“How does a check-up work in Spain with private health insurance?”
A check-up in Spain usually proceeds in two ways: via centralized screening at a specialized center or via individual follow-up with various doctors within the network. Which option is best suited depends on your preference for flexibility or an overall view.
For many Belgians and Dutch people, preventive care is something that is rather limited or handled by the general practitioner. In Spain – and certainly within a private health insurance – there are often more opportunities.
Within a DKV insurance policy, you can organize preventive check-ups in Spain in various ways. It is important to understand how this works in practice, so you can make a choice that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
What options do you have for preventive check-ups in Spain?
Within DKV, you practically have two options:
- A Centralized annual check-up
- A Individual follow-up via doctors within the network (medical network)
Both systems work well, but differ significantly in approach and flexibility.
Option 1: Annual check-up via Atrys (Atrys Center)
Within your policy, a general preventive screening is provided via Atrys, a specialized medical center.
How do you make an appointment?
You will contact us yourself via:
+34 911 401 933
Based on your zip code, you will be scheduled at a center in your region (for example, Alicante or Benidorm).
This system is used throughout Spain and can vary slightly by region in terms of availability and wait times.
Important to keep in mind:
- The location is being determined for you
- There may be waiting times, depending on the region
How does the check-up go?
The big advantage of this system is that everything centralized and at one moment happens.
Specifically
- You make one appointment
- your data is pre-checked
- all investigations will be carried out subsequently
What is in this screening?
The check-up includes a basic package of preventive screenings:
- General consultation and physical examination
- blood analysis
- Urinalysis
- electrocardiogram (heart check)
- vision test
- hearing test
Based on this, you will get a general overview of your health, including:
- cholesterol levels
- blood sugar
- heart function
Points to consider
- it concerns a basic preventive screening
- The examinations are processed separately for medical reasons.
- depending on your formula, there may be copayments (own contributions) apply per item
When is this interesting?
This option is especially suitable when you:
- to have it all done at once
- a clear and structured overview
- little time wants to spend on multiple appointments
Option 2: Preventive follow-up through your own doctors
You can also choose to organize preventive care step by step through the DKV network (Medical chart).
How does this work in practice?
- You are making an appointment with a general practitioner or specialist.
- This doctor orders tests if necessary
- You have these performed at labs or other specialists
This happens entirely at your own pace.
Possible specialists
Depending on your needs, you can contact:
- general practitioner for general follow-up
- Cardiologist for heart examination
- dermatologist for skin check
- gynecologist for screenings
- Urologist for preventive check-ups
- Ophthalmologist for vision
- ENT (ear-nose-throat) for hearing
- internist for general evaluation
Advantages of this approach
- maximum flexibility
- Free choice of doctors and locations
- possibility for more targeted and extensive investigations
Points to consider
- You will need multiple appointments.
- there can be copayments per consultation or examination to apply
- It requires more follow-up and planning on your part
What approach to preventive screenings in Spain suits you best?
Preventive check-ups in Spain therefore do not always have to be conducted in the same way.
Do you choose:
A centralized check-up (Atrys)
→ if you wish for a clear, one-time screening
Individual follow-up by doctors
→ if you value flexibility and personal follow-up
In practice, we see that many people:
- Start with a general check-up
- and then switch to targeted follow-up by specialists
The overview below will help you quickly determine which approach best suits your situation:
| Feature | Atrys checkup | Follow-up with own doctors |
|---|---|---|
| Number of appointments | One appointment | Multiple appointments needed |
| Organization | Centralized | Step by step through different doctors |
| Choice of healthcare provider | Determined by region | Free choice within the network |
| Type investigations | Basis preventive screening | Quicker and more extensive investigations possible |
| Flexibility | Less flexible | More flexibility |
As you can see, the choice largely depends on how much flexibility you desire and how you want to organize your preventive examinations in Spain.
Summary
- DKV offers two ways to organize preventive care.
- With Atrys, you get a Centralized annual check-up
- Via the network (Medical chartyou choose individual follow-up
- Atrys = clear and all in one go
- Your own doctors = flexible and personal
- Copays can depend on your plan.
- The best choice depends on your preference and situation.
In conclusion
Preventive examinations in Spain play an important role within the Spanish healthcare system, especially when you use a private health insurance like DKV. It offers you the possibility of early detection and targeted monitoring of health problems.
By choosing an approach that suits you, you'll make the most of your insurance and maintain better insight into your long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions about Preventive Check-ups in Spain with DKV
How do preventive check-ups work in Spain with DKV insurance?
Preventive check-ups within a DKV insurance plan in Spain can be carried out in two ways: through a centralized check-up at a specialized center or through individual follow-up with doctors within the network. The choice depends on your preference for flexibility or a structured approach.
What is the difference between a check-up via Atrys and follow-up by doctors?
A check-up through Atrys occurs at a centralized time and provides a general overview of your health. Follow-up with doctors within the network is done step-by-step, with more flexibility and the possibility of conducting targeted and more extensive examinations.
Do you always need to make multiple appointments for preventive check-ups in Spain?
That depends on the chosen approach. With a centralized check-up through Atrys, everything happens during one appointment. For follow-up with doctors within the network, multiple appointments are usually necessary, depending on the examinations you undergo.
When is it best to opt for a centralized check-up in Spain?
A centralized check-up is particularly suitable when you want to have everything done at once and desire a clear overview of your health. It is a practical solution for those who have little time or prefer a structured screening.
