Complete guide to finding and using Sanitas network hospitals across Spain. Understand how the cuadro médico works, check acceptance before you go, and know your coverage options.
Sanitas operates an extensive network of over 300 verified private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers throughout Spain. Virtually all major private hospital chains accept Sanitas insurance, including Quirónsalud, HM Hospitales, Vithas, Hospiten, and Teknon. This extensive network means you'll likely find multiple options whether you're based in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca, or anywhere else in Spain.
The Sanitas network isn't a single entity—it comprises several categories of facilities, each with slightly different characteristics but identical coverage for Sanitas members.
Sanitas directly operates several premium hospitals that are guaranteed to accept your insurance. These include:
These facilities set quality standards for the entire network and feature English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and international medical protocols.
Milenium is Sanitas' branded outpatient network, featuring diagnostic centers and specialty clinics. These facilities provide imaging, lab work, preventive care, and minor procedures at network rates. All Sanitas members have access to Milenium facilities nationwide.
Quality-vetted independent hospitals contracted with Sanitas to provide care to members. These hospitals maintain high standards but retain their independent identity. They include major regional chains:
Hundreds of private clinics, dental centers, and outpatient surgical facilities accept Sanitas. These range from general practitioners' offices to specialized surgery centers. Most offer quicker appointments and less bureaucracy than large hospitals.
Before scheduling any appointment or procedure, always verify hospital acceptance. Here are four reliable methods:
Sanitas' mobile app Blua includes a hospital finder. Search by name or location, and the app instantly confirms whether that facility is in-network. The Blua app also shows which doctors work at each hospital and real-time wait times at urgent care centers.
Available on iOS and Android; free to download.
Your Sanitas policy includes a printed or digital cuadro médico listing every hospital, clinic, and doctor in-network organized by region and specialty. Check your welcome packet or download the PDF from your Sanitas account. This is the official, comprehensive list.
Update quarterly as hospitals join/leave the network.
Phone 902 100 200 (available 24/7, English-speaking support) and ask: "Does Hospital X accept my Sanitas plan in City Y?" A representative will confirm acceptance, provide referral instructions if needed, and answer follow-up questions about coverage or copayments.
Free call; helpful for complex questions.
Call the hospital's administrative or billing office and ask: "Do you accept Sanitas insurance?" They'll confirm whether they're in-network and explain any forms or procedures (usually minimal for network hospitals). This double-check prevents surprises at admission.
Recommended for planned procedures.
Sanitas network hospitals are concentrated in major cities and tourist/expat areas. Here's a regional breakdown:
Sanitas-Owned: La Moraleja, La Zarzuela, El Rosario
Partners: Quirónsalud Madrid, HM Hospitales (multiple locations), USP San Rafael, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Teknon Madrid
Madrid has the densest network with 50+ facilities accepting Sanitas, from large university hospitals to neighborhood clinics. English-speaking staff widely available.
Sanitas-Owned: CIMA Barcelona
Partners: Quirónsalud Barcelona, HM Hospitals Catalonia, Teknon Barcelona, Hospital Asepeyo, Regional network hospitals
Barcelona offers strong Sanitas coverage with 40+ network facilities. Catalonia region benefits from competitive healthcare market with multiple high-quality options.
Sanitas-Owned: Virgen del Mar Hospital
Partners: Quirónsalud Málaga, HM Hospital Benalmádena, Galenia Hospitals, Costa del Sol Hospital, private clinics throughout the coast
Extensive coverage for the large expat population. Most facilities cater to international patients with English-speaking doctors, medical records in English, and English billing statements.
Partners: Quirónsalud Costa Blanca, Hospital Marina Salud, private clinics in Alicante, Benidorm, Jávea
Growing expat area with decent Sanitas coverage. Some facilities have English-speaking staff; translation services usually available. Larger hospitals better equipped for complex procedures.
Partners: Quirónsalud Valencia, HM Hospital Valencia, Regional specialist hospitals
Third-largest city with solid Sanitas network. Spanish language more common here; confirm English availability if needed. Quality care available for most procedures.
Partners: Quirónsalud Seville, HM Hospitals, Hospiten, Regional hospitals
Good coverage in Seville and major Andalusian cities. Network thins in smaller towns—check availability before relocating to rural areas.
