Private Healthcare on the Costa del Sol: Hospitals, Clinics and Insurance for UK Expats

Healthcare is consistently one of the top concerns for UK buyers considering a move to Spain — and one of the areas where post-Brexit changes have created the most confusion. The good news: healthcare on the Costa del Sol is excellent by any measure. The private healthcare system in particular offers fast access, high standards, English-speaking doctors, and prices that are remarkably affordable compared to the UK.

This guide covers the private healthcare landscape specifically on the Costa del Sol — the hospitals, clinics, insurance options, and practical realities of using the system as a UK expat. For an overview of both public and private systems, see our general healthcare guide for UK expats.

Why Most UK Expats Use Private Healthcare

The Spanish public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) is excellent and free for those who qualify. However, most UK expats on the Costa del Sol use private healthcare — either exclusively or alongside public access — for several practical reasons:

• Language: Public system appointments are conducted in Spanish. In a medical context, misunderstandings can be serious. Private clinics typically have English-speaking doctors and support staff
• Speed: Public waiting times for specialists and non-emergency procedures can be long (weeks to months). Private consultations are typically available within 24-72 hours
• Choice: Private healthcare lets you choose your doctor and hospital. In the public system, you are assigned to your local centro de salud (health centre)
• Eligibility gaps: Not all UK expats qualify for public healthcare. Non-residents, early retirees without S1 forms, and those not paying into social security need private cover
• Continuity: If you split time between Spain and the UK, private insurance provides consistent cover regardless of which country you are in (with the right policy)

Private Hospitals on the Costa del Sol

Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella

The largest private hospital on the western Costa del Sol. Part of the Quirónsalud group (Spain's biggest private healthcare network, owned by Fresenius/Helios). Full emergency department, surgical suites, maternity, oncology, cardiology, and orthopaedics. International patient department with English, French, German, and Scandinavian language support. Located on the Golden Mile — accessible from Estepona to Fuengirola.

Hospital HC Marbella (High Care)

A high-end hospital focused on international patients. Strong in plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, and dental care alongside general medical services. Modern facilities with hotel-like rooms. Higher price point than Quirónsalud but perceived as more boutique and personal. Located in Marbella centre.

Hospital Vithas Xanit Benalmádena

The main private option for the central and eastern Costa del Sol (Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Mijas). Part of the Vithas group. Full emergency department, surgery, diagnostics, and specialist consultations. Newer facility with modern equipment. English-speaking staff available but Spanish-dominant compared to Marbella hospitals.

Hospital Quirónsalud Málaga

The largest private hospital in the province, located in Málaga city. Covers the widest range of specialties including complex surgical procedures, advanced diagnostics (MRI, PET scan), and specialist treatments not available at smaller facilities. The go-to hospital for serious conditions requiring advanced care.

Clínica El Ángel, Málaga

Established private hospital in Málaga centre with a long reputation for quality care. Strong in general surgery, gynaecology, and internal medicine. Smaller and more personal than the Quirónsalud and Vithas facilities.

Private Clinics and Specialists

Beyond hospitals, the Costa del Sol has hundreds of private clinics and specialist practices. These handle the majority of routine private healthcare:

• General practice / family medicine: Private GPs offer same-day or next-day appointments, typically 30-60 minute consultations (compared to 5-10 minutes in the UK NHS). Cost: EUR 50-100 per consultation without insurance
• Dental: Dental care is not covered by the public system for adults. Private dental clinics are abundant and significantly cheaper than the UK — a cleaning costs EUR 50-80, a filling EUR 60-120, a crown EUR 300-500
• Physiotherapy: Widespread and affordable. EUR 40-60 per session. Often available without referral
• Dermatology: Important on the Costa del Sol due to sun exposure. Regular skin checks are recommended. EUR 80-150 for a full dermatological examination
• Ophthalmology: Several specialist eye clinics offering laser surgery, cataract treatment, and routine eye care at competitive prices

English-Speaking Clinics

Several clinics specifically serve the international community with full English-language service:

• The clinics located in Marbella, Estepona, and Fuengirola that cater to the expat community typically have multilingual reception, English-speaking doctors, and can send reports and prescriptions in English
• Many British-trained doctors and nurses have relocated to the Costa del Sol and practise privately. Your expat community and local recommendations are the best source for finding them

Private Health Insurance Options

Spanish Private Insurance (Seguros de Salud)

Spanish health insurance is significantly cheaper than UK or international equivalents. The main providers:

• Sanitas: Spain's largest private health insurer (part of Bupa group). Wide network, good digital platform, English-language support. Policies from EUR 60-200/month depending on age and cover
• Adeslas (SegurCaixa Adeslas): Second largest. Very wide hospital and clinic network. Competitive pricing. Less English-language support than Sanitas
• DKV: Part of Munich Re group. Good international orientation. Popular with expats for English-speaking customer service
• Asisa: Cooperative insurer with competitive rates. Good coverage but network can be more limited outside major cities
• AXA Health Spain: International brand with Spanish policies. Good for expats who want a familiar name

