Sanitas vs Adeslas vs Asisa: Which Health Insurance is Best for Expats in Spain?
A practical comparison of Spain’s three biggest health insurers for British expats – covering network size, English-language service, pricing and NLV visa compliance.
By Sarah B. | Updated April 2026 | 9 min read
Sanitas, Adeslas and Asisa are the three largest private health insurers in Spain. If you want a domestic Spanish provider with an extensive clinic network, one of these three will likely be your answer. But they differ meaningfully in network coverage, English-language service, pricing and how well their policies are accepted for NLV visa applications.
Quick comparison
| Sanitas | Adeslas | Asisa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent company | BUPA (UK) | SegurCaixa Adeslas | Independent cooperative |
| Network size | Very large | Largest in Spain | Large |
| English-language service | Good (expat division) | Limited | Limited |
| Visa-compliant policies | Yes | Yes (check terms) | Yes (check terms) |
| Monthly cost approx (single under 50) | €70–120 | €55–100 | €55–95 |
| Best for | Expats wanting English support | Widest network access | Value, cooperative model |
Sanitas
Sanitas is owned by BUPA, which makes it particularly well-suited to British expats. They operate a dedicated English-language service for international clients (Sanitas Expat), their documentation is available in English, and their customer service is accustomed to dealing with foreign residents. Their network is extensive across Spain’s main cities and expat areas. For NLV visa applications, Sanitas policies are widely accepted by Spanish consulates and getting the visa-compliance documentation is generally straightforward.
Pros: BUPA backing, English-language service, strong visa compliance track record, dedicated expat service.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than Adeslas or Asisa for comparable cover. Some policies include co-payments – check carefully for NLV applications.
Best for: British expats who want English-language support and strong consulate acceptance. Get a Sanitas quote.
Adeslas
Adeslas is the largest private health insurer in Spain by network size. Their cuadro médico (approved clinic and specialist list) is the most extensive in the country – in most areas you will have more choice of doctors and clinics with Adeslas than with any other insurer. Pricing is more competitive than Sanitas for similar cover. English-language customer service is limited and documentation is predominantly in Spanish.
Pros: Widest clinic network in Spain, competitive pricing.
Cons: Limited English-language service. Not all policies meet NLV co-payment requirements – confirm before purchasing.
Best for: Expats comfortable in Spanish who want the widest possible network access.
Asisa
Asisa is structured as a professional medical cooperative. Their network focuses on their own clinics and affiliated doctors. Pricing is competitive, similar to Adeslas. English-language service is limited. Their network is strong in some regions and thinner in others – check coverage in your specific area before committing.
Best for: Expats in areas where Asisa has strong clinic coverage who are comfortable with Spanish-language service.
NLV visa compliance
All three providers can offer NLV-compliant policies, but not every policy from each provider automatically qualifies. Many standard Spanish health insurance policies include co-payments, making them unsuitable for NLV applications regardless of the insurer. Always specify to the insurer that you need a policy for an NLV application and confirm in writing that it meets requirements before purchasing. For a broader comparison including international providers like Feather and Cigna, see our complete health insurance guide.
Which should you choose?
Want English-language service and BUPA backing: Sanitas. Want the widest network and are comfortable in Spanish: Adeslas. In an area with strong Asisa clinic presence: get a quote from Asisa. In all cases get quotes from at least two providers – prices vary more than you might expect between individuals.
See our full health insurance comparison including international providers →
This guide is for informational purposes only. Insurance products and pricing change regularly. Always verify visa compliance with your specific consulate before purchasing. Some links are affiliate links.