Some Sanitas health insurance plans include access to a second medical opinion service, known in Spanish as segunda opinión médica. This can be valuable if you receive a serious diagnosis, are facing complex treatment, or want an additional expert review before an important medical decision.
A second expert review of a diagnosis or treatment in serious or chronic cases. Availability and terms depend on your policy — always check your plan conditions.
Founded in 1954 and part of the Bupa Group since 1989, Sanitas is one of Spain's most established private health insurers — with premium plans that can include a second medical opinion for serious or chronic illness.
A second medical opinion is an additional review of a diagnosis, treatment plan or medical report by another qualified specialist. It is not the same as changing doctors for a routine appointment — it is usually used when the medical issue is serious, complex, chronic or life-changing.
A second opinion may help you understand:
For expats in Spain, this can be especially helpful if you are navigating the healthcare system in another language or want reassurance before making a major medical decision.
In Spanish insurance terms, segunda opinión médica means second medical opinion. Sanitas policy information describes this benefit as a second opinion on the diagnosis or medical treatment in cases of serious illnesses — particularly serious chronic conditions requiring programmed care, possible further diagnostic tests or therapeutic measures.
Medical decisions can be stressful. If you are told you have a serious illness, need surgery, require complex treatment or have a chronic condition, it is natural to want another expert view. Second opinion cover can provide:
This is particularly relevant for retirees, families, visa applicants, premium-plan clients and people with ongoing health concerns.
Second medical opinion is normally associated with selected comprehensive or premium Sanitas plans, not every entry-level product. Sanitas product information references the benefit on plans such as Más Salud and Premium 500,000, usually linked to serious or chronic illnesses.
Plans to check include:
These premium and visa-suitable Sanitas plans are the ones to check for second medical opinion cover. Availability and exact terms depend on your policy.
*Second medical opinion availability, scope (national or international) and eligible conditions depend on the specific policy. Prices are confirmed monthly "from" rates and depend on age and province. Cover, limits and exclusions are subject to policy terms.
A second medical opinion may be useful in significant medical situations rather than routine healthcare. It is not usually intended for minor everyday issues or short-term illnesses.
Sanitas policy wording refers to second medical opinion cover in the context of serious illnesses, including serious chronic conditions that may require planned care, additional diagnostic tests or therapeutic measures. The benefit is generally aimed at significant medical situations rather than routine healthcare.
The exact list of eligible situations depends on the policy wording.
A second medical opinion is different from simply booking another specialist appointment.
In Spain's public system, specialist access usually goes through referral pathways. Private health insurance can make it easier to access specialists and, where included, may provide a formal second opinion benefit. Many expats use private cover alongside public healthcare for faster specialist access, private diagnostics, digital document access and — on selected plans — second opinion cover.
Second opinion cover is often not something people think about until they need it — but when they do, it can be one of the most valuable benefits in a policy.
The process depends on the policy and current Sanitas procedure. In general, you may need to provide the documents below and confirm a few key points before relying on the benefit.
Confirm whether second opinion cover is included on your specific policy and what conditions qualify.
Collect your diagnosis, specialist report, test and imaging results, and the proposed treatment plan.
Ask whether prior authorisation is required, and how to submit the request to Sanitas.
A designated or leading specialist reviews the case — often remotely — and issues an opinion.
Review the opinion with your treating doctor to inform your decision. It guides, but does not replace, your medical team.
The better the documentation, the easier it is for the reviewing specialist to understand the case. You may be asked for:
A second opinion is an expert medical review — not an automatic change in treatment. It works within your policy terms. It does not usually mean:
Your treating doctor, insurer and medical team may still need to assess whether recommended tests, treatment or surgery are covered under your policy and clinically appropriate.
Tell us your age, province, reason for cover and whether second medical opinion matters to you. We'll help compare Sanitas plans and check which options may include this benefit. No obligation.
Common questions about second opinion cover on Sanitas plans in Spain.