How to Cancel Sanitas Health Insurance — Complete Guide
How to end a Sanitas policy: opposing renewal at the end of the insurance period, withdrawal rights on distance contracts, and what to check in your own policy terms.
Yes, subject to the terms of your policy. Spanish insurance law generally requires the policyholder to notify the insurer in writing at least one month before the end of the current insurance period when opposing renewal. Check the cancellation provisions in your individual policy and confirm the current process with Sanitas before submitting the request.
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Two different situations: Opposing renewal at the end of the insurance period is governed by Article 22 of the Insurance Contract Act. Ending cover part-way through the current period is governed by your policy terms. Check which applies to you before contacting Sanitas.
Complete Process
5-Step Cancellation Guide
Follow this process to cancel Sanitas smoothly and ensure you receive your refund.
1
Review Your Contract Terms
Before canceling, check your policy for any contract-specific details. Most Sanitas plans have no minimum term, but some rare packages may require a notice period. Review your policy documents or contact Sanitas Customer Service to confirm there are no special conditions. Check the effective date of your current premium to plan your cancellation strategically.
✓ Verify no lock-in period exists
✓ Check current premium expiry date
✓ Note any special contract terms
2
Prepare Your Cancellation Letter
Write a formal cancellation letter in Spanish or English stating your intent to cancel, your policy number, and the desired cancellation date. The letter must be submitted in writing (email or registered mail) to be legally valid. A phone call alone is not sufficient. Include your contact details, policy reference, and request written confirmation of cancellation.
✓ Use formal letter format
✓ Include policy number and dates
✓ Request written confirmation
3
Submit to Sanitas
Send your cancellation letter via email or registered mail to Sanitas. Email is fastest and leaves a digital trail. For registered mail, keep the receipt as proof of submission. You can also submit in person at any Sanitas office if preferred. Keep proof of submission and Sanitas's acknowledgement or reference number.
✓ Written request to Sanitas Customer Service
✓ Mail: Registered letter (keep receipt)
✓ In-person: Local Sanitas office
4
Receive Confirmation
Ask Sanitas to confirm the cancellation in writing. Keep the confirmation and any reference number — it should state the date cover ends. If you do not receive it, follow up and ask for written confirmation.
✓ Expect confirmation in 5-7 days
✓ Verify cancellation date matches request
✓ Save confirmation letter
5
Final Payment & Refund
If you've paid annual premiums in advance, Sanitas calculates a pro-rata refund for unused months. For monthly policies, ensure no further payments are processed after your cancellation date. Any amount due or refundable, and the timing of it, depend on Sanitas and your payment method. Ask for written confirmation.
✓ Pro-rata refund calculated
✓ Refund issued within 30 days
✓ 5-10 days to reach your account
Ready to Use
Cancellation Letter Template
Use this template to write your formal cancellation request. Send it via email or registered mail.
English Version
Subject: Cancellation of Health Insurance Policy
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postal Code]
[Date]Sanitas Customer ServiceDear Sanitas,I am writing to formally request the cancellation of my health insurance policy effective [DATE - at least one month before the end of your current insurance period].Policy Details:
- Policy Number: [YOUR POLICY NUMBER]
- Full Name: [YOUR FULL NAME]
- Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Current Policy Start Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]I request that my coverage terminate on [CANCELLATION DATE], and that any unused premium be refunded to my original payment method.Please send written confirmation of this cancellation request to my email address: [YOUR EMAIL] or phone number: [YOUR PHONE].Thank you for your service.Yours sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Versión en Español
Asunto: Cancelación de Póliza de Seguro de Salud
[Tu Nombre]
[Tu Dirección]
[Ciudad, Código Postal]
[Fecha]Sanitas Servicio al ClienteEstimados Señores,Le escribo para solicitar formalmente la cancelación de mi póliza de seguro de salud con efectividad a partir del [FECHA - al menos un mes antes del fin del periodo de seguro en curso].Datos de la Póliza:
- Número de Póliza: [TU NÚMERO DE PÓLIZA]
- Nombre Completo: [TU NOMBRE COMPLETO]
- Fecha de Nacimiento: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Fecha de Inicio de la Póliza: [DD/MM/YYYY]Solicito que mi cobertura termine el [FECHA DE CANCELACIÓN] y que cualquier prima no utilizada sea reembolsada a mi método de pago original.Por favor, envíe confirmación por escrito de esta solicitud de cancelación a mi dirección de correo electrónico: [TU EMAIL] o número de teléfono: [TU TELÉFONO].Agradezco su servicio.Atentamente,
[Tu Firma]
[Tu Nombre Impreso]
Submission Methods
How to Submit Your Cancellation
Multiple ways to submit your cancellation request to Sanitas. Choose the method that works best for you.
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Phone
Sanitas says policyholders can contact Customer Service about cancellation or non-renewal. If making the request by telephone, ask for a reference number and written confirmation that the request has been recorded.
91 752 28 52 93 362 34 49
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In person
Visit a Sanitas office and submit the request directly. Take a signed copy and ask Sanitas to stamp or acknowledge it as proof of receipt.
