It is not surprising that the number of health insurance policyholders has increased considerably in the wake of the pandemic. However, choosing the right policy is not always easy.
While the price is often the deciding factor, there is one technical element you must understand before signing: Co-payments.
What is a Co-payment?
A co-payment is a small fee that the insured person pays each time they use a medical service or visit a specialist. Depending on your health needs, you can choose between different modalities:
No Copayment Policies: You pay a fixed monthly premium. No matter how many times you visit the doctor, you pay €0 per visit.
Low Copayment: A slightly lower monthly premium, with small fees (usually €5–€10) per consultation.
High Copayment: The cheapest monthly premium, but higher costs per visit. Ideal for those who rarely see a doctor.
Progressive Copayment: A less common option where the fee increases the more you use the insurance.
The Tipping Point: Which one is for you?
The logic is simple: The cheaper the monthly premium, the higher the copayments. If you are someone who visits specialists frequently, you will eventually reach a “tipping point” where the total sum of co-payments exceeds the cost of a flat-rate premium. In these cases, a No-Copayment policy is much more beneficial and provides better financial peace of mind.
Wait... What about Waiting Periods?
Don’t confuse co-payments with waiting periods (periodos de carencia). While a co-payment is a cost, a waiting period is the time you must wait after signing the contract before you can access certain services (like surgery or high-tech diagnostics).
Important: Always check both the co-payment level and the waiting periods to ensure you have the coverage you need from day one.
Whether you choose a policy with or without co-payments, the most important thing is having access to the best medical directory and benefits in Spain.
Are you unsure which policy fits your lifestyle in Malaga? At Hello Residency, we compare the best options for you.
