I moved to Barcelona not long ago, and one of the first things I had to sort out for my residency application was health insurance. I got overwhelmed reading all the online guides, as it seemed every company claimed to be the best. After over a month of research and hassle, I finally figured it out. I’m sharing the information I gathered and some personal insights to help anyone who’s currently struggling with this decision.
How to Choose Among the Major Insurance Companies?
There are quite a few private health insurance companies in Spain, but the most common ones on the market, or rather the ones most people use for their residency applications, are the major players: Adeslas, Sanitas, DKV, and Asisa. I focused my research on the first three because they have the widest network coverage.
My Personal Research and Comparison
To make it easier to see, I’ve created a simple table based on my own inquiries and research into Spanish healthcare. The prices are estimates based on my personal situation, and prices will vary depending on individual circumstances, so please use this only as a reference!
| Insurance Brand | Pros | Cons | Est. Monthly Fee |
|---|
| Adeslas | Huge network, partnered with CaixaBank, number one in coverage. | The app experience is average, and some procedures feel a bit outdated for a major Spanish healthcare brand. | 50-60€ |
| Sanitas | Highly international, great service experience, good app, has English-speaking customer service. | Slightly more expensive than the others. | 55-70€ |
| DKV | German brand with a good reputation, especially strong in dental and some specialties. | Coverage in smaller cities might not be as good as the first two. | 50-65€ |
| Asisa | Competitive pricing, widely used by civil servants. | Seems to have less market presence; not many people around me use it. | 45-60€ |
What Exactly Are Copago and Carencia?
You will definitely encounter these two terms when choosing insurance. Simply put:
- Copago: This means “co-payment” or a fee per visit. Plans with copago have a much lower monthly fee, but you have to pay an extra fee, from a few euros to several dozen, each time you see a doctor or have a test. If you don’t go to the hospital often and don’t frequently need specialized Spanish medical equipment, this can be cost-effective. However, for residency purposes, it’s strongly recommended to choose a “Sin Copago” (no co-payment) plan, otherwise you might face issues when renewing your residency.
- Carencia: This is the “waiting period.” After you buy the insurance, not all services are available immediately. For example, major surgeries or childbirth services may require a waiting period of several months. However, regular doctor visits and emergency services usually have no waiting period. You need to confirm this clearly, especially for those who are planning to have a baby.
In the end, I personally chose Sanitas, mainly because I valued their service experience and user-friendly app. Although it was a bit more expensive, I felt it offered more peace of mind. To be honest, the services from these major insurance companies are quite similar. The key is to see which company has more partner hospitals and clinics in your residential area, and of course, your own budget. I suggest you first use your postal code on each company’s official website to check their nearby medical network before making a decision. I hope my sharing was helpful! Feel free to share your experiences and discuss them together!
