Short version? Less than you think — unless you follow their rules to the letter.
You’ve got private health insurance in Spain. Something bad happens — a fall, a fever, a sudden rush to A&E. You think you’re sorted. But here’s the part they don’t explain well: private insurance only works in private hospitals and clinics, and only if you use their system.
Otherwise? You might get treated… then billed.
What “Emergency Cover” Really Means (Hint: It’s Not Universal)
Most people picture emergency coverage like this:
“If I’m in danger, they’ll take care of it.”
In Spain’s private system, it doesn’t work that way. You can’t just walk into any hospital and expect your insurer to pick up the tab.
Here’s how it actually plays out:
- If you call your insurer’s emergency line, they’ll direct you to a private hospital in their network.
- If you go there, and it’s covered under your plan, they’ll take care of it.
- If you call 112 and end up in a public hospital, and you’re not in the Spanish public healthcare system? You’ll likely be charged — and your insurer may not reimburse you.
Will They Cover the Ambulance?
It depends.
- Private ambulance, arranged via your insurer? Probably covered.
- Public ambulance via 112? Usually not — unless it drops you at a private facility and your insurer pre-approved it (unlikely mid-crisis).
Most private plans have fine print here. Unless you’re unconscious or it’s life-threatening, they expect you to call them first, not the state emergency line.
But What If It’s Serious?
If it’s a life-or-death emergency, Spain will treat you — full stop.
No one gets turned away at the door.
But once you’re stable, the paperwork kicks in.
And that’s where the insurance company often steps back and says, “Not our network. Not our bill.”
Some policies allow you to submit receipts and apply for partial reimbursement — but that’s a bureaucratic gamble, not a safety net.
Real Coverage = Their Network, Their System
Private insurance works best when:
- You know the nearest private emergency centre in your insurer’s network
- You call their 24/7 hotline before going
- You follow their referral process, even in a panic
Step outside that lane — different hospital, wrong call, no pre-approval — and your “emergency cover” can vanish in the small print.
Don’t Wait to Find Out
Look up now — not during a crisis.
- Save your insurer’s emergency number in your phone
- Search your nearest 24/7 private hospital
- Write it on the fridge, in your wallet, wherever you’ll remember it
Because if your heart’s racing and you’re in pain, the last thing you want is to be googling “Does Adeslas cover public A&E?”
Final Thought
So what does your private insurance actually do in an emergency?
It helps — if you help it work.
Call first. Go private. Know where you’re going before you need to get there.