Switch from Bupa to Sanitas: How to Transfer Your Health Insurance in Spain

Switch from Bupa to Sanitas: Seamless Transfers for Expats in Spain

Already insured with Bupa and living in Spain? It’s now easier than ever to switch to Sanitas — Spain’s leading health insurer — without disrupting your current cover. Whether you're looking to save money, simplify digital access, or gain additional family-friendly benefits, Sanitas offers a seamless transfer process specifically designed for Bupa policyholders.

This page explains how the switch works, what you gain by moving to Sanitas, and which policies are best suited for former Bupa customers — including those who want no co-payments or enhanced international protection.

Note: If you’ve been with Bupa for some time, you may be eligible to retain waiting period credits and enjoy uninterrupted access to care under Sanitas.

How to Transfer from Bupa to Sanitas: Full Guide

If you've been with Bupa for over a year and are looking to move to Sanitas while maintaining continuity of care, here's how it works.

Eligibility Criteria

One-Year Minimum: You must have been insured with Bupa (UK or Global) for at least 12 months.
No Lapses in Coverage: Your Bupa policy must be active and fully paid up at the time of transfer.
Spanish Address: Required for policy setup and documentation — though most communication is by email.

Benefits of Switching

No qualification Periods: You retain credit for all qualifying periods already served.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Get Your Certificate: Request an Interfund Transfer form from Bupa confirming your membership status.
Send Documents: Complete section 1 then email sections 1 and 2 to us.
Declare Health Conditions: Get a quote on one of the plans below then complete our online application form — no medical exam needed.
Review: Sanitas checks the documents and usually completes the transfer within 3 days.
Activation: Once approved, you receive your Sanitas policy by email and coverage begins immediately.

Important Notes

Any Bupa policy exclusions will carry over to your new Sanitas policy.
Only individuals already listed on your Bupa policy can transfer under the same terms.
If your Bupa policy has expired or there's been a break in cover, you'll need to apply to Sanitas as a new member.

Support Contacts

Sanitas HealthPlan (Spain): +34 952 83 56 00
Bupa Membership Admin: membershipadmin@bupa.com

We accept applications and uploads online. Transfers are fast, hassle-free, and typically finalised in under 3 days.

What You Need to Transfer

Your current Bupa policy details (from BUPA Global / BUPA UK / BUPA Australia etc..)
Confirmation that you’re living in Spain (address/region)
Completion of a short health questionnaire

We’ll help handle the admin — and advise you if switching isn’t right for your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do you require to arrange the transfer?: If you are transferring from BUPA UK we will require you to request an International Transfer Form (ITF) from BUPA. This is completed by BUPA with all the information concerning your existing BUPA Policy. You then forward the form to us and we take care of the rest.
If you are transferring from BUPA Global they will provide you with a certificate stating the date that you were first registered with them, the date that the BUPA cover is to be cancelled and confirmation that the premiums have been paid. You then forward the certificate to us.

Do I need to undergo a medical before the transfer can be arranged from BUPA?: No, but you will receive a call to discuss any conditions that are deemed to be serious by Sanitas.

Will I have to wait a long time to continue my healthcare?: No, as long as the applications are complete and satisfactory, the transfer will take place within 3 days from the date they are received.

If I already have exclusions on my cover, what will happen?: These will be carried over from your BUPA policy to your Sanitas policy.

Can I include additional members when I transfer the policy?: Yes, you can include new members on your Sanitas policy, who were not covered by your BUPA policy. However, they will be considered new customers and therefore standard qualification periods will be applied to their cover.

I am already undergoing treatment with BUPA; will this be cancelled if I transfer?: No, as long as the condition is not deemed to be serious. If the condition is deemed to be serious, then cover will depend on the evaluation made via the call from our doctor to discuss conditions.

If I am pregnant when I make the transfer, will I be covered?: The antenatal care will be covered but not the birth.

If my BUPA membership has expired, can I still transfer to Sanitas?: No, unless your premiums are paid up to date and there has been no break in your health insurance cover, you may not make a transfer.

Will you send my new documents to me in my home country if I am still there?: All documents are sent by email only. However, to become a Sanitas member, your policy must be registered to a Spanish address.

What else do I need to do to make sure the transfer is completed?: Nothing at all – provided you submit all the required information when you apply for the transfer.

What if I want to go back to the UK, can I reverse the transfer?: Yes of course. The requirements remain the same – i.e. that your premiums are paid up to date and that you have not had any break in your cover. Simply get in touch with BUPA UK or BUPA Global and your transfer back will be arranged.

Switch from Bupa to Sanitas

Switch from Bupa to Sanitas: Seamless Transfers for Expats in Spain

How to Transfer from Bupa to Sanitas: Full Guide

Eligibility Criteria

Benefits of Switching

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

Important Notes

Support Contacts

What You Need to Transfer

Recommended Sanitas Plans for Bupa Transfers

Mas Salud Without Co-Payments

Mas Salud Family Without Co-Payments

Sanitas Top Quantum

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Switch?