Spanish insurance law generally requires the policyholder to notify the insurer in writing at least one month before the end of the current insurance period when opposing renewal. Check the cancellation terms in the policy and confirm the current postal submission route with Sanitas before sending anything.
If sending the request by post, use a method that records delivery. A burofax with certification of content provides stronger evidence of what was submitted than ordinary tracked post.
Keep a copy of the signed request, proof of delivery, and Sanitas's acknowledgement or reference number.
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Important: Contact details and procedures can change. Check the cancellation provisions in the individual policy and confirm the current process with Sanitas before submitting the request.
Written notification: Spanish insurance law generally requires the policyholder to notify the insurer in writing at least one month before the end of the current insurance period when opposing renewal. Check the cancellation provisions in your individual policy and confirm the current process with Sanitas before submitting the request.
Buyer Protection
Withdrawal Rights on Distance Contracts
If you bought your policy at a distance, Ley 22/2007 gives a 14-calendar-day right of withdrawal. It does not apply automatically to every insurance purchase, and statutory exclusions apply.
Your Right to Withdraw
Ley 22/2007 gives a right of withdrawal on financial-services contracts concluded entirely at a distance — negotiated and agreed without you and the provider being physically present together. The period is 14 calendar days, normally running from the conclusion of the contract, or from receipt of the contractual terms and information if these are supplied later. It does not apply to every contract: the exclusions in Article 10.2 apply. Notify the provider before the deadline using a method that leaves evidence of notification. Under Article 11 the provider may retain a permitted proportional amount for cover already provided, which must never amount to a penalty, and any reimbursement due under Article 11 must be made within the statutory maximum of 30 calendar days. That 30-day period applies only to a valid statutory withdrawal from an eligible distance contract — it is not a general Sanitas refund commitment. (Ley 22/2007 implements EU Directive 2002/65/EC.)
✓ 14 calendar days, on eligible distance contracts
✓ Any Article 11 reimbursement within 30 calendar days
✓ Provider may retain a proportional amount for cover already given
✓ No reason required
How to Use Your Right: Write "Ejercito mi derecho de desistimiento" (I exercise my right of withdrawal) in your cancellation letter, state your purchase date, and submit within 14 days. Sanitas must refund 100% within 30 days.
Coverage & Continuity
What Happens to Your Ongoing Treatment
Ensure seamless healthcare during your transition to a new provider.
Active Treatments & Prescriptions
Your Sanitas coverage remains fully active throughout the 30-day notice period. All ongoing treatments, prescriptions, and specialist care continue as normal. Use this time to finalize treatments or get referral letters from your doctors for the new provider.
Medical Records & Referrals
Request copies of your medical records from Sanitas before cancellation (they're legally required to provide them). Inform your specialist doctors that you're switching providers so they can prepare referral letters. Your new insurer can also request records directly from Sanitas if needed.
Transitional Coverage Planning
Ensure your new health insurance policy starts on or before your Sanitas cancellation date. This avoids any gap in coverage. Some providers offer overlap or same-day activation. Verify with your new insurer that all conditions are covered and waiting periods apply (or don't) as expected.
Emergency Care
Emergency care is always covered regardless of insurance status under Spanish healthcare law. After your Sanitas policy ends, public healthcare (SNS) is available for emergencies. Your new private insurer will handle non-emergency care. Keep emergency contact numbers for both old and new providers during transition.
Before You Cancel
Check Your Policy Terms
Ending a policy before its renewal date is not the same as opposing annual renewal.
Opposing renewal at the end of the insurance period is governed by Article 22 of the Insurance Contract Act. Ending cover part-way through the current period is a different matter, and it is governed by the terms of your policy.
Do not assume that ending a policy mid-term automatically creates a refund. Whether Sanitas accepts the request, when cover ends and whether any premium is returned depend on the applicable policy terms and circumstances. Ask Sanitas to confirm its decision, effective date and any amount payable or refundable in writing.
Before You Cancel
Consider These Alternatives
Cancellation may not be your only option. Explore cost-saving alternatives first.
Downgrade to a Cheaper Sanitas Plan
Sanitas offers plans at a range of price points. If your current plan is too expensive, consider switching to a lower-cost option such as Sanitas Accede (basic coverage) instead of canceling entirely — we can review which plan fits your needs and budget. This saves money without losing coverage.
Changing from a copay plan to a reimbursement plan (or vice versa) may reduce costs. Some people pay less with a different structure. If you want to change your cover after the policy begins, contact Sanitas and check the applicable policy terms. Available changes, effective dates and any cost depend on the policy and circumstances.
Contact our English-speaking advisers. As an Official Exclusive Sanitas Agent we work directly with Sanitas, and there is no extra cost for arranging your policy through us — we are paid by Sanitas, not by you. Before you cancel, we can check whether a different Sanitas plan would suit you better.
Sometimes adding add-ons (dental, vision, mental health) is cheaper than switching providers. Check if Sanitas add-ons would improve value for your needs at a lower cost than a competitor's premium plan.
Get Expert Advice: Our team can review your situation at no cost and recommend the best option. Contact us and we will review your situation at no cost and explain the options.
