Health insurance: Is it worth getting one?
Nowadays, having private health insurance is becoming more necessary. We all know how the public health system works in Spain: long waits to see a specialist, endless lists for medical tests or surgeries, and, in general, a frustratingly slow system. If you don’t want to wait months to be seen, getting private health insurance might be the solution.
What is health insurance and how does it work?
Basically, health insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company where you pay a monthly or yearly premium, and in return, they cover your medical expenses. But be aware, not everything is free. Depending on your plan, some visits or treatments have a copay, which means that even though you have insurance, you’ll still have to pay a bit out of pocket for each appointment.
Real example: If you take out a policy with Sanitas, one of the most well-known insurers, you could see a specialist in just a few days, while in the public system, you might have to wait weeks or even months. However, some policies come with a copay for appointments or treatments, so it’s important to read the terms carefully before signing up.
Types of health insurance
Health insurance can seem complicated, but the key is to know what you need and how much you’re willing to spend. Here are the main types:
- Medical provider network insurance: The insurance company gives you a list of doctors and clinics, and you can go to them with no additional costs or just a small copay. It’s the most common type and affordable.
- Reimbursement insurance: This plan allows you to visit any doctor you want. You pay upfront, and then the insurer reimburses a percentage of the cost. Ideal for those who want more freedom of choice.
- Dental insurance: This one focuses on dental care, covering expenses like cleanings, fillings, and even orthodontics.
What does health insurance cover?
This depends a lot on the plan you choose. In general, basic insurance plans cover:
- Medical consultations: Both with general practitioners and specialists.
- Medical tests: Such as blood tests, ultrasounds, or X-rays.
- Surgeries: From simple operations to more complex procedures.
- Hospitalization: If you need to stay in the hospital, your insurance covers the hospital fees.
But beware, because not everything is included. Some treatments or medications may not be covered, so it’s crucial to read the terms carefully. The fine print often hides surprises that could end up being costly later on.
Advantages of having health insurance
- Faster care: You won’t need to wait months to see a specialist or get a test done. With private insurance, you can be seen within days.
- Choice of doctors: If you don’t like one doctor, you can switch easily. Plus, you get access to private clinics and hospitals with faster service.
- Less stress: Knowing that you won’t be stuck in the public system’s long waits gives you peace of mind that you can get care quickly when needed.
Real example: Imagine you have back pain and need an MRI. In the public system, they might schedule it months from now. With private insurance, like with Cigna, you could have the scan done in a few days and start treating the problem much sooner.
Watch out for the conditions
Before signing up for any insurance, make sure to read everything carefully. Some insurers don’t cover certain conditions until after a waiting period, and others don’t include expensive treatments or chronic conditions. Another thing to be mindful of is copays. The insurance might seem cheap, but if you have to pay every time you go to the doctor, it might end up costing you more in the long run. So, ask about everything you don’t understand before signing.