Outpatient Health Insurance Spain
Home Plan Structure Outpatient Health Insurance
Coverage Type Expat Guide

Outpatient Health Insurance in Spain

GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostics and tests. Understand what outpatient cover means and how to access primary healthcare in Spain.

Understanding Outpatient Insurance

What Is Outpatient Health Insurance?

Outpatient care covers any medical treatment you receive without staying overnight in hospital. This includes doctor consultations, specialist visits, diagnostic tests, and minor procedures performed at clinics.

ℹ️
All Sanitas plans include outpatient care. There's no pure "outpatient-only" plan that excludes hospital cover — even budget plans like Sanitas Accede (€22.10/month) include both outpatient and inpatient benefits combined.

What Outpatient Cover Typically Includes

  • GP (General Practitioner) consultations
  • Specialist consultations (cardiology, dermatology, etc.)
  • Diagnostic tests: blood tests, urinalysis, ECGs
  • Imaging: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans
  • Minor procedures: biopsies, injections, wound care
  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
  • Mental health consultations (varies by plan)
  • Prescription medications (at pharmacies)

Key Difference: Copay vs No-Copay

The main variation in outpatient cover is whether you pay per visit:

  • Copay plans: You pay €15–€30 per doctor visit, then insurance covers the rest
  • No-copay plans: You pay €0 per visit; insurance covers 100%
Coverage Strategy

Why Outpatient Coverage Matters

Unlike hospital emergencies (rare), most people visit a doctor regularly. Outpatient cover keeps routine healthcare affordable.

✓ Ideal for Those Who Need Frequent Visits:

  • Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension)
  • Regular monitoring and medication reviews
  • Families with children (higher GP usage)
  • Mental health or psychotherapy needs
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Women's health and gynaecology visits

Budget Tips for Outpatient Care:

  • Copay plans work if you visit a doctor <3 times/year
  • No-copay plans suit >6 visits annually
  • Consider Blua telemedicine for minor concerns
  • Use Spain's public healthcare (SNS) for GP continuity
  • Combine private outpatient with public hospital care
Cost Context

Typical Outpatient Costs in Spain

Without insurance, private outpatient care in Spain costs significantly more than you might expect.

👨‍⚕️
GP Consultation: €50–€80 per visit. First appointments often cost more than follow-ups.
🔬
Specialist Consultation: €100–€200 per visit. Dermatologists, cardiologists, and orthopaedists charge premium rates.
📊
Blood Tests & Diagnostics: €30–€150 depending on complexity. Comprehensive screening can exceed €300.
📸
Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound): €80–€200. MRI or CT scans run €300–€600+.
⚠️ 6 Doctor Visits = €300–€480 Out-of-Pocket

Without insurance, six annual GP visits alone cost €300–€480. Add a specialist and some tests, and you're easily at €800–€1,000 annually. Outpatient insurance prevents this surprise expense.

Sanitas Outpatient Plans

Best Sanitas Plans for Outpatient Care

All Sanitas plans include outpatient access. Choose based on how many visits you expect and your budget.

Budget Plans: Copay Outpatient Cover

Great if you rarely visit the doctor. You pay a small amount per visit, but keep your monthly premium low.

from €22.10 /month

Sanitas Accede

Best for: Budget-conscious, healthy individuals

  • GP visits: €25 copay
  • Specialist: €35 copay
  • Tests & diagnostics included
  • 900+ clinic network
from €33.60 /month

Sanitas Avanza

Best for: Moderate usage, lower copays

  • GP visits: €15 copay
  • Specialist: €25 copay
  • Imaging & tests included
  • Prescription support
from €41.67 /month

Sanitas Más Salud Plus

Best for: Regular visits, good value

  • GP visits: €10 copay
  • Specialist: €15 copay
  • Blua telemedicine included
  • Partial dental coverage

Premium Plans: No-Copay Outpatient

Zero costs per visit. Ideal for frequent users and chronic disease management.

