FAQ
Considering treatment abroad can raise many questions. Here we answer the most common ones about IberSalud, medical review, costs, travel and family support.
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IberSalud is a Spain–Philippines medical coordination service. We help patients and families explore advanced private medical treatment in Spain by connecting them with appropriate hospitals, specialist units and international patient teams.
Our role is to make the process clearer, more structured and easier to manage from abroad.
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No. IberSalud is not a hospital, medical provider or insurance company.
We do not provide medical treatment, issue medical opinions, make clinical decisions or provide insurance coverage. Medical opinions, treatment plans, eligibility decisions and official cost estimates are provided by the hospital or specialist team after clinical review.
IberSalud coordinates the process and helps families navigate each step.
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IberSalud is focused on Filipino patients and families considering specialist medical treatment abroad. This is the market we know best, and where our Spain–Philippines background is most directly useful.
We are especially relevant in complex cases, second opinions, advanced treatment options and situations where choosing the right specialist team matters. International patients from other backgrounds are also welcome to reach out — we will assess each case individually.
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IberSalud can assess different types of cases depending on the diagnosis and the specialist required.
There are several medical areas where we believe Spain can be especially relevant for Filipino patients considering treatment abroad, including oncology, neurosciences, cardiology, fertility and advanced surgery.
You can learn more on our Specialties page.
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We work in English, Spanish and Filipino. Most communication with Filipino families is handled in English or Filipino depending on preference.
Medical documentation submitted to Spanish hospitals is typically handled in English or Spanish. We assist with translation and communication as needed.
ABOUT IBERSALUD
Process and first steps
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IberSalud coordinates the full pathway, from first contact to follow-up back home. Most cases follow these steps:
Initial coordination — You share your case and we connect you to the right specialist team in Spain.
Video consultation — In many cases, an initial video consultation with the doctor helps define the next steps.
Hospital assessment — The hospital provides its assessment, recommended plan, estimated timing and quote.
Travel and admission support (optional) — If you move forward, we help coordinate appointments, travel and admission logistics.
Treatment in Spain — During treatment, we remain available for practical, ongoing coordination.
Follow-up back home — After treatment, we help support follow-up communication and next steps.
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Yes, and this is more common than people expect.
Some families contact IberSalud solely to get a specialist opinion from a Spanish hospital or doctor — with no intention or obligation to travel. A remote second opinion can clarify a diagnosis, validate a proposed treatment plan, or open up options that were not previously considered.
This service is provided by the hospital or specialist and has an associated cost, which varies by specialty and the complexity of the case. There is no obligation to proceed further. If you want to explore this, let us know and we will explain what is involved for your specific situation.
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No. Most cases begin remotely — with a case review, a video consultation, or a second opinion. Travel is only considered once there is a clear medical reason to do so, and only if the family decides to move forward with treatment.
Some families never travel at all. A remote specialist review is a complete service in itself.
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This depends on the case, but hospitals usually need the most recent and relevant medical information, such as:
Diagnosis or medical summary
Recent test results
Imaging reports and image files, if available
Pathology reports, when relevant
Previous treatment history
Current medication list
Doctor's notes or discharge reports
At first contact, you do not need to send everything. Tell us briefly what the situation is, and we will guide you on what is needed next.
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No. No serious medical provider can guarantee acceptance for treatment or clinical results before proper review.
Some patients may not be suitable for a specific treatment, and in some cases Spain may not be the right destination. If that is the case, we will tell you honestly.
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The official treatment estimate is provided by the hospital.
IberSalud helps coordinate the request and explain the process, but the medical quote comes from the hospital or specialist unit. The estimate depends on the diagnosis, the proposed treatment, expected hospital stay and the complexity of the case.
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No. IberSalud does not charge patients or families a separate coordination fee for standard medical case coordination.
Our work is funded through our agreements with partner hospitals when a patient proceeds through our coordination pathway. The medical quote is provided by the hospital, and hospital-related costs are handled according to the hospital's own process.
Non-medical services such as travel, accommodation or additional local arrangements may involve separate costs or be paid directly to third-party providers. If that applies, we will explain it clearly in advance.
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Yes.
If the patient has international insurance, coverage is handled between the insurer and the hospital. Whether a treatment is covered depends on the patient's policy, the hospital, the treatment required and whether pre-authorisation is possible.
Spanish hospitals are experienced working with international insurers, but coverage must always be confirmed case by case. If you have international insurance, let us know early so the process can be handled properly.
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For most complex treatments, Spain can offer European clinical standards, advanced specialist care and internationally accredited private hospitals at a more competitive overall cost than comparable private care in Singapore, Hong Kong or the United States.
Costs and payment
Travel, family and practical support
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Filipino citizens require a Schengen visa to travel to Spain. For most medical cases, the relevant type is a short-stay Schengen visa for medical purposes, which allows stays of up to 90 days.
The application is processed through the Spanish Consulate General in Manila and typically requires standard Schengen documentation plus medical supporting documents — such as a hospital invitation letter, confirmation of the treatment plan and proof of financial means. IberSalud can help coordinate the supporting documentation needed for the visa application.
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Yes. For many Filipino patients, family support is an essential part of the treatment journey.
IberSalud understands that medical decisions are often made as a family. We help coordinate the process with the patient and accompanying relatives in mind, including communication, timing and practical needs before travel.
Family members travelling as companions will also need their own Schengen visa -
Yes.
Once the treatment pathway is clearer, IberSalud can help families with travel timing, hospital location, accommodation options and local logistics. The goal is for families to arrive organised, with a clear understanding of what to expect.
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Returning home does not mean losing contact with the medical team.
After treatment, the hospital provides discharge documents, medical reports and follow-up recommendations. Depending on the case, this may involve ongoing communication with the Spanish hospital, coordination with the patient's local doctor in the Philippines, additional tests or future visits.
IberSalud helps families understand the next steps and stay connected with the relevant medical team for as long as it is needed.
still have questions?
Every medical case is different. If you are not sure whether your situation fits, or if you have a question that is not covered here, contact IberSalud and briefly tell us what you are exploring.
We will review your situation and let you know honestly whether Spain may be a suitable option, and what the next step would be.
Prefer email? Write to info@ibersalud.es and we’ll get back to you.