Basic health insurance: private healthcare at the best price

What is basic health insurance?

Basic health insurance is the most affordable way into private healthcare in Spain. These plans work on a copayment system: you pay a low monthly premium and, in exchange, a small amount each time you use a medical service (an appointment, a diagnostic test, and so on).

It's the ideal solution if you want to avoid public health waiting lists without committing to a big monthly outlay.

What does basic cover include?

Standard cover

• Primary care: GP appointments without booking ahead, or same-day appointments.
• Specialists: Access to the main medical specialities (dermatology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and so on) with a low copayment.
• Basic diagnostic tests: Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound scans and other essential tests.
• A&E: Emergency care at private centres.
• Telemedicine: Medical consultations by video call or chat, available on most current plans.

Optional or limited cover

• Hospital stays: Some basic plans include hospital care with a copayment; others limit it to certain circumstances.
• Mental health: A limited number of psychology or psychiatry sessions.
• Rehabilitation: Basic physiotherapy sessions.

What's usually not included

• Dental cover (except emergencies)
• Reimbursement of medical costs
• Healthcare abroad
• Cosmetic surgery or non-essential treatments

Who is basic cover right for?

Younger people (18-35)

If you're in good health and only see a doctor occasionally, basic cover gets you into private healthcare very cheaply. You pay a low premium, and copayments only apply when you actually use the service.

Healthy people with few medical costs

If you have no chronic conditions and don't need ongoing treatment, the copayment model works out cheaper than complete cover with no copayments.

A top-up to the public system

Plenty of people use basic cover alongside their public healthcare: they turn to the private system when waiting lists are long or when they want a quick second opinion.

Tight budgets

If keeping your monthly spend low is the priority, basic plans give you the best value on the market.

How do copayments work?

The copayment is the amount you pay each time you use a medical service. How much it is varies by insurer and by plan, so we set it out for your particular case in the quote we send you.

Exact copayments depend on the plan you take out. Always check the specific terms.

Advantages of basic cover

• Low price: The lowest premiums in the private insurance market.
• No waiting lists: Quick access to appointments and diagnostic tests.
• Flexibility: You only pay more when you actually use the services.
• Private network: Access to quality centres and professionals.
• Easy to set up: Few requirements and a quick start date.

Things to bear in mind

• Copayments add up if you see a doctor often.
• Hospital cover may be limited.
• Waiting periods depend on the type of policy you choose; basic plans usually have no waiting period for most services.

Frequently asked questions about basic cover

Can I take out basic cover at any age? Yes, though premiums vary with age. Basic plans are especially competitive for younger people.

Is there a waiting period? Waiting periods depend on the type of policy you choose. Basic plans usually don't apply a waiting period for most services; for certain specific benefits, such as hospital stays, there may be one depending on the insurer. Primary care appointments are available from day one.

Can I upgrade later? Yes, in most cases you can extend your cover by moving to an essential, complete or premium plan without having to serve the waiting period again.