Sanitas is one of Spain’s largest private health insurance providers and a popular choice for Irish citizens settling in Spain who want comprehensive private healthcare alongside, or instead of, Spanish public healthcare (SNS). As an Irish EU citizen, you don’t need a visa — and you don’t need visa-compliant insurance. What you typically want is private healthcare that gives you fast specialist appointments, an English-speaking network, dental and vision options, and a comfortable layer alongside SNS or S1 access. This guide explains the Sanitas private health insurance options that work for Irish residents in Spain, the plan tiers, the network, and how Sanitas fits with the S1 / SNS healthcare landscape Irish citizens have access to.
247 Expat Insurance arranges Sanitas private health insurance plans for Irish citizens living in Spain. Whether as your primary cover, S1 / SNS top-up, or family health plan — we’ll match the right Sanitas option to your situation. Seven days a week.
Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserAs an Irish EU citizen in Spain you have several healthcare options: S1 (if entitled, typically as a pensioner) for SNS access, employment-based SNS access if you work in Spain, convenio especial after 1 year of empadronamiento, and / or Spanish-licensed private health insurance. Many Irish citizens use private cover for one or more of these reasons:
This is private healthcare, not visa-compliant insurance — the distinction matters because as an Irish citizen you don’t need a Consulate-compliant policy structure. You can choose freely based on what suits your healthcare needs and budget.
Sanitas is one of Spain’s largest private health insurance providers and part of the Bupa Group. Sanitas operates:
For Irish residents, Sanitas is one of several quality Spanish-licensed (DGSFP authorised) insurers — Adeslas, DKV, ASISA, Cigna Spain are others. The right choice depends on your area, plan preferences and specific needs.
Sanitas offers a range of plan tiers. Specific product names and tiers can change — verify current product line at quote time. Common categories include:
For Irish citizens specifically — because you’re not constrained by visa-compliant structure — plans with copago, plans with limited waiting periods on specific treatments, and monthly payment options are all available. Choose based on monthly budget, expected use patterns and dental needs.
An important distinction Spanish-licensed plans offer:
For Irish citizens, copago plans can be a sensible cost-effective choice — you pay less monthly, and the per-visit fee is typically modest. For occasional users, copago plans often work out cheaper than sin copago over a year. Heavy users (frequent specialist appointments) may prefer sin copago. We’ll model both for you when quoting.
This flexibility is one of the practical advantages of being an EU citizen in Spain — you don’t have to buy the more expensive sin copago structure just to satisfy Consulate requirements (which don’t apply to you).
Sanitas operates a large network across Spain:
For Irish residents in retirement communities (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Mallorca), Sanitas network coverage is typically strong with English-speaking options. Less established expat areas may have fewer English-speaking doctors — we’ll check your area specifically when quoting.
One of the most-asked questions from Irish residents: are there English-speaking doctors? At Sanitas, yes — the network includes a substantial number of English-speaking doctors particularly in areas with large international populations. Customer service in major cities typically has English-language support.
Practical tips:
Dental cover is one of the practical reasons Irish citizens take Spanish private over SNS (which typically doesn’t cover routine dental). Options:
Vision: glasses and contact lenses sometimes included as a small allowance in dental / wellness packages; eye consultations covered in standard health plans.
For Irish retirees with S1, SNS provides the foundation: GP, prescriptions, emergencies, hospital admissions, chronic care. Sanitas typically adds:
This combined approach is common for Irish retirees and tends to work well — you have public-system safety net via SNS, plus a private fast-track for specialist work.
If you’re using convenio especial (the paid agreement to access SNS for non-entitled residents), Sanitas can sit alongside as a private top-up for the same reasons as the S1 scenario. Sanitas private cover doesn’t replace convenio especial; it complements it.
Sanitas plans are available across age bands including over-65, over-70 and over-75. Premium rates increase with age. Pre-existing conditions are accommodated through medical underwriting at application — some conditions may require waiting periods or specific exclusions on certain plan types.
For Irish retirees with managed chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, etc.), plans can typically be arranged with disclosures — we’ll work through underwriting with you.
Sanitas plan costs depend on age, region, plan tier, copago choice. Indicative monthly costs for Irish residents in Spain (varies significantly — get a specific quote):
Copago plans typically reduce monthly cost by 15–30 percent. Send us your age and region for a specific Sanitas quote.
Sanitas family plans cover spouse and children with consistent benefits. For Irish families moving to Spain (working parent + children, or two retirees) family policies typically work out lower per-person than individual plans.
If you’re already on another Spanish-licensed plan (Adeslas, DKV, ASISA, etc.) and considering Sanitas, switching is straightforward but timing matters:
We help time the switch correctly.
Related guides: Moving from Ireland hub, Irish health insurance options, Retiring to Spain from Ireland, Health insurance hub.
Tell us your age, location in Spain, copago preference and cover needs — we’ll match the right Sanitas plan and quote.
Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserNo — you have several healthcare routes (S1 if entitled, employment-based SNS, convenio especial, private). Sanitas is one common private option, not a requirement.
Yes — many Irish retirees combine S1 (public-system access) with Sanitas private cover for faster appointments and dental.
No — as an Irish EU citizen you don’t need a Consulate-compliant policy. Plans with copago, monthly payment, and other structures can all work for your situation.
Accommodated through medical underwriting. Some conditions may have waiting periods or specific exclusions depending on plan and insurer.
Yes — particularly in areas with established international communities. The Sanitas directory allows filtering by language.
Indicative: EUR 130–220/month at 65 mid-tier; higher for premium options. Copago plans typically 15–30 percent cheaper monthly. Specific quote available.
Often as an add-on (Dental Sanitas) or in higher-tier plans. Standalone dental cover also available.
Yes — family plans cover spouse and children with consistent benefits.
All are quality Spanish-licensed insurers. Choice depends on area network, plan structure, dental preference and budget. We compare options at quote time.
often within 1 business day for many straightforward applications, with 2–5 business days where medical underwriting is needed. Times can vary.
Possible but timing matters. We help with switch timing.
If you’re paying Spanish social security via employment / autónomo you have SNS access. Sanitas is then a private top-up option, not a primary need.
Cancel the Spanish plan on departure (annual cycle considerations apply). Resume Irish private / HSE on return.
Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones — Spain’s insurance regulator. Sanitas holds DGSFP authorisation.
Yes — both options typically available. Annual sometimes offers a small discount.
