would like to share it with you in detail. I preferred Sanitas when I first moved, then I switched to Adeslas during the Digital Nomad Visa application process. As someone who has used both insurance companies, I will try to give you information about the private health insurance system in Spain, the requirements in visa processes and different insurance companies.
Private Health Insurance in Spain
Spain’s healthcare system has two pillars: public healthcare and private health insurance (Seguro de Salud Privado). Private health insurance provides you with an additional assurance alongside the public system. Especially if you are a foreigner and have language concerns, private health insurance can make your life much easier. For example, when I first arrived I was most worried about access to English-speaking doctors, but with private insurance this problem has disappeared. In addition, appointment times are much shorter and you have direct access to the specialist of your choice.
Key Benefits and Advantages
– Fast access to specialized doctors
– Option to receive treatment in private hospitals
– Multilingual healthcare
– Expanded service network
– Digital healthcare and video consultation
Private Health Insurance during the Visa Process
Private health insurance is a mandatory requirement when applying for a residence permit in Spain. Especially for NIE (foreigner identification number) applications and long-term visa procedures, you must have a comprehensive private health insurance policy. Your insurance policy must have the following features:
– Minimum coverage of €30,000
– Valid throughout Spain
– Full coverage with no waiting time
– The policy must be issued in Spanish or English
Private Health Insurance Companies in Spain
Seguridad Social
Spain’s public health system, Seguridad Social, is the country’s most basic health insurance. It has been in operation since 1908 and today constitutes Spain’s most comprehensive health network. The system provides basic health coverage for people living and working in Spain.
To be included in Seguridad Social, you must be legally employed in Spain or meet certain requirements. When you join the system, you are issued with a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual – TSI), with which you can access health services.
– Comprehensive primary health care
– Free emergency services
– Family doctor system
– Co-payment system for prescription medicines
Website: seg-social.es
Sanitas
Sanitas has a long history in Spain’s health insurance sector, serving millions of people since 1954. Especially in recent years, it has become one of the most preferred insurance companies for foreigners settling in Barcelona. One of the most important reasons for this is that the company understands the needs of foreign patients very well. For example, they have a well-developed English-language service infrastructure – not only in customer service but also in their network of hospitals and clinics.
One of the features that distinguishes Sanitas from other insurance companies is the importance they attach to digital health services. Thanks to the digital platform they call BluaU, patients can now handle many transactions online. They offer a wide range of services from doctor consultation via video call to digital prescription service. This feature is especially useful for people who work or travel a lot.
– Extensive network of hospitals and clinics
– Customer service in English
– Digital health app
– Dental health packages
– Video consultation service
Website: sanitas.es
Adeslas
Adeslas, also known as SegurCaixa Adeslas, has an important place in Spain’s health insurance market and has one of the most extensive health networks in the country. Especially in recent years, its popularity among foreigners has been increasing. One of the most important reasons for this is that they combine the quality of service they offer with reasonable prices. It is possible to find an Adeslas contracted health center in almost every district of Barcelona. This is especially advantageous for newcomers to the city.
One of the most striking features of Adeslas is its wide range of policies tailored to different budgets and needs. There are a range of options, from affordable packages that cover basic health services to premium packages that offer VIP services in luxury hospitals.
– Affordable packages
– Widespread hospital network
– Fast appointment system
– Multilingual support hotline
– Flexible payment options
Website: segurosysalud.es
DKV Seguros
DKV Seguros has a unique position in Spain’s health insurance sector. The company, which is part of the German insurance giant Munich Re, stands out especially with its technological innovations and sustainable healthcare approach. Unlike other insurance companies operating in Barcelona, DKV is not only focused on treatment, but also on preventive health services.
The company’s digital health platform Quiero Cuidarme Más is one of the most advanced online health management tools in Spain. Not only can you book a doctor’s appointment through the platform, but you can also receive personalized health advice. For example, the platform’s AI-powered symptom assessment system guides you through simple health issues and prevents unnecessary hospital visits. Moreover, you can access all these digital services in English.
– Environmental approach and sustainability focus
– Comprehensive wellness programs
– Digital doctor services
– Alternative medicine applications
– International collateral options
Website: dkv.es
Mapfre
Mapfre, one of the oldest insurance companies in Spain, has had an important place in the field of health insurance since it was founded in 1933. It is possible to see a Mapfre office or a contracted health institution in almost every neighborhood in Barcelona. This widespread service network provides great convenience, especially for foreigners living in different parts of the city.
