Private medical insurance

Some people opt for private medical insurance. The advantages are immediate access to specialist doctors, a wider range of professionals available and shorter waiting times for visits and treatments.

Mutual insurance companies (insurers) have their own network of hospitals, clinics and laboratories and offer some services that the public system does not cover.

Note that most companies only cover the care offered by the professionals who appear on the lists of their medical directories, although some refund a percentage of the fees charged by professionals who are not on these lists.

If you work, having your individual healthcare care (TSI) from the public healthcare (CatSalut) is worthwhile even if you have private medical insurance. The reason is that only a public health system doctor can authorise paid leave if you are ill or have an accident. You should know that when a company hires you and registers you with the social security system, you are entitled to public healthcare for you and for your dependants.