Important Impact
Impact on Your Visa or Residency Status
What you need to know if you're on a Non-Lucrative (NLV) or Digital Nomad (DNV) visa.
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
Spanish NLV visas require proof of private health insurance. Canceling Sanitas means you need to secure alternative insurance within 30 days to maintain visa compliance. Options include:
→ Switch to another private insurer before cancellation
→ Enroll in Spanish NHS (Seguridad Social) if eligible
→ Get a certificate from Sanitas stating coverage during notice period
Action Required: Do not cancel Sanitas without having replacement coverage in place. A lapse in insurance could jeopardize your visa status.
Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
DNV requirements vary by region but typically include proof of health insurance. Check your specific regional requirements (Madrid, Barcelona, etc.) before canceling. Many nomads switch to global travel insurance when leaving Spain.
→ Verify your regional DNV insurance requirements
→ Have replacement coverage arranged before canceling
→ Keep proof of continuous coverage for immigration records
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Legal Advice: If you're on a visa and canceling insurance, consult your immigration lawyer or contact the Spanish immigration office (Extranjería) to ensure you remain compliant.
After Cancellation
Re-enrolling with Sanitas or Others
What to expect if you return to Sanitas or sign up elsewhere later.
Re-enrolling with Sanitas
You can re-enroll with Sanitas at any time after cancellation. However, you'll be treated as a new customer and may need to provide a fresh health declaration. Depending on your age and health status, medical underwriting may apply. Pre-existing conditions might be excluded or assessed separately on a new policy.
Switching to Another Insurer
You can switch to Adeslas, Mapfre, Allianz, or any other Spanish insurer. When enrolling elsewhere, your new provider may request your Sanitas medical records to assess pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods typically apply for non-emergency treatment in new policies (usually 3-12 months depending on the condition).
Avoiding Gaps in Coverage
The best approach is to sign up for your new insurance before canceling Sanitas, ensuring no gap. This maintains your continuous coverage status, which can help when applying elsewhere later. Some providers offer pro-rata credits if you're switching from another insurer.
No Penalty for Re-enrollment
Sanitas and other Spanish insurers don't penalize you for canceling and re-enrolling. You won't face higher premiums or exclusions due to a previous cancellation. However, your health status at the time of re-enrollment determines coverage and pricing.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common cancellation questions.
Yes, absolutely. Spanish law allows you to cancel insurance anytime without providing a reason. Sanitas cannot ask why you're canceling or use your reason against you. Simply submit your written cancellation notice, and they'll process it.
You can cancel on any date. There's no requirement to wait for the end of the month. Check the notice requirements set out in your policy and confirm the intended end date with Sanitas when you submit the request. Ask Sanitas to confirm in writing the date cover ends and any amount due or refundable.
If you don't receive written confirmation within 7 business days, follow up by email or phone. Include your original submission date, method (email/mail), and request confirmation. If still unresolved, you can file a complaint with the Spanish insurance regulator (DGSFP) online at dgsfp.gob.es.
No. Even if you call to request cancellation, your policy remains active until you formally submit written notice. If you make the request by telephone, ask for a reference number and written confirmation that the request has been recorded, and check the notice requirements set out in your policy.
If you have an outstanding balance (past due premiums), Sanitas will deduct it from your refund. For example, if your refund is €500 but you owe €100, you'll receive €400. Any balance owed will still be due immediately upon cancellation.
If your employer pays for your Sanitas insurance, they have limited rights to cancel on your behalf. However, if you're an individual policyholder, only you can authorize cancellation. Check your employee handbook or contact HR regarding corporate policy cancellation procedures.
Either Spanish or English is acceptable. Most of Sanitas' customer service team is bilingual. If you submit in English, include your policy number clearly so there's no confusion. Spanish is recommended for official legal documentation.
Sanitas is legally required to accept cancellation requests with proper notice. If they refuse, file a formal complaint with the Spanish insurance regulator (Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones) or contact a consumer protection organization (OCU). You have strong legal protections.
Yes. If you believe Sanitas calculated your pro-rata refund incorrectly, request a detailed breakdown in writing. If you still disagree after their explanation, you can file a formal complaint with the insurance regulator (DGSFP) or seek help from the Spanish insurance ombudsman (Defensor del Asegurado).
Keep: (1) Your original cancellation letter, (2) Email confirmation or registered mail receipt, (3) Sanitas' written cancellation confirmation, (4) Refund documentation, (5) Bank statement showing refund arrival. Retain these for at least 3 years for tax and insurance records.
After your Sanitas cancellation date, you lose coverage. However, Spanish emergency care (emergencias) is always available through public healthcare (SNS) regardless of insurance. Ensure your new insurance is active before your Sanitas cancellation date to avoid gaps in coverage.
Sanitas stores all policy documents for archival (typically 10 years). You can request a copy at any time after cancellation by contacting their customer service or visiting a local office. Provide your former policy number and personal details for identification.
Need Help Canceling or Finding an Alternative?
Our team of licensed insurance agents can guide you through the process and help you find better coverage if needed. Free consultation, no obligation.
