SPANISH PRIVATE HEALTHCARE

Although most foreign residents are happy with the healthcare system there are others that prefer to pay a little extra to ensure they get the best treatment in the quickest time possible. The hospitals in Spain are similar to the ones all over Europe in that patients are going to be involved in waiting times though the quality of service you receive when you are treated is of a very high standard.

Healthcare has always been a concern for visitors to Spain with many worrying if the cover they have would be enough if the worst should happen. With a foreign language to contend with in unfamiliar surroundings it is not surprising that many choose to go private just to address all of these healthcare concerns.

Most people know the benefits of being a member of Bupa in the UK and these benefits can also be used in Spain. Sanitas was purchased by Bupa in 1994 and has become one of the top three private medical Companies in Spain. Sanitas have a wide range of private health treatment plans to suit families, pensioners and individual foreigners in Spain. There are lots of other Companies in Spain offering private healthcare plans but Sanitas is the most popular due to the fact it is owned by Bupa, a trusted name for Worldwide private healthcare.

Private healthcare accounts for around 14% of the healthcare system with Bupa/Sanitas having a 15% share of this market. With over 10-million people now using private healthcare it has become an important issue considered by most Spanish residents. With plans available from just 50-Euros per month it has made it a very affordable health option.

Many visitors to Spain think that they are instantly entitles to healthcare, unfortunately this is not true. This will depend on your personal situation. If you have retired early and are paying no social payments then you will need private health cover. An SIP card will only provide temporary cover. Being resident does not automatically entitle you to healthcare.

If you are 65 or over and are residents of Spain then you can receive free health cover under the European Union.

The decision to choose private healthcare is purely a personal choice though I think it is worth considering if you are concerned about the healthcare system. It would be a shame to have this worry ruin your visit or stay to Spain.