What Spanish Policies Typically Cover

• GP and specialist consultations (usually with copay of EUR 0-15 per visit)
• Hospital admission and surgery
• Diagnostic tests (blood work, imaging, scans)
• Emergency care 24/7
• Maternity (often after a waiting period of 8-10 months)
• Physiotherapy (limited sessions per year)
• Mental health (limited sessions per year)

What They Typically Exclude or Limit

• Pre-existing conditions (often excluded for the first 12-24 months, or permanently for serious conditions)
• Dental (usually separate dental insurance or pay-as-you-go)
• Optical (basic eye tests may be included; glasses and contact lenses are not)
• Cosmetic procedures
• Experimental treatments
• Coverage outside Spain (emergency cover abroad may be included; routine care abroad is not)

Age Considerations

Age is the single biggest factor in insurance pricing and availability:

Age Range	Monthly Premium Range	Notes
30-40	EUR 50 – 100	Easy to obtain, few restrictions
40-50	EUR 80 – 150	Standard medical history screening
50-60	EUR 120 – 200	Pre-existing conditions scrutinised
60-65	EUR 180 – 300	Some insurers cap new policies at 65
65-70	EUR 250 – 400	Limited options for new policies
70+	EUR 350 – 600+	Very few insurers accept new applicants

Critical tip: if you plan to move to Spain in retirement, take out a Spanish private health insurance policy while you are still relatively young (under 65). It is much easier to maintain an existing policy as you age than to obtain a new one after 65-70. Some policies guarantee renewability regardless of age once you are enrolled.

International Health Insurance

If you split time between Spain and the UK (or travel frequently), international health insurance may be more appropriate:

• Cigna Global: One of the most established international health insurers. Covers treatment in Spain, UK, and worldwide
• Bupa Global: International arm of Bupa. Comprehensive cover but premium pricing
• Allianz Care: Strong European coverage with flexible plans
• AXA Global Healthcare: Good mid-range international option

International policies typically cost EUR 3,000-8,000/year (significantly more than Spanish domestic policies) but offer worldwide cover, higher limits, and coverage that travels with you. They also typically cover treatment back in the UK, which Spanish domestic policies do not.

Post-Brexit Healthcare Changes for UK Nationals

Brexit changed healthcare access for UK nationals in Spain significantly:

• S1 form holders (UK state pensioners): If you receive a UK state pension and hold an S1 certificate, you retain full access to Spanish public healthcare, funded by the UK. This arrangement continues under the UK-Spain bilateral agreement
• UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC): Replaces the EHIC for UK nationals. Covers emergency and medically necessary treatment during temporary stays in Spain. Does not cover routine care or pre-existing conditions for residents
• Non-contributing residents: UK nationals who are Spanish residents but do not work, are not pensioners, and do not pay into the Spanish social security system can access public healthcare through the convenio especial — a monthly payment (approximately EUR 60/month under 65, EUR 157/month over 65) that buys into the public system. This is an alternative to private insurance

Practical Tips

• Register with both systems if eligible: Many expats have public healthcare access (through S1 or social security contributions) and also maintain private insurance. Use the public system for emergencies and chronic condition management, and private for fast specialist access and English-language consultations
• Keep a medical folder: Maintain copies of all medical records, prescriptions, test results, and correspondence in both English and Spanish. Spanish doctors do not have access to your UK NHS records
• Bring prescription details: If you take regular medication, bring the generic name (not just the brand name), dosage, and prescribing doctor's notes. Spanish pharmacies are well-stocked and most UK medications have Spanish equivalents
• Pharmacies are your first stop: Spanish pharmacists (farmacéuticos) are highly trained and can advise on minor conditions, dispense many medications without prescription (including some that require prescriptions in the UK), and refer you to a doctor if needed. For minor ailments, the pharmacy is faster and cheaper than a doctor visit
• Emergency numbers: 112 (general emergency), 061 (medical emergency in Andalucía). These are free and have English-speaking operators available

The Bottom Line

Private healthcare on the Costa del Sol offers a combination of quality, speed, and affordability that is genuinely superior to what most UK residents are accustomed to. Whether you choose a Spanish domestic policy for EUR 100-200/month or international cover for broader protection, the medical infrastructure on the Costa del Sol is robust, accessible, and accustomed to serving the international community.

The key action: arrange your healthcare cover before you need it. Do not wait until you have a medical issue in Spain to discover your options. Research insurers, register with a GP (public or private), and build a relationship with your local pharmacy. Health infrastructure is one of the strongest arguments for the Costa del Sol as a relocation destination.

Planning your move? Join MUNDO to explore property options across Spain's coastal regions. For retirement-specific lifestyle planning, see our retirement lifestyle guide.