Company background
The brainchild of founder and president, María José Cañete, Helicópteros Sanitarios was established in Marbella 23 years ago, at a time when – due to poor roads and a serious lack of medical infrastructure and professional assistance both in the private and public sectors – more than 38% of critical patients and accident victims tragically died before arriving at hospital.
Thanks to the creation of Helicópteros Sanitarios – pioneers in Andalucía in the provision of private emergency medical care – that number has been drastically reduced to just one in a thousand.
Starting out in 1988 with one centre of operations and one helicopter, the company has expanded exponentially over the years, constantly increasing and investing in human resources, technology and equipment, as well as introducing additional services for our growing number of members.
Helicópteros Sanitarios is a wholly private organisation and receives no government subsidies.
Our philosophy
“For us, the heath, wellbeing and peace of mind of our clients and patients is paramount,” says Helicópteros Sanitarios founder and president, María José Cañete. “As is the trust and confidence they place in us. When we started out back in 1988, we were pioneers in our field, and since we constantly strive to achieve excellence and are at the forefront of innovation, in many respects we always will be pioneers.
“We know that there’s no place like home, and that’s why our members can rely on us to provide them with a prompt and professional, bilingual Home Doctor Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In fact, we bring the hospital – or rather the ICU unit – to you whenever and wherever you need us, as many times as medical assistance may be necessary, and even in the case of the most minor of everyday illnesses and injuries.”
Your bilingual rapid response team, from Torremolinos to Sotogrande
Founded in Marbella in 1988, Helicópteros Sanitarios is the Costa del Sol’s first and pre-eminent private healthcare organisation providing
24-hour Home Doctor and Emergency Medical Services from Torremolinos to Sotogrande.
With 250 highly qualified professionals; clinics in Puerto Banús, Fuengirola and Sabinillas; a fleet of 14 fully equipped ICU ambulances, plus medic cars and of course our state-of-the-art ICU helicopter.
Currently, some 95,000 members benefit from our services absolutely free of charge, and for much, much less than you probably imagine… you could join them!
1 year’s free membership for new buyers purchasing a property from VIVA.
Our medical services
Unlike most medical insurance schemes, anyone can become a member of Helicópteros Sanitarios, regardless of any existing medical conditions, and with no upper age limit or age-related premiums.
There are no restrictions on the number of times you use our services, and whether it’s a serious illness, an accident or emergency, just one simple phone call to our operations centre and we’ll be on our way. Even if you only have a minor ailment such as a cold or ‘flu, by calling Helicópteros Sanitarios, there’ll be no need to drive to the health centre or bide your time in a busy waiting room… because we’ll come to you!
Depending on the gravity of your condition, the experienced bilingual doctor will treat you on the spot, or arrange for your transfer – by ambulance or helicopter – to the nearest hospital.
And wherever you are on the Costa del Sol, within our area of coverage extending from Torremolinos to Sotogrande, we’ll assist you at your home, on the beach or golf course, when you’re out shopping or at a restaurant, visiting friends, or at school.
Helicópteros Sanitarios members benefit from the following free services:
- 24-hour medical service
- Rapid response
- Home doctor service
- Hospital transfers
- Helpline
- Unlimited service with no upper age limit
- Medical consultations
- Interhospital transfers
Annual Membership Fees
Individual > €276 / pa
Couple > €432 / pa
Family > €489 / pa (inc. 1 or 2 children)
Family > €502 / pa (inc. 3 or more children)
Terms & conditions apply
Holiday Membership Fees > 30 consecutive days
If you’re only visiting the Costa del Sol, you and your family can still enjoy the same benefits as full members:
Individual > €107 / 30 days
Couple > €187 / 30 days
Family > €264 / 30 days
Terms & conditions apply
Please note that the data collected via this form will be used only to contact you and to answer any queries you may have.
Additional Services
As experienced health professionals committed to your wellbeing, we know better than anyone that prevention is always better than cure, and so we’re also here to offer you a wide range of complementary services available to Helicópteros Sanitarios members at preferential prices. Our constantly expanding range of services includes the following:
-General medical check-ups
-Well woman check-ups
-Prostate check-ups
-Mammography
-Specialist consultations
-Home nursing service care
-Auxiliary home care
-Worldwide repatriations & medical flights
Personally speaking
Only 26 years old when she had both the vision and the determination to found Helicópteros Sanitarios, María José Cañete says that without her fantastic team of highly qualified and humanitarian professionals, her company’s dramatic growth over the years would never have been possible. “Without doubt, our remarkable team is our greatest asset. Having no light of our own, human beings shine thanks to the reflection of others, after all, what would a grand work of art be if it wasn’t appreciated by others? In the same way, we greatly appreciate