I’ve been in Spain for a few years now, from being a student to working, and I’ve dealt with various health insurance companies along the way. I often see newcomers on forums asking which insurance to choose, so today I’m starting this thread to break down the pros and cons of the major players—Adeslas, Sanitas, Asisa, and DKV—based on my own experiences and those of my friends. These are purely personal opinions, and everyone is welcome to add their own thoughts and join the discussion!
When I first arrived and was handling my residency paperwork, my agent recommended Adeslas without much thought. It’s true that they have the widest coverage and the largest network in Spain; almost any clinic you find will accept them. The upside is that they’re a giant, which gives you a sense of security, and their basic plans are relatively affordable. However, the downsides are also clear. Because they have so many users, getting an appointment with a popular specialist or at a good hospital in central Madrid or Barcelona can have frustratingly long waiting times—sometimes you have to wait a month or two for a specialist. Their customer service phone lines also frequently involve long waits, making the overall experience just average.
Later, I switched to Sanitas, and I felt the overall service quality was a significant step up. Their own hospitals and clinics have excellent facilities and service, appointments are easy to make, and their app is well-designed, even allowing for online consultations and prescriptions. For families with children or those planning to have a baby, their maternity and pediatric services are widely recognized as a major strength. Of course, you get what you pay for; Sanitas premiums are generally more expensive than Adeslas, positioning them in the mid-to-high-end market.
Asisa is a more middle-of-the-road option, with its price and service falling somewhere between Adeslas and Sanitas. Its main feature is the strong backing of a large group of doctors, which means its medical resources are highly professional. If you have specific requirements for a doctor’s professional background for your Spanish health insurance, Asisa is a great choice. However, its network coverage and market presence are weaker compared to the first two, and in some smaller cities, the options might not be as plentiful as, for instance, listings for healthcare jobs in Spain.
Finally, let’s talk about DKV, which is a German company known for its meticulous and rigorous approach. Their policy terms are written in great detail, offering high transparency, and the claims process is quite standardized, so there’s less hassle or argument. It’s particularly worth mentioning that DKV provides excellent coverage for dental and mental health—many services that other companies charge extra for might be included as standard in some of DKV’s plans. The downside is its relatively small market share, meaning its network of partner hospitals and clinics is not as dense as Adeslas’.
Summary and Comparison
To make things clearer, I’ve created a simple table to summarize everything. The ratings are out of 5 stars and are based entirely on my personal, subjective experience!
| Insurance Company | Price | Network Coverage | Service Experience | Key Strengths |
|---|
| Adeslas | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Affordable, largest network |
| Sanitas | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Own hospitals, maternity services |
| Asisa | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Professional medical staff |
| DKV | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Clear terms, dental & mental health |
There’s no single ‘best’ insurance, only the one that’s best for you. Before choosing, I recommend you first consider your region of residence, budget, family situation, and specific healthcare needs. Then, go to each company’s official website and use your NIE and age to get a quote. Also, check their medical network lists to see which partner hospitals and doctors are near your home and workplace for your Spanish health insurance. This is the most reliable way to make a choice. I hope this information helps everyone!
