GP and paediatrics
Appointments with a general practitioner and paediatrician, at the clinic or at home depending on the policy.
Health insurance: medical care when you need it.
GPs, specialists, tests and hospital care without long waiting lists. I’ll help you understand each type of plan so you choose the one that fits the way you look after yourself.
Health insurance
What is it?
Public healthcare in Spain is good, but waiting times for a specialist or a test can stretch to weeks or months. Private health insurance gives you access to a network of doctors, clinics and hospitals, usually with appointments within days and the freedom to choose your doctor.
Not all health insurance is the same. The network of doctors, the coverage, the waiting periods and the way you pay all vary. That’s why it’s worth comparing calmly, not just picking the lowest monthly price.
It’s especially useful if you’ve just arrived in Spain: you get a go-to doctor from day one, with English-speaking care at many centres.
What it usually covers
Specialists
Access to specialists such as gynaecology, dermatology, traumatology or cardiology, often without a referral.
Diagnostic tests
Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs and more, with or without prior authorisation depending on the case.
Emergencies
24-hour emergency care at the network’s centres.
Hospital and surgery
Hospital stays, surgery, intensive care and a private room on the more complete plans.
Pregnancy and birth
Pregnancy check-ups, childbirth and newborn care, usually after a waiting period.
Common extras
Basic dental, physiotherapy, psychology, video consultations and travel assistance, depending on the insurer.
Exact cover, limits and conditions depend on each insurer and policy. I’ll explain them before you sign.
Types of plan
The big decision is how you want to pay for using it: a higher premium with no extra charges, or a lower premium with a small payment each time you use the insurance.
No co-payment
You only pay the monthly or annual premium. Ideal if you see doctors often or have children.
With co-payment
A lower premium plus a small fee for each visit or test. A good fit if you rarely use it.
Reimbursement
See any doctor, even outside the network, and the insurer refunds a percentage of the bill.
Hospital-only or basic
Cover focused on hospital stays and surgery, or only on primary care. Useful alongside public healthcare.
Real-life examples
Illustrative examples of how this insurance works day to day.
The MRI that couldn’t wait
Laura has had knee pain for weeks. With her insurance she sees a traumatologist the same week and has an MRI a few days later. She starts rehab before the injury gets worse.
A family just arrived in Valencia
A couple with two children moves from abroad. With a family policy they have a paediatrician from the first month and can book appointments in English while they settle in.
A self-employed worker who can’t stop
Javier is a self-employed physiotherapist. When he needs minor surgery, it’s scheduled within weeks and he’s back at work much sooner than if he’d waited his turn.
It’s for you if…
- You want to see a specialist in days, not months.
- You have children and want a paediatrician you trust.
- You’re self-employed and can’t afford to wait to get back to work.
- You’ve just moved to Spain and want a doctor from the start.
- You want care in English or Spanish, without language barriers.
Before you sign, check this
- 01
Waiting periods
Some cover, like childbirth or certain surgeries, only starts after a few months. Better to know before, not after.
- 02
Pre-existing conditions
Insurers ask about your health. Answering accurately avoids problems on the day you need to use the policy.
- 03
The medical network
Make sure your preferred doctors, clinics and hospitals are included, especially near home.
- 04
Age-related increases
Premiums are usually reviewed every year and rise with age. I’ll explain how each insurer handles it.
Key terms to know
- Medical network (cuadro médico)
- The doctors, clinics and hospitals the insurer works with.
- Co-payment (copago)
- The small amount you pay each time you use a service, on top of the premium.
- Waiting period (carencia)
- The time that must pass after signing before certain cover can be used.
- Pre-existing condition
- An illness or injury you already had before taking out the policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose access to public healthcare if I take out private insurance?
No. Private insurance is a complement: you can keep using public healthcare whenever you like.
How much does health insurance cost?
It depends on age, type of plan and coverage. That’s why I prepare a comparison with several options for your specific case, with no obligation.
Can I cover my whole family on one policy?
Yes. Many insurers offer family policies and even discounts depending on how many people are insured.
I’m self-employed. Are there tax benefits?
In many cases part of the health insurance premium can be tax-deductible for the self-employed. We can review it together for your situation.
How we do it together
- 1
Tell me what you need
A short call or a quick form. No obligation.
- 2
I prepare your comparison
Several options side by side, with what each one covers.
- 3
You choose, calmly
I answer your questions and handle the paperwork.
Your advisor · Gabmel Contreras
Shall we compare health insurance?
Tell me who needs cover and how you use healthcare, and I’ll prepare several options side by side.
Articles
Health insurance with or without co-payment (copago): how to chooseWhat co-payment (copago) means in a Spanish health policy, when it saves you money and when it costs you more. With examples, a simple rule to decide and the details worth checking.Read article →Health insurance in Valencia: a guide for newcomersHow healthcare works in Valencia for people who've just moved here: public vs private, the SIP card, when private insurance makes sense, and how to choose a policy.Read article →