ReferralsSpecialist AccessExpat Guide

Do You Need a Referral to See a Sanitas Specialist?

Many expats choose private health insurance because they want easier access to specialists. With Sanitas, specialist access can depend on the policy, the current cuadro médico, appointment availability, the type of specialty and whether authorisation or medical indication is required for tests or treatment.

Specialist access depends on the policyCuadro médico mattersAuthorisation may still be requiredPersonal terms can vary

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Sanitas SpecialistsCheck Policy

Direct accessSometimes — verify

ReferralMay be needed

AuthorisationMay apply to tests

NetworkCheck cuadro médico

Compare Specialist Access →

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✓ Plain-English practical guidance

✓ We compare plans, not book appointments

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The honest answer

Can You See a Sanitas Specialist Directly?

Important: Sanitas policy benefits, exclusions, waiting periods, authorisation rules, medical network access and visa suitability can change. Cover also depends on the specific policy chosen, the applicant’s personal terms and conditions, health declaration, acceptance terms and any individual exclusions applied by Sanitas. Always check the actual current Sanitas policy wording, certificate wording, general terms and personal policy conditions before relying on any cover or making a visa, medical or financial decision.

Some Sanitas policies and services may allow direct access to certain specialists, but this must be checked against the current policy terms and Sanitas process. Do not assume every specialist, test or treatment is direct access.

Definitions

Referral vs Authorisation — What Is the Difference?

A referral is a doctor directing you to another professional
Authorisation is approval from Sanitas for certain services
A specialist appointment may be different from tests or treatment ordered afterwards

See Sanitas authorisations explained.

How to

How to Find a Sanitas Specialist

Check your policy

Confirm specialist access under your plan.

Search the Sanitas cuadro médico

Find included specialists for your policy.

Search by province and specialty

Narrow down to providers near you.

Confirm the doctor or centre is available under your plan

Check network inclusion.

Check whether the appointment, test or treatment requires authorisation

Some services need prior approval.

Book through official Sanitas channels

Use Mi Sanitas or another official route.

Examples

Which Specialists Might Be Available?

Specialties commonly seen in private networks include cardiology, dermatology, gynaecology, traumatology, ophthalmology, ENT, neurology, endocrinology, urology, psychiatry, oncology and others. Availability depends on the current network and your plan.

Residents

Specialist Access with Sanitas Residents

Specialist access under Sanitas Residents depends on the policy and the cuadro médico. See Sanitas Residents.

Residents Platinum

Specialist Access with Sanitas Residents Platinum

Sanitas Residents Platinum may offer broader features, but specialist access still depends on the policy and network. See Sanitas Residents Platinum.

Centres

Specialist Appointments at Sanitas Medical Centres

Sanitas Medical Centres.

Hospitals

Specialist Appointments at Sanitas Hospitals

Sanitas Hospitals in Spain.

Watch for

When Specialist Access Can Become More Complicated

Diagnostic tests
Surgery
Hospitalisation
Pre-existing conditions
Waiting periods
Authorisation requirements
Out-of-network providers

Avoid these

Common Mistakes Expats Make with Specialists

Assuming every specialist accepts Sanitas
Assuming English is guaranteed
Not checking the cuadro médico
Confusing appointment access with test or treatment cover
Not checking authorisations
Choosing a plan without checking local specialists

Talk to us

Get Help in English

We can help you choose a plan with the specialist access you need. We help expats compare Sanitas plans and request personalised quotes in English. We do not provide medical advice, book medical appointments, manage authorisations or override Sanitas systems.

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+34 632 93 51 54

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info@spanish-healthinsurance.com

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Spain

+34 868 290 730

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United Kingdom

+44 203 925 8884

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United States

+1 646 222 5288

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Speak to an Adviser

Arrange a callback

Compare Sanitas Specialist Access in English

We'll help you understand referrals, direct access and the cuadro médico, and request a personalised quote. Please check the actual current policy terms and your personal conditions before purchasing or using any Sanitas policy. Policies change and individual terms can vary.

Referrals and authorisation explained
Cuadro médico guidance
Specialist and centre access clarified
No obligation

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Your Details

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone / WhatsApp

Province / Area in Spain

Town / Postcode

People to Cover

Number of People to Cover

Date of Birth

Relationship

Your Situation

Visa / Residency Route

Planned Start Date

Any medical history, current treatment or special requirements? (optional)

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I understand acceptance and exact terms depend on the insurer’s rules, and that visa and residency decisions rest with the Spanish authorities.

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FAQs

Sanitas Referrals & Specialists — Common Questions

Common questions about Sanitas referrals and specialist access. Always confirm current policy rules and the cuadro médico.

It can depend on the policy and specialty. Some access may be direct, while some tests or treatments may need authorisation. Always check the current rules.

Some policies and specialties may allow direct access, but this must be checked against the current policy and Sanitas process.

The appointment itself may not, but related tests, procedures or treatments may require authorisation. Check the current rules.

Some tests, especially higher-cost ones, may require prior authorisation. Confirm before booking.

Use the Sanitas cuadro médico for your policy and province. We can explain how to check this in English.

No. Some professionals in expat areas may speak English, but this cannot be guaranteed and should be confirmed with the provider.

It may, depending on the policy and cuadro médico. Verify specialist access in the current documents.

It may, depending on the policy. Specialist access still depends on the cuadro médico and conditions.

Generally not under network cover unless allowed by the policy or reimbursement terms, if applicable. Always check first.

A referral is a doctor directing you to another professional; authorisation is Sanitas approval for certain services.

No. We help compare plans and explain access in English. We do not book medical appointments.

Yes. We explain specialist access in English and help you request a personalised quote.

Related Sanitas Add-ons & Guides