It’s that time of year again—time to renew my insurance. Time really flies! Last year, when applying for my residence permit, I bought a Generali policy on a friend’s recommendation without much thought. After using it for a year, I’ve been quite happy with it, so I renewed it this year without much hesitation. I often see newcomers on forums asking about insurance, so I decided to share my genuine experience with Generali. As a regular user of the Health Card, I hope this can serve as a helpful reference for anyone on the fence.
Why Did I Ultimately Choose Generali?
When I was first choosing an insurance provider, I was also going back and forth between major companies like Adeslas, Sanitas, DKV, and Generali. I ultimately chose Generali for a few key reasons: First, its medical network is truly extensive. Even though I live in a smaller city, there are several affiliated specialist clinics and hospitals near my home, making it very convenient to see a doctor. Second, my policy is sin copago (no co-payment), which means I don’t have to pay extra for consultations or tests. For someone like me who wants to avoid hassle, this provides great peace of mind, especially when you look into Spanish health insurance prices. Third, I needed it for my residence permit application, and its policy terms fully met the requirements of the immigration office. Everything, including repatriation of remains and no waiting periods, was clearly stated, so my application went through smoothly on the first try.
What Was the Actual User Experience Like?
Over the past year, I haven’t had any major illnesses, but I’ve dealt with a few minor issues. For example, when I had seasonal allergies, I booked an appointment with an allergist directly through the Generali app. The process was completely seamless. At the clinic, I just presented my insurance card; the receptionist scanned it, confirmed my details, and I was able to see the doctor right away without paying a thing. Later, the doctor ordered some tests, which I also got done at an affiliated lab just by showing my card. Regarding claims, because I have a Reembolso (reimbursement) plan, I once visited an out-of-network dentist. After paying for the visit, I uploaded the invoice to the app to file a claim. The money was reimbursed to my bank account in about two weeks, which I found to be quite efficient.
I’m satisfied with Generali’s service overall. Of course, it’s not perfect. For instance, I find its app interface to be a bit dated, not quite as polished as what Sanitas offers. Additionally, although their customer service hotline has an English option, the representatives can sometimes have heavy accents, requiring some patience to communicate. Here is a simple comparison of Spanish health insurance options that I put together from my own research:
| Insurance Company | Pros | Personal Cons |
|---|
| Generali | Wide coverage, hassle-free Sin Copago, meets residency requirements | App interface is average, some customer service agents have heavy accents |
| Sanitas | Well-known brand, great app experience, has many of its own hospitals | Premiums can be slightly higher |
| Adeslas | Competitive pricing, good value for basic plans | Some plans may have more Copago options |
In the end, buying insurance is a very personal decision. There’s no absolute ‘best’ or ‘worst,’ only what’s right for you. I recommend everyone check the medical network coverage near their home on the official websites before making a decision, and then choose based on your budget and needs. I hope my experience has been helpful to you all! Wishing everyone good health in Spain
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