Cheaper ways to see a private doctor (telemedicine and comparison sites)

Key rules

• Insurer apps: If you have private insurance, start with your insurer's app, which is usually free for policyholders.
• Video visits: Pay-per-use video consultations with a general doctor typically cost tens of euros, and specialists cost more.
• Directory prices: Not every doctor shows a price on directories, so ask the clinic before you book.
• Dental chains: Check a dental chain's current status and the total financing cost before paying anything.

Start with a video consultation

A video consultation is usually the cheapest way to see a private doctor. For a general check, a prescription query or a first opinion, you often don't need to travel.

• If you have private health insurance, use your insurer's app first. These apps are usually free for policyholders. Sanitas, Adeslas and Asisa all have one.
• If you pay yourself, you can book a pay-per-use video consultation. Platforms that offer them include Doctoralia, Mediquo, Top Doctors, Qida and Quirónsalud online.
• Expect tens of euros for a general practice video visit. Specialists cost more. Prices differ by provider and specialty, so check the current price on the platform before you book.

Use a directory to compare prices

A directory lets you compare doctors in your area before you commit.

• Doctoralia is the main directory for booking private doctors. Many profiles show the consultation price, but not all. Each doctor chooses whether to show it. If the price is missing, message the clinic and ask before you book.
• Top Doctors lists specialists at private hospitals. It usually doesn't show prices.
• Reservalia is useful for dental and aesthetic offers.
• Savia is linked to an insurer.
• Google Maps reviews help you judge quality and spot clinics near you.

Insurers' own doctor lists (the cuadros médicos) show who is covered, but they don't show prices. They only help if you have that insurance.

Look at low-cost clinic chains

Chains compete on price and often offer financing, which spreads the cost over monthly payments. Treat the names below as starting points, because chains change owners and prices.

• Dental: Vitaldent, Clínica Menorca, Sanitas Dental, Unidental and Dentalia. Dentix has been restructured, so check its current status before you pay anything upfront.
• Eye care: Clínica Baviera, Miranza and Vissum, mainly for laser surgery and cataracts.
• General medicine: Cruz Roja and Hospitales Vithas offer lower-priced packages.
• Aesthetics: Instituto Médico Láser.

Before you pay

1. Get the price in writing, including what it does and doesn't cover.
2. Compare at least two or three options for anything beyond a basic visit.
3. Be careful with financing. Check the total you will repay, not just the monthly amount.
4. Don't pay a large deposit for treatment until you have seen the written plan.

The questions below cover prices on directories, insurance and telemedicine, and where to find dental offers.

Frequently asked questions

Do all private doctors show their prices on directories?

No, directories only show a price when the doctor chooses to display it. Doctoralia is the main booking directory and many profiles list a consultation fee, but not all. Top Doctors usually shows no public prices, so ask the clinic for the fee before you book.

Is a telemedicine consultation free if I have health insurance?

Usually yes, the apps run by insurers are normally free for policyholders. If you pay per use without insurance, a general practice video consultation typically costs tens of euros, and specialists cost more. Compare the price on each provider's platform first.

Which low-cost clinics should I look at for dental or eye care?

For dental care, chains such as Vitaldent, Sanitas Dental, Unidental and Dentalia compete on low prices and financing. For eye care, Clínica Baviera, Miranza and Vissum offer laser and cataract treatment. Ask for the full price in writing, as chains change ownership and some have restructured.

Where can I find cheap dental or aesthetic offers?

Reservalia lists dental and aesthetic offers from clinics. Google Maps reviews can help you judge the clinic before you book. Check what the offer includes, since a low headline price may cover only the first visit.