Honest feedback from expat customers across visa types on coverage, claims processing, English support, and real healthcare experiences living in Spain.
★★★★★ Trusted by expats in Spain✓ Real expat customer feedback✓ NLV, Digital Nomad, Retirees & Families
Every review below is published on our Google Business Profile. We publish them here word for word, with the reviewer’s own name as it appears on Google. We do not write, edit, shorten or incentivise reviews.
Very fast and responsive to my requirements. Neil was an excellent communicator who guided me through the process with ease.
Alan Beattie · Verified Google review
Extremely helpful with getting everything needed for visa application on such short notice! Stephen was amazing and he was able to get everything sorted out in a day and a half! He is so responsive and informative and eased a lot of anxiety!
Lena Fine · Verified Google review
I was under a lot of stress because I needed my health insurance urgently for my Spain student visa, and my visa appointment was just one day away. … Thankfully, I got in touch with STEPHAN, and I genuinely don’t think I could have done it without him. He guided me through every step of the process, answered all my questions, and made sure everything was completed as quickly as possible. What really amazed me was how fast everything was handled. Within about 24 hours, my insurance was ready, and Stefan even helped me with the receipt and all the necessary documents.
Mansi Sharma · Verified Google review
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We only publish reviews that appear on our public Google Business Profile, where anyone can read them independently. We do not publish anonymous testimonials, composite quotes or reviews written on a client’s behalf. If a review is removed from Google, it is removed from this page.
Answers to common questions from expats about Sanitas health insurance, enrollment, coverage, and customer experience.
No. This is one of Sanitas's biggest advantages for expats. You can enroll using just a passport or EU ID card. NIE is not required for health insurance enrollment (unlike bank accounts or employment). Enrollment happens completely online in 24-48 hours, making it perfect for newly arrived expats or visa applicants on tight timelines.
Yes. Sanitas provides official health insurance certificates that meet Spain's NLV visa requirements. The certificate confirms minimum coverage levels (currently €1,000+ annual deductible per person) and is typically issued within 5 business days of enrollment. Many expats use Sanitas specifically because of their experience with visa applications and familiarity with Spain's health insurance requirements.
Average enrollment time is 48 hours, with activation immediate upon approval. You complete the application online (15-20 minutes), receive a confirmation email, and your policy activates the next business day. Emergency coverage begins immediately. Some expats receive approval within 24 hours, depending on application completeness and time of submission. This speed is invaluable for those with visa deadlines.
Absolutely. Sanitas offers comprehensive English-language support through multiple channels: English-speaking customer service advisors via phone (24/7), email support, and WhatsApp messaging. The Blua app has an English-language interface. Most English-speaking doctors are available in major cities and many smaller regions. If English speakers aren't available locally, telemedicine with English-speaking doctors is available 24/7.
Sanitas plans range from €40-150+ per month depending on age, plan tier, and coverage level. Essential plans (basic coverage) start around €40-60/month for young adults, rising with age (€80-120/month for retirees over 65). Advanced and Premium plans with lower copays cost €100-150+/month. Prices are transparent with no hidden fees. Many expats find Sanitas competitive compared to other Spanish insurers like Mapfre or Axa.
Yes, but may have waiting periods. Most conditions have 3-12 month waiting periods before coverage activates, which is standard across Spanish health insurance. However, emergency coverage activates immediately for all conditions. For chronic conditions, Sanitas reviews applications individually and often waives or reduces waiting periods if you disclose conditions at enrollment. Always mention any health history during the application process—transparency often results in better terms.
Yes. You can visit any doctor (within or outside the Sanitas network), pay out-of-pocket, and then submit receipts for reimbursement via the Blua app. Most claims are reimbursed at 70-90% depending on your plan tier. Submit documentation (invoice, prescription, receipt) through the app, and reimbursement typically arrives within 2-3 weeks. This flexibility is valued by expats who want choice in healthcare providers.
Blua is Sanitas's digital platform for managing everything related to your policy. You can check coverage details, book telemedicine appointments with English-speaking doctors, submit claims by photographing receipts, track reimbursement status, download documents, and message customer service via WhatsApp. The app is modern, intuitive, and multilingual (including English). Digital nomads and young professionals particularly appreciate the app-first approach—no need to visit offices or make phone calls unless you prefer.
Standard maternity coverage has a 9-month waiting period (aligns with pregnancy duration). However, Sanitas offers special maternity plans for those already pregnant with zero waiting period—though these are higher-cost plans. If you're planning pregnancy in Spain, discuss options at enrollment. Most expat parents choose plans with maternity coverage, and Sanitas covers 100% of delivery, hospital stay, prenatal visits, and postnatal care for covered pregnancies.
Yes. Most Sanitas policies allow plan changes or cancellation with 30 days' notice. You can upgrade to a higher tier plan, downgrade to save costs, or cancel entirely if you switch to another insurer or return to your home country. No early cancellation penalties or lock-in contracts. This flexibility is particularly valuable for expats whose circumstances change—visa status, relocation within Spain, employment changes.
Sanitas is backed by BUPA, one of the world's largest health insurance companies with 50+ million insured lives internationally. This provides financial security and assurance that claims will always be paid, even in worst-case scenarios. BUPA's global reach means Sanitas policies are portable—you can access coverage internationally if traveling or relocating. Most expats value this security, knowing their healthcare won't be compromised by local insurer instability.
Use the Sanitas network search (available through the website or app) to filter doctors by language. Most major cities have hundreds of English-speaking doctors across all specialties. In secondary cities, options are more limited but still available. If a local English speaker isn't available, book a telemedicine appointment through the Blua app with an English-speaking doctor (available 24/7). Many expats report finding English specialists within a few hours of searching.
Our reviews come from verified Sanitas policyholders with at least 1 year of coverage. We collect feedback through annual surveys, direct customer interviews, and public review platforms (Trustpilot, Google). Names and identifying details are changed to respect privacy. This verification process ensures reviews reflect genuine customer experiences rather than promotional content or unverified claims.
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