Health Insurance Without Hospitalisation
Home Plan Structure Health Insurance Without Hospitalisation
Coverage Type Reality Check

Health Insurance Without Hospitalisation in Spain

The honest guide: Sanitas doesn't sell outpatient-only plans. All plans include hospitalisation. Here's why that's actually good news for your wallet and health.

The Reality

Why Sanitas Doesn't Sell Hospital-Free Plans

You might be searching for "health insurance without hospitalisation" — but here's what you need to know: Sanitas (and most private insurers in Spain) don't offer outpatient-only plans that exclude hospital cover. And there's a good reason.

⚠️
No private insurer in Spain sells pure "outpatient-only" health insurance. Hospital cover is bundled with outpatient care across the market. If you find an "outpatient-only" plan elsewhere, it's likely limited or restrictive.

Why Hospital Cover Is Actually Included (And It's Good)

Hospital admission can happen unexpectedly and costs thousands of euros. Insurers bundle it because:

  • A single hospital stay (€5,000–€30,000) dwarfs annual premiums
  • Hospital cover is pooled, so per-person costs are low
  • Excluding it creates moral hazard (people forgo insurance)
  • Spanish law incentivises comprehensive coverage
  • Spanish visa requirements demand hospital coverage
💡 The Real Benefit

You're getting hospital cover bundled at no extra cost. A stand-alone hospital-only plan (if available elsewhere) would cost €30–€50/month. With Sanitas, you get hospital + outpatient for €22.10–€150/month depending on your plan. That's actual value.

What You Actually Want

Finding the Right Plan If You're Budget-Conscious

If you're searching for "without hospitalisation," you probably want one of these:

✓ Budget Plans (Low Cost)

Want hospital cover at the lowest possible premium?

  • Sanitas Accede: €22.10/month
  • Sanitas Avanza: €33.60/month
  • Includes hospitalisation + outpatient
  • Small copays per visit (but you're covered)

View Sanitas Accede →

✓ Dental-Only Plans (Dental Only)

Only need dental care without health insurance?

  • Sanitas Dental Plans (separate)
  • Cleanings, fillings, crowns covered
  • No hospitalisation or GP coverage
  • Perfect for dental-only needs

Dental plans available separately

Budget-Friendly Plans

The Cheapest Sanitas Plans (With Hospital Cover Included)

Since all plans include hospitalisation, these budget options give you the most affordable protection.

The Most Affordable Option: Sanitas Accede

Starting at just €22.10/month, this is the entry-level plan with full hospital and outpatient cover.

from €22.10 /month

Sanitas Accede

Best for: Budget-conscious, healthy individuals

  • Hospital admission included (€200 copay)
  • GP visits (€25 copay each)
  • Specialist consultations (€35 copay)
  • Sanitas network (900+ clinics)
from €33.60 /month

Sanitas Avanza

Best for: Slightly more coverage, low cost

  • Hospital admission included (€100 copay)
  • GP visits (€15 copay each)
  • Diagnostic tests covered
  • Wide specialist access
from €41.67 /month

Sanitas Más Salud Plus

Best for: Great value with dental included

  • Hospital admission (€50 copay)
  • GP visits (€10 copay each)
  • Dental care included
  • Blua telemedicine 24/7

Cost Comparison: What You're Actually Paying

PlanMonthlyAnnualValue
Sanitas Accede€22.10€265Cheapest
Sanitas Avanza€33.60€403Good Balance
Sanitas Más Salud Plus€41.67€500Best Value (dental included)

All three plans include hospitalisation at no extra cost. Hospital-only insurance would cost €30–€50/month separately.

Real Talk

Why "Without Hospitalisation" Isn't What You Think

Let's address the real reason you might want "no hospitalisation" insurance:

If You Want Low Cost...

Good news: Sanitas budget plans are incredibly cheap. Hospital cover doesn't add to the cost.

  • Accede: €22.10/mo (€265/year)
  • Hospital cover included
  • You're saving money by having it

If You Only Want Dental...

No problem: Sanitas dental-only plans exist separately. No health insurance bundled.

  • Standalone dental plans available
  • True "health insurance free" option
  • Focus on teeth only
Here's the Thing

Even if you find an insurer selling "outpatient-only" plans, you're likely getting inferior hospital coverage or none at all. One accident, one surgery, and you're bankrupted. Sanitas includes hospital cover because it matters. The cost is already built into your premium.

FAQ

Common Questions About Hospital Cover

Can I refuse hospital cover to lower my premium?

No. Sanitas doesn't offer hospital-free plans. Hospital coverage is mandatory across all plans. This isn't a limitation — it's protection. A single hospital stay can cost €10,000–€50,000. The €22.10/month Accede plan already includes this.

What if I only use public healthcare and don't want hospital cover?

Many expats use public healthcare (SNS) for free. But Sanitas plans include hospital cover to protect against private admission (faster, better experience). You don't pay extra for it — it's bundled. Think of it as insurance against long public healthcare queues.

Is there any private health insurance in Spain without hospitalisation?

Not from major insurers like Sanitas. All comprehensive plans include hospital cover. Some insurers might sell "outpatient-only" plans, but they're limited and risky. Spanish consulates (visa requirement) specifically ask for plans with hospital coverage.

Is hospital cover actually useful or just bundled fluff?

Hospital cover is essential. In Spain, private hospital costs are €1,500–€5,000 per day. A 5-day admission costs €7,500–€25,000. A hip replacement is €20,000–€40,000. One emergency wipes out years of savings. Hospital cover IS the main protection.

What if I'm young and healthy and unlikely to use hospital care?

Even young, healthy people have accidents. A motorcycle crash, a serious fall, an appendicitis — these happen unpredictably. Hospital cover protects you against catastrophic costs. At €22.10/month, it's the cheapest catastrophe insurance you'll find.

Should I get "without hospitalisation" insurance from another company?

Not recommended. If another insurer offers "no hospital" plans, they're either incomplete or high-risk. Visa applications will reject them. Sanitas bundled plans are the standard across Spain. Stick with comprehensive protection.

Sanitas

Founded in 1954 and part of the Bupa Group since 1989, Sanitas is Spain's most recognised private health insurer — with the largest private medical network in the country.

58,000+ Healthcare Professionals Doctors, specialists & nurses
4,500+ Medical Centres Clinics & diagnostic labs
Zero Waiting Periods Cover active from day one
Since 1954 Established Part of the Bupa Group

Get Your Personalised Quote

Tell us about your situation and we'll send you an exact price — or suggest the best alternative if there's a better fit. No obligation, no hard sell.

  • Exact price based on your age & province
  • Cover starts on the date you choose
  • English-speaking advisors
  • All Sanitas plans compared
  • Same-day response

Request a Quote — Outpatient Insurance

Applicant 1 (You)