When expats search for private healthcare in Spain, they often see Sanitas medical centres, private clinics, hospitals and individual specialists. These are not always the same thing. If you have Sanitas insurance, the key question is whether the doctor, centre or clinic is included in the current Sanitas cuadro médico for your policy.
Centres
A Sanitas medical centre is a Sanitas-branded or Sanitas-listed medical centre where certain services may be available to policyholders, depending on the policy and live network. See Sanitas Medical Centres.
Clinics
A private clinic may be independent, part of another healthcare group or included in one or more insurer networks. Not every private clinic accepts Sanitas, so always check before booking.
Comparison
| Aspect | Sanitas medical centre | Independent private clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership / branding | Sanitas-branded or listed | Independent or other group |
| Network inclusion | In the Sanitas network | Only if included for your policy |
| Booking process | Via official Sanitas channels | Direct, but cover not guaranteed |
| Specialties | Depends on the centre | Depends on the clinic |
| Diagnostics | Where available | Where available |
| Payment model | Per your policy | May require upfront payment |
| Authorisations | May apply | May apply if covered |
| Policy dependency | Access depends on policy | Cover only if in network |
Network
The cuadro médico determines which centres, clinics and professionals are included for your policy. Understand the cuadro médico.
Key question
No, not unless it is included under the policy or reimbursement terms, if applicable. Always check the cuadro médico before booking to avoid unexpected costs.
Centres
Sanitas Medical Centres · find a centre near you · Madrid · Barcelona.
Dental
Dental Milenium clinics are part of the separate dental network. See Dental Milenium clinics.
Checklist
Talk to us
We can help you choose a plan whose network suits where you live. We help expats compare Sanitas plans and request personalised quotes in English. We cannot provide medical advice, guarantee treatment or override Sanitas policy conditions.
We'll explain how the cuadro médico and network access work for your area, 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.
We help expats compare Sanitas options in plain English before they decide.
FAQs
Common questions comparing Sanitas medical centres with independent private clinics. Always check the cuadro médico before booking.