How Does International Insurance Work with a Private Clinic in Spain?
Traveling abroad involves excitement, new experiences, and also a great responsibility in terms of health. One of the most important aspects that any tourist, student, or expat should consider before visiting Spain is how healthcare works when you have international health insurance or international insurance with coverage in the network of private clinics.
Knowing how to access a medical center or a private hospital without paying upfront can make the difference between a peaceful stay and a costly unforeseen event.
In this article, we explain how international health insurance is managed in the Spanish private medicine system, what steps to take if you need medical attention, and what to consider when choosing a private clinic , a affiliated center, or a digital hospital.
1. Understanding international insurance and its relationship with private medicine in Spain
International insurance or private health insurance policies cover the insured outside their country of origin. These products are part of the health insurance solutions offered by various insurance companies such as Asisa Internacional, Sanitas Estudiantes, DKV, or Vithas, among others.
In Spain, medical coverage will depend on the type of policy, the basic or premium coverages, and the existing agreements between the foreign insurer and the private clinic or medical center where care is requested.
Generally, there are two operating models:
- Direct assistance: the patient presents their card or international health insurance certificate, and the clinic bills the insurance company directly.
- Reimbursement: the patient pays the medical expenses and subsequently requests reimbursement according to the coverage limit and the terms of the contract.
It is important to confirm whether the health insurance includes specialized treatments, specialist consultations, clinical analyses, diagnostic tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or transthoracic echocardiography, and whether it covers the insured’s transfer in case of emergency.
2. International insurance: How to manage coverage before the trip
Before traveling to Spain, it is advisable to prepare all the documentation to access medical services without delays:
- Review the complete policy: make sure you know the health coverages, exclusions, coverage limits, and whether it includes dental insurance, burial insurance, or preventive check-ups.
- Consult the medical directory: insurers offer a network of centers and own hospitals or affiliated centers in the main cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga…).
- Find out about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): although it is valid in public hospitals, it does not replace international health insurance in private medicine.
- Save the emergency numbers and 24-hour contacts of your insurer or telemedicine platforms such as ASISA Live, app Activa DKV, or the medical chat in your private client area.
These precautions guarantee prompt care, even for non-resident foreigners who need to access private healthcare.
3. International insurance: What to do if you need medical attention in a private clinic
If you need to go to a private clinic while in Spain, these are the steps to manage your coverage with international health insurance:
Step 1: Contact the Insurance Company
Before going to the medical center, contact the assistance number. Some insurers, such as Asisa Internacional or Sanitas Estudiantes, have multilingual lines and a telemedicine service.
Step 2: Submit Documentation
At the reception of the center you must show:
- Passport or ID.
- Card or certificate of international health insurance.
- Authorization number, if applicable.
Step 3: Confirmation of Coverage
The hospital or clinic staff will verify the medical coverage directly with the insurer. If there is an agreement, the patient
Step 4: Medical Care and Follow-Up
After the consultation or treatment, a medical report is issued. Depending on the case, it may include general consultations, dental treatments, specialized surgeries, or tests such as magnetic resonance imaging or annual check-up.
Some clinics, such as Vithas Málaga hospital, located on Avenida Pintor Sorolla, have specialized units: Emergency Unit, Internal Medicine Unit, Comprehensive Cardiology and Hemodynamics Unit, Pediatric Surgery, and Early Childhood Care, in addition to the innovative Mazor Robotic System for high-precision interventions.
4. Choosing the best private clinic or medical center according to your health insurance
When choosing a clinic, keep the following aspects in mind:
- Network of affiliated centers: verify if your policy includes own hospitals or clinics with a special agreement with Social Security.
- Specific coverages: some private medical insurance policies include wellness programs, prevention plans, general medical consultations, and access to pay-per-use platforms.
- Multilingual care and experience with international patients.
- Health recommendations and quality certifications endorsed by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality.
It is also important to know if your policy offers coverage for infectious diseases or travel medicine, with access to services such as the International Vaccination Center, International Certificate of Vaccination, tetravalent vaccine, or pharmacological chemoprophylaxis treatments against diseases transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, such as Yellow Fever.
5. Coverage and frequent services included in international health insurance
International health insurance can cover everything from the most basic private medical care to premium coverages that include:
- Consultations with specialists and medical-surgical specialties.
- Preventive check-ups, clinical analyses, and magnetic resonance imaging.
- Specialized surgeries and advanced treatments.
- Wellness programs and health campaigns such as ASISA Dental Campaign, Mutualists Health Campaign, or Senior Accidents Campaign.
- International coverage in countries outside the EU (check the excluded countries).
- Private healthcare through digital hospitals and telemedicine services.
Some insurers also offer basic insurance or private health insurance with more accessible monthly premiums, in addition to combined products such as Compromiso Vida or TU RECOMENDADOR, designed for families, students, or retirees.
6. International insurance: What to do if your insurance does not directly cover care?
If your international health insurance does not have an agreement with the private clinic, you will have to pay the expenses and request reimbursement.
In that case:
- Request a detailed invoice and medical report.
- Keep all receipts and translate them if necessary.
- Send the documentation to the insurer within the indicated period.
The return time depends on the insurance company, but it usually ranges between 10 and 30 days. To avoid setbacks, it is advisable to take out insurance with affiliated centers and direct international coverage.
7. Conclusion: foresight, health, and peace of mind
Having well-managed international health insurance or international insurance guarantees quick and safe access to private medical care in Spain.
Planning in advance, knowing the network of centers, and keeping the Travel Recommendations and Health Recommendations of the Ministry of Health updated will allow you to enjoy your stay with maximum peace of mind.
Spanish private medicine offers a high level of quality, advanced technology, and programs financed in part by the NextGenerationEU Fund, which reinforces its commitment to innovation and international patient care.
Travel protected, find out and choose the health insurance that best suits your needs. Your well-being has no borders.
