Using private health insurance at Centre Mèdic Palafrugell takes three things: tell us which company you are with when you book, bring your card — the physical one or the one on your phone — with photo ID, and bring the pre-authorisation if the test you are having needs one. Everything else is handled at reception before you go in.
Here is how it works step by step, including the questions we are asked every day: when an authorisation is needed, what a co-payment is, and what happens if your insurer has no agreement with us.
Which insurers does the centre work with?
The centre works with most of the companies operating in the Baix Empordà, including Adeslas, Sanitas, DKV, Mapfre, AXA, Asisa and FIATC, among many others. The full list of insurers lets you check yours before calling, and if you are unsure we can look it up for you on the spot.
What should I bring on the day?
When you book, tell us which company you are with and your policy number. On the day of your appointment, bring:
- Your insurance card, either the physical one or the one in the company app — both are fine.
- Your passport, NIE or DNI.
- Any previous reports or test results related to the reason for your visit.
Reception checks your cover before you go in. It takes a couple of minutes and it is what prevents unpleasant surprises afterwards.
When do I need a pre-authorisation?
This is the part that causes most confusion. Specialist consultations usually go ahead with the card alone, but many insurers require a pre-authorisation for certain tests and treatments: ultrasound scans, X-rays, bone density scans, rehabilitation, minor surgery or physiotherapy sessions, for example.
How it works:
- You request it from your insurer, using the doctor's referral, through the app, by phone or on the company website.
- It usually comes through within hours or a few days, depending on the company and the test.
- You bring it on the day: without the authorisation the company will not cover the service, so the appointment would have to be postponed or paid for privately.
The doctor who sees you will always tell you whether the test needs authorisation, and our reception team can point you to the right channel. It comes up often with physiotherapy sessions or with a bone density scan.
Co-payments, waiting periods and partial cover
- Co-payment: some policies charge a fixed amount per consultation or test. This depends on your policy, not on the clinic, so check with your insurer if you are unsure.
- Waiting periods: new policies may have qualifying periods before certain services are available.
- Partial cover: some plans include certain specialities and not others. It is worth reviewing yours once a year.
What if my insurer has no agreement here?
That is not a problem: you are welcome as a private patient. We will book you in as normal and, if your policy works on a reimbursement basis, we will give you the invoice and a detailed report so you can claim the corresponding amount back from your company.
Going private by choice
Plenty of people who do have insurance choose to come privately for a specific reason: they want a particular professional, the treatment is not covered, or they simply prefer to skip the paperwork. That is perfectly fine too. In that case there is no card and no authorisation to worry about — just book an appointment and choose the speciality you need.
Practical tips
- Book ahead, and let us know if you cannot make it; a released slot is a slot another patient can use.
- Arrive a few minutes early for a first visit, so the paperwork is unhurried.
- Write down the medication you take, or take a photo of the boxes.
- Keep the reports from each visit — they are invaluable at the next one.
Frequently asked questions
Is the insurance card on my phone accepted?
Yes. The digital card in your insurer's app is just as valid as the plastic one. Bring your passport, NIE or DNI as well so reception can complete the check.
Which tests need a pre-authorisation?
It varies by company, but it is common for ultrasound scans, X-rays, bone density scans, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and minor surgery. The doctor will tell you, and reception will show you how to request it.
Can I come if my insurer has no agreement with the centre?
Yes, as a private patient. If your policy reimburses expenses, we will give you a detailed invoice and report to claim the amount back from your company.
Booking an appointment
Call 972 30 65 65 from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 8 pm, or Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, or write to us from the contact page. For the Physiotherapy Centre and Dental Clinic at Carrer de Sant Sebastià, 87, the number is 972 30 65 64. Before you call, a quick look at the list of insurers will answer the most common question of all.