Partners: Quirónsalud Bilbao, HM Hospitals, Regional hospitals
Solid coverage in Bilbao and surrounding Basque cities. Advanced medical facilities with strong international presence.
Partners: Hospiten (major presence), Quirónsalud Canaries, private clinics on Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote
Essential for island residents. Hospiten is the dominant player. Complex procedures sometimes require traveling to mainland—check with Sanitas about referrals and travel coverage.
Partners: Quirónsalud Mallorca, Hospiten, Island clinics
Growing island network. Larger facilities on Mallorca and Ibiza; Menorca has more limited options. Some specialized care may require traveling to Barcelona or mainland.
How you pay for hospital care depends on whether you use a network facility. Understanding this distinction is crucial for managing costs.
How it works: You present your Sanitas card at a network hospital. The hospital verifies your coverage, treats you, and bills Sanitas directly. You pay only your copay (if any) or nothing if you've met your deductible.
Your costs: Typically 0-100 euros copay depending on service type, plus any out-of-pocket maximums already satisfied.
Advantages: Zero paperwork, no large upfront payments, simplified billing, and clearly-defined costs.
Disadvantage: Limited to network facilities only.
How it works: You pay the full hospital bill upfront. Afterward, you submit invoices, receipts, and claim forms to Sanitas for reimbursement.
Your costs: Full bill initially; Sanitas reimburses 60-75% of "reasonable and customary" costs depending on your plan.
Advantages: Freedom to use any hospital; sometimes necessary if your specialist only works at non-network facilities.
Disadvantages: Large upfront out-of-pocket cost, reimbursement may be less than the full bill, claims take 30-60 days to process, more paperwork required.
Medical emergencies sometimes land you at the nearest hospital, which may not be in your Sanitas network. Here's what happens:
If you're taken to a non-network hospital via ambulance (112 in Spain), your emergency care is covered under Sanitas' emergency provision. This includes ER assessment, stabilization, and necessary emergency procedures.
Out-of-pocket cost: Usually just your normal copay (20-50 euros).
If you require hospitalization, Sanitas prefers transfer to a network hospital. If you're stable enough to move, Sanitas will arrange transfer at no additional cost. If transfer isn't medically advisable, you stay at the non-network hospital but coverage may be limited.
Important: Notify Sanitas within 24 hours of emergency admission for authorization.
If you can't be safely transferred (post-surgery, critical condition), Sanitas covers necessary hospital care at the non-network facility. Coverage may be partial (60-75% reimbursement) rather than full.
Bill handling: The hospital may bill Sanitas directly or you pay and request reimbursement.
Once discharged, any follow-up care should move to a network hospital or clinic. This ensures continuity of care and full coverage. Sanitas can help coordinate the transition.
Documentation: Keep all emergency records and receipts for reimbursement claims if needed.
If you travel internationally or plan to visit family abroad, Sanitas offers supplemental global coverage through Bupa Global partnerships.
Standard Sanitas plans include limited emergency coverage (typically up to 90 days) for unexpected medical events while traveling internationally. This covers emergency room visits, urgent hospitalizations, and emergency repatriation to Spain if necessary.
Coverage limits: Usually capped at 6,000-12,000 euros per incident.
Reimbursement: Submit claims to Sanitas with receipts and proof of medical necessity.
Sanitas offers enhanced international coverage through Bupa Global, giving access to hospitals in 190+ countries. This is especially valuable for expats who maintain family connections abroad or frequently travel.
Benefits: Direct billing at Bupa Global hospitals worldwide, 24/7 medical helpline, coordination of care across countries.
Cost: Additional premium (typically 50-150 euros/year depending on plan).
Sanitas' international plans include travel assistance: medical evacuations, repatriation flights, coordination with local hospitals, and interpretation services. Critical for serious incidents abroad.
If you're frequently abroad or need ongoing international care, consider Sanitas' expat-focused plans that combine Spain coverage with broader international access. These are popular with digital nomads and internationally-mobile families.
Here are the questions we hear most often from Sanitas members about hospital acceptance and coverage:
Explore our comprehensive guides on Sanitas hospitals, doctors, and coverage details across Spain:
Our English-speaking team will help you find the right plan and explain hospital network coverage in detail.
Whether a hospital “accepts Sanitas” depends on your plan, the current cuadro médico and any authorisation needed. Explore the network and check access for your plan before booking.