In Spain, there is a public healthcare system that is regarded as one of the best in the world. However, due to the strain on the system, waiting lists mean that patients do not always have the convenience and immediacy they should. For this reason, many people choose to take out private health insurance.
Types of Health Insurance:
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Basic Plan
(no hospitalization or surgery): This is the most affordable way to access private healthcare. It covers medical specialties, diagnostic tests, and treatments—excluding hospitalization and surgical procedures. It is designed for individuals seeking the speed and efficiency of private healthcare without a high monthly premium.
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Healthcare assistance with or without co-payment:
The company provides the user with access to the professionals included in its medical network with full cover, that is, including all services. These policies can be taken out with co-payment, at a lower price, or without co-payment, at a higher price.
What is a co-payment? In policies that include this feature, the user pays a fixed amount (normally monthly) and also pays for each medical service used. Depending on the type of treatment or service required, the co-payment will vary.
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Reimbursement product:
As with the previous option, this is a modality that provides access to all services. It includes an annual reimbursement limit for expenses if the professional the insured wishes to consult is outside the company’s medical network. As a general rule, insurers reimburse the user 80% of the invoice amount. Typically, insurers reimburse approximately 80% of the medical bill.
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Dental Insurance:
This type of policy provides the user with access to specialists in dental treatments, benefiting from free services and significant discounts.
When taking out Health Insurance, there are several terms that should be taken into account:
Insurance application and health questionnaire:
The insurer must have accurate knowledge of the client; therefore, completion of the application form and health questionnaire is required. In this document, pre-existing conditions must be declared, meaning any illnesses, treatments or accidents that the client has suffered or been diagnosed with prior to taking out the policy.
- Co-payment:
In policies that include this feature, the user pays a fixed amount (normally monthly) and also pays for each medical service used. Depending on the type of treatment required, the co-payment will vary.
- Waiting period:
The waiting period refers to the time that must elapse from the date the policy is taken out until certain services or covers can be used.
Advantages of private health insurance compared to public healthcare:
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Specialties:
Freedom of choice of specialist is guaranteed, provided they are included in the insurer’s medical network. In most cases, the specialist can be consulted without first having to visit a general practitioner, resulting in greater agility and speed.
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Emergency care:
As private healthcare services are not as overcrowded, they provide the user with much more immediate and convenient attention.
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Medical treatments:
As a general rule, private healthcare includes the most innovative treatments, technology and techniques.
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Hospitalisation:
As with specialist care, the user can choose the hospital where they wish to receive treatment. In addition, an individual-use room is made available, allowing both the patient and their companion to rest in a more comfortable and peaceful environment.
Insurers marketing Health Insurance have adapted to society’s demands by incorporating different types of products tailored to each user’s needs. As a result, they typically offer options ranging from basic modalities to more comprehensive ones covering almost any type of benefit.