Spain offers two types of healthcare: public (Seguridad Social) and private.
Free medical care is available with a TSI health card, but many expats and high-income families prefer private insurance — Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, DKV, Mapfre, and others.
Private healthcare provides top-level service, modern facilities, no waiting lines, and the option to choose doctors who speak English, Russian, or other languages.
How Private Insurance Works
Private insurance companies have agreements with hospitals and clinics.
Patients select a doctor from the cuadro médico (partner list), make an appointment, and receive care without prepayment — all costs are covered by the policy.
Some services (like MRI or hospitalization) require pre-authorization, but most clinics handle this process directly with the insurer.
Best Private Hospitals in Marbella
Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella — flagship hospital with 24/7 emergency care, advanced technology, and a department for Russian-speaking patients.
Hospital Clínica Ochoa — centrally located with over 35 specialities and 24/7 Urgencias.
Hospital CERAM Marbella — known for maternity and IVF, but also provides full family healthcare.
HC Marbella International Hospital — focuses on oncology and surgery, works with major international insurers (BUPA, Cigna, Aetna).
Other clinics:
Helicópteros Sanitarios — home and emergency care, including helicopter transport.
Clínica Excelan — family medicine with membership plans.
Clínica Premium — over 30 specialities and high-quality facilities.
Private Hospitals in Estepona
Hospiten Estepona — major medical center with 24/7 emergency service and international staff.
Cenyt Hospital (Vithas Xanit) — modern hospital in the city center with over 30 specialities.
There is also the public Hospital de Alta Resolución de Estepona, but many expats prefer private centers for their comfort and faster service.
How to Book an Appointment
By phone: call the reception, provide your insurance policy number, and choose a doctor.
Online: leading hospitals (like Ochoa or HC Marbella) offer online booking forms.
Through your insurer’s app: Sanitas, Adeslas, and others have mobile platforms for scheduling.
Bring your ID, insurance card, and any recent medical records to the appointment.
Emergency Care (Urgencias)
In Marbella:
Quirónsalud Marbella (Av. Severo Ochoa, 22)
Hospital Ochoa (Paseo Marítimo)
Helicópteros Sanitarios — home emergency service
In Estepona:
Hospiten Estepona (N-340, km 1063)
Cenyt Hospital (Av. de Andalucía, 2)
Centro de Salud Estepona — public emergency clinic
☎ Spain’s emergency number: 112
Important to Know
Emergency care is provided to everyone — even without insurance.
Financial arrangements are handled later through insurance or direct payment.
For tourists without a policy, all medical services are paid — it’s best to get travel insurance in advance.
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