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Private health insurance for expats in Spain is worth it if waiting times matter to you. With private cover, you can typically see a specialist within days rather than months, access diagnostic tests in under a week, and schedule non-urgent surgeries in weeks instead of waiting four months or more.
Around 28% of residents in Spain already use private insurance specifically to bypass public waiting lists.
Below, we break down the real numbers so you can make an informed decision. And if you’re ready to stop waiting and start living, The Insurance Centre can help you find the right health insurance for expats in Spain — fast and hassle-free.
How long are waiting times in Spain’s public healthcare system?
Spain’s public system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), is respected worldwide. But high demand, budget constraints and an ageing population have pushed waiting times to record levels. Here are the key figures from official Ministry of Health data and independent studies:
- GP appointment: average of 9 days nationally. In regions like Catalonia, it can reach 12 days.
- First specialist consultation: average of 95–101 days (over 3 months). More than 56% of patients wait longer than 60 days.
- Non-urgent surgery: average of 128 days (over 4 months). Around 20% of patients wait more than 6 months.
- Diagnostic tests (MRI, CT scan): waits of several weeks to months depending on the region.
These numbers vary significantly by region. Andalusia and Catalonia tend to have the longest waits, while the Basque Country and Navarre perform better. But across the board, the trend is clear: waiting times have not recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Public vs. private: a side-by-side comparison of waiting times
This table shows approximate waiting times for common medical procedures in Spain, comparing the public SNS with private health insurance:
| Medical procedure | Public system (SNS) | Private insurance |
| GP appointment | 7–12 days | 1–2 days |
| Specialist consultation | 95–120+ days | 2–7 days |
| MRI / CT scan | 30–90+ days | 3–10 days |
| Knee replacement | 141+ days | 2–6 weeks |
| Cataract surgery | 90–130 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Hip replacement | 120+ days | 3–6 weeks |
| Neurology consultation | 113+ days | 3–7 days |
The difference is dramatic. What takes months in the public system can take days or weeks with private medical insurance in Spain.
Why do expats in Spain choose private health insurance?
Beyond shorter waiting times, private health cover for expats in Spain offers several practical advantages:
- No GP referral needed: you can book directly with any specialist in your insurer’s network.
- English-speaking doctors: most private hospitals and clinics have multilingual staff, which removes the language barrier.
- Choice of hospital and doctor: you are not assigned to a single health centre. You pick the one that suits you.
- Visa and residency requirement: many Spanish consulates require proof of private health insurance with no co-payments and no waiting periods for visa applications.
- Coverage for extras: dental, optical and other services not covered by the public system are often included in private plans.
For more details on what private cover includes, visit our health insurance in Spain page.
So, is private health insurance really worth it?
Let’s put it simply. If you are an expat living in Spain and any of the following apply to you, private insurance is not a luxury — it’s a necessity:
- You need a non-urgent surgery and cannot afford to wait 4–6 months.
- You want to see a specialist quickly without navigating bureaucracy in Spanish.
- You are applying for a visa or residency permit and need compliant insurance.
- You value peace of mind knowing you can access quality care when you need it.
Many expats combine both systems: they keep public coverage (if eligible through employment or the Convenio Especial) for emergencies and chronic conditions, and use private expat health insurance as their fast track for everything else. With monthly premiums starting from around €30–50, the cost is modest compared to the time and stress you save.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use both public and private healthcare in Spain?
Yes. Many residents and expats in Spain use both systems. Public insurance covers emergencies and long-term treatment, while private insurance gives you faster access to specialists and elective procedures.
How much does private health insurance cost for expats in Spain?
Plans typically start from €30–50 per month for basic cover. Comprehensive policies with no co-payments cost more but are often required for visa purposes. Request a free quote to see exact prices for your situation.
Do I need private insurance for a Spanish visa?
In most cases, yes. Spanish consulates typically require proof of comprehensive private health insurance with no co-payments (sin copagos) and no waiting periods (sin carencias). Check our specialist expat insurance page for visa-compliant options.
What regions in Spain have the longest waiting times?
Catalonia, Andalusia and Extremadura consistently report the longest waits for specialist appointments and surgery. Regions like the Basque Country and Navarre tend to have shorter waits, but even there, private insurance offers significantly faster access.
Stop waiting. Start living in Spain with the right cover.
At The Insurance Centre, we have been helping expats in Spain find the right insurance for over 30 years. We work with the leading Spanish providers to offer you health insurance plans with no waiting lists, no co-payments and English-speaking support.
Whether you have just arrived or you have been here for years and are tired of the public waiting lists, we can find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Get your free health insurance quote today or call us on 952 451 033. We are here to help.
About Our Team
At The Insurance Centre, we’ve been helping clients since 1999 with friendly, professional, and multilingual insurance services tailored especially for expatriates in Spain. We work with top-tier, reputable insurance providers and have proudly received awards for excellence in customer service and expat insurance for the past 10 years.
We are fully registered with the Dirección General de Seguros (DGS) and are members of the Colegio de Mediadores. Our team speaks English, Spanish, French, and Swedish, ensuring clear and confident communication with clients from around the world.
