Dental Care Gaps in Spain’s Public Healthcare System: Why Private Health Insurance is the Key

Turner Insurance News   •   Oct 20, 2024

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Spain’s public healthcare system, SNS, is widely recognised for providing universal coverage and high-quality medical services. However, one area where the public system falls short is dental care. For expats living in Spain, dental health is just as important as general healthcare, yet the SNS offers very limited coverage for dental treatments. In this post, we’ll explore the gaps in Spain’s public dental care and why having private health insurance that covers dental services is essential.

The Problem: Limited Public Dental Care Coverage

While Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent for most medical needs, dental care is notably absent from the list of covered services. Routine dental check-ups, cleanings, and even emergency dental work must be paid for out of pocket​.

What’s Not Covered:

  • Routine Check-ups: Basic dental check-ups are not covered by the public system.
  • Preventive Care: Services like teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and sealants are not included in SNS coverage.
  • Orthodontic Care: Expensive orthodontic treatments like braces are not funded through the public system.
  • Dental Emergencies: Emergency dental procedures such as extractions are also often excluded​.

Why Private Health Insurance Is Essential for Dental Care

Expats in Spain should strongly consider private health insurance plans that cover dental care. Here are the key benefits:

1. Comprehensive Dental Coverage

Private health insurance can cover a wide range of dental services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and even orthodontics. This ensures you maintain good oral health without the worry of high out-of-pocket costs​.

2. Affordable Dental Plans

Many private insurance providers, including Turner Insurance, offer affordable dental plans that can be added to your health insurance policy. These plans cover preventive and corrective treatments, ensuring that you and your family are fully protected​.

3. Access to a Network of English-speaking Dentists

Private health insurance often comes with access to a network of English-speaking dentists, making it easier for expats to communicate their dental concerns without language barriers​.

How Turner Insurance Can Help

At Turner Insurance, we offer private health insurance plans that include comprehensive dental care options. Our policies cover everything from routine check-ups to more complex dental treatments, ensuring that you and your family are well looked after in Spain.


Ready to protect your smile? Contact us today to get a quote and learn more about our dental insurance options.

Turner Insurance – Comprehensive Health and Dental Insurance for Expats in Spain.