Moving to the Costa del Sol is about sunshine, sea views & healthy living. This guide shows you exactly how to set up healthcare as an international resident: which insurance to choose, how to register with a doctor, who to call in an emergency, and the hospitals we trust for specialist care. At Mila Homes, we don’t just help you find a property — we help you feel at home.
Step 1: Decide your healthcare setup (private, public — or both)
Private healthcare: Fast appointments, English-speaking doctors, and access to leading clinics/hospitals. This is what most expats choose.
Public system (SNS): Available once you’re a resident and contributing to Spanish Social Security. Many residents keep private insurance for speed and choice, and use public as a backup.
💡 Mila tip: Even if you plan to use the public system later, start with private insurance so you’re covered immediately from the day you move.
Step 2: Choose expat-friendly health insurance
Pick a policy that gives you direct access to private hospitals/clinics on the coast and English support.
What to look for:
- Coverage at leading hospitals in Marbella
- 24/7 emergency and home-doctor cover
- Direct billing (so you don’t pay upfront)
- English-language app/helpdesk
- Optional dental & worldwide travel cover
Well-rated providers for expats:
Spain’s most popular private insurer for international residents, Sanitas offers a wide network of hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and visa-compliant policies — ideal for anyone relocating to the Costa del Sol.
A trusted name in international healthcare, Cigna Global provides flexible plans for expats who travel frequently or split time between countries. Their global coverage and excellent customer support make them a top-tier choice.
Perfect for those seeking premium protection both in Spain and abroad, AXA Global Healthcare offers tailored plans with multilingual assistance, hospital coverage, and wellness benefits.
A leading Spanish health insurer with strong local networks and direct agreements with top private hospitals. Asisa provides reliable coverage and English-speaking assistance for residents and long-term visitors.
Popular Spanish providers offering competitive plans with broad coverage for families and individuals. DKV and Adeslas are known for their excellent value, large medical networks, and fast service.
💡 Mila tip: Ask for a visa-compliant policy if you’re applying for residency.
Step 3: Register with a private doctor/clinic
Once you have insurance, choose a clinic for routine care, referrals and quick help:
A multilingual medical centre offering same-day appointments and 24/7 on-call support. Atlantic Clinic is well known among international residents for its professional team and broad range of general and specialist care.
Part of the well-known Vithas network, Xanit Medical Centre offers family medicine, paediatrics, and specialist consultations. It’s popular among expats in Benalmádena and Torremuelle thanks to its international patient services and modern facilities.
Conveniently located in Calahonda, Clínica El Campanario provides general medicine, physiotherapy, and emergency care. Their multilingual doctors also offer home visits across Mijas and Riviera del Sol, making them a great option for year-round residents.
Known for fast and personal service, Excelan Clinic offers general medicine, urgent care, and paediatric services — with the option of home visits anywhere in the Marbella area.
Located in the heart of Marbella, Clínica Premium covers over 30 specialties, from internal medicine and orthopaedics to diagnostics and physiotherapy. English-speaking staff ensure smooth communication and comfort for expat residents.
Providing discreet and multilingual care, Reisbeck Medical specialises in home visits, private consultations, and coordination with nearby hospitals. Their 24-hour service covers Marbella, Benahavís, and Nueva Andalucía.
A well-known private hospital and clinic offering GP services, urgent care, and over 30 medical specialties. Hospiten Estepona is part of an international healthcare group known for its high standards and efficient service.
Mila tip: Save your clinic’s WhatsApp/phone in your favourites and upload your policy card to your phone wallet.
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Step 4: Set up emergency & home-doctor cover
For total peace of mind on the coast, many residents add a home-doctor membership:
24/7 doctors to your door and fully equipped ambulances across the coast. Ideal for families, retirees, and anyone who wants immediate care at home, on the beach, or on the road.
💡 Mila tip: Put these in your phone now:
112 (general emergency) • Your clinic • Helicopteros Sanitarios • Your insurer’s emergency line.
Step 5: Know your specialist & hospital pathway
Your clinic/GP will refer you to the right specialist or hospital when needed. These are strong private options locally:
Widely recognised as one of Marbella’s leading private hospitals, HC Marbella combines top-tier medical expertise with a calm, boutique environment. With more than 30 specialties, including cardiology, oncology, and general medicine, it provides exceptional, personalised care close to the Golden Mile.
Modern, efficient, and designed with patient comfort in mind, Recoletas Hospital Marbella is one of the newest private hospitals on the Costa del Sol. It offers advanced medical technology, short waiting times, and multilingual staff, making it a trusted choice for both local and international patients.
Quirónsalud Marbella
A leading private multidisciplinary hospital in Marbella offering modern facilities, a full range of specialties, multilingual services, and agreements with major international insurers.
Vithas Xanit International Hospital
Located just outside Marbella, Vithas Xanit International Hospital provides 24/7 emergency services and more than 40 medical specialties. Their International Patients Department ensures seamless communication and care for expats across the Costa del Sol.
💡 Mila tip: For maternity, paediatrics or complex diagnostics, ask your clinic which hospital fits your policy and case best.
Step 6: Documents you’ll need at appointments
- Passport/ID
- Insurance card/policy number
- Address in Spain + phone/email
- Current medications & past medical history (photos on your phone work)
- Any referrals/previous test results (PDFs are perfect)
Step 7: Families, pregnancies & routine check-ups
- Register your children with a family GP/paediatrician at your chosen clinic.
- Schedule annual check-ups, vaccinations and dental.
- Planning a baby? Confirm your maternity pathway (clinic + hospital + insurance coverage) early.
Step 8: Visitors, second-home owners & frequent flyers
Non-residents: take out private health insurance or robust travel insurance covering private hospitals on the Costa del Sol.
If you split time between countries, consider international plans (Cigna/AXA Global) for seamless cover.
FAQs (quick answers for new residents)
Do I need private insurance to live here?
It’s usually required for residency and strongly recommended for fast access to care.
Can I see a specialist directly?
With private insurance, usually yes — or via a quick GP referral.
Are there English-speaking doctors?
Yes. The clinics and hospitals above are popular with international patients.
What about emergencies?
Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies. For fast private care at home, use your clinic’s emergency line or Helicopteros Sanitarios.
Living well starts with feeling secure
A great life on the Costa del Sol is built on sunshine, community — and the confidence that your healthcare is sorted. With the right insurance, a trusted clinic, and reliable hospitals on hand, you’ll settle in smoothly and enjoy the lifestyle from day one.
At Mila Homes, we don’t just help you find a property — we help you build a life here. If you’d like introductions to any of the clinics or hospitals above, or a recommendation for expat-friendly insurance, we’re happy to connect you.