No Copay
from €59.90 /month

Sanitas Más Salud

Best for: Frequent outpatient usage

  • €0 copay on all visits
  • Unlimited consultations
  • Full diagnostic coverage
  • Dental: annual limit
No Copay
from €57.96 /month

Sanitas Top Quantum

Best for: Premium coverage, all-in-one

  • €0 copay on all visits
  • Extended specialist access
  • Mental health included
  • Worldwide repatriation
No Copay
from €94.00 /month

Sanitas Premium 500,000

Best for: Maximum coverage & protection

  • €0 copay on all visits
  • €500k annual limit
  • Unlimited dental visits
  • International 24/7 support
24/7 Doctor Access

Sanitas Blua: Your Personal Doctor On Demand

All Sanitas plans include Blua, a telemedicine service. Video consultations with English-speaking doctors available 24/7, no appointment needed.

⏱️

15-Minute Wait

Connect with a doctor in 15 minutes or less. No phone queues, no office waiting rooms. Just click and talk.

💊

Instant Prescriptions

Doctor prescribes directly to your pharmacy. Pick up medications the same day. No delays, no paperwork.

🌍

Anywhere, Anytime

Use from home, work, or travel. Weekend and holiday service. No need for physical appointments.

Blua Cost Breakdown: €0–€15 per consultation (depending on plan) vs. €50–€80 for in-person private GP visit. Perfect for minor concerns without using your copay.

How to Access Outpatient Care

Your Outpatient Healthcare Journey

Understanding how to use your Sanitas outpatient cover efficiently.

1. Choose Your GP

Select a primary doctor from Sanitas network. Use the clinic finder on the Sanitas app or website. Spanish doctors speak English in major cities.

2. Schedule & Attend

Call the clinic or use the Sanitas app to book. Bring your insurance card. If copay plan, pay copay at reception. If no-copay, show your card and you're covered.

3. Get Prescription/Referral

Doctor gives you a prescription (electronic or paper). For specialists, ask for a referral. Sanitas covers referrals to specialists in network.

4. Follow-Up & Repeat

Schedule follow-ups as needed. Your doctor coordinates with specialists. Keep your Sanitas app updated for easy access to medical records.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any doctor or specialist?

You must use doctors and clinics in the Sanitas network. Sanitas has 900+ clinics and hospitals across Spain. If you go to a private doctor outside the network, you'll pay out-of-pocket.

How long are waiting times for specialist appointments?

Private specialists usually have shorter wait times (1–2 weeks) compared to public healthcare (2–3 months). Sanitas prioritizes members; urgent referrals are expedited.

Are prescription medications fully covered?

Sanitas covers prescription medications. You typically pay a small pharmacy copay (€2–€5 per prescription) depending on your plan. Generic medications are usually cheaper.

What if I need urgent outpatient care on weekends or holidays?

Use Blua telemedicine 24/7 for minor concerns. For urgent outpatient issues, Sanitas has emergency clinics open weekends and holidays. Call your insurance card's helpline for locations.

Can I keep my GP when I switch from the SNS to private insurance?

Your SNS doctor won't necessarily be in the Sanitas network. However, you can contact them to see if they work privately with Sanitas. Many Spanish GPs work both public and private.

Is mental health counseling covered under outpatient plans?

Mental health is included in most Sanitas plans, especially premium options like Top Quantum. Budget plans may have limited psychology consultations. Ask your Sanitas agent about mental health limits.

What happens if I exceed the copay limit?

Sanitas plans don't typically have visit limits. You can visit your doctor as many times as needed. Just pay the copay each visit (if you have a copay plan). This encourages preventive care.

Sanitas

Sanitas is Spain's leading private health insurer — trusted by expats, families, and visa applicants across the country.

58,000+ Healthcare Professionals
4,500+ Medical Centres
Zero Waiting Periods on selected plans
Since 1954 Trusted in Spain

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)