One of the most striking features of Mapfre is that it offers customized health packages according to age groups. It offers a wide range of services, from affordable options for young people to premium packages that include elderly care services. Unlike many insurance companies, the special packages offered especially for people over the age of 65 also include elderly care services and home health support.
– Comprehensive health packages
– Elderly care services
– Emergency overseas coverage
– Family package discounts
– 24/7 customer service
Website mapfre.es
Asisa
Asisa has been a major player in the Spanish healthcare sector since 1956. The most striking feature of the company is that it has its own network of hospitals and clinics. In this way, insured patients can receive direct service at Asisa hospitals in Barcelona. Known especially for its clinics specializing in obstetrics and women’s health, Asisa is a preferred insurance company for pregnancy follow-up and delivery processes. The company also considers the needs of foreign patients, offering English and French service options for patients who do not speak Spanish.
Website: asisa.es
AXA Salud
AXA Salud, the Spanish health insurance arm of the globally recognized insurance giant AXA, stands out especially with its international coverage. The company, which has a wide network of contracted health institutions in Barcelona, also draws attention with its modern digital services. Offering special corporate health packages especially for expats and international companies, AXA Salud provides convenience to its foreign customers with its multilingual customer service and online platform. Another advantage of the company is that it offers comprehensive health insurance that is also valid for international travel thanks to the worldwide AXA network.
Website: axa.es
Cigna
Cigna, the American-based health insurance giant, appeals especially to the premium segment target audience in the Spanish market. Contracted with the most luxurious private hospitals in Barcelona, Cigna offers comprehensive solutions for those seeking high-end healthcare. One of the most important advantages of the company is its deep experience in international health insurance. Thanks to its multilingual service approach and global network, it is especially preferred by multinational company employees and professionals who travel frequently. As a pioneer in wellness programs and preventive health services, Cigna offers services to improve overall health and quality of life, not only in case of illness.
Website: cignasalud.es
Generali Salud
Founded in 1831 in Italy and one of the oldest insurance companies in the world, Generali Salud, the health insurance arm of Generali in Spain, is known for its deep-rooted history and reliability. In Barcelona, the company stands out especially with its family health packages and offers special dental and eye health coverage for children. One of the striking features of Generali Salud is its approach to alternative medicine practices. By including complementary medicine practices such as acupuncture and homeopathy in certain packages, the company creates an attractive option for customers who adopt a holistic health approach.
Website: generali.es
Aegon Salud
Aegon Salud, the Spanish health insurance operation of the Netherlands-based insurance giant Aegon, stands out with its flexible and customizable policy options. The company, which has a growing service network in Barcelona, offers its customers the opportunity to shape their policies according to their needs with modular health packages. Aegon Salud, which also stands out with its investments in digital health services, offers modern services such as video consultation and online health counseling. Another advantage is the flexibility of the payment plans – you can choose between monthly, quarterly or annual payments.
Website: aegon.es
Caser Seguros
Caser Seguros, one of the well-established companies in the Spanish insurance sector, is a health insurance provider especially preferred by local customers. The company, which has contracted health institutions in every district of Barcelona, offers a wide range of options from economic packages to premium services. One of Caser’s highlights is its extensive network of emergency medical services throughout Spain. In recent years, the company has also been improving its services for foreign customers and has started to offer customer service in English. Especially for foreigners planning to live in Spain for the long term, it is a good alternative with the advantages offered by a local insurance company.
Website: caser.es
Things to Consider When Choosing Private Health Insurance
It is very important to make careful evaluations when choosing private health insurance in Barcelona. One of the most important issues is the balance between cost and coverage. Insurance companies can often offer packages with low premiums that look attractive, but when you dig into the details of these packages, you may find that some important services are excluded or subject to additional charges. For example, some policies may require you to pay extra for dental treatments, eye examinations or services at private hospitals. Your age and current health status can also significantly affect premiums. For those over 35, premiums generally increase, while there may be additional premiums for those with chronic conditions.
Personal Experience
Choosing private health insurance in Barcelona is an important decision to make, considering your long-term health needs and budget. Based on my personal experience, I recommend that you first thoroughly research the hospital network and services offered in your area.
It is very important to compare quotes from different companies and make sure they meet your visa requirements. Also, be sure to check the availability of service in English or your preferred language.
I also recommend checking out the CatSalut guide to learn about Catalonia’s free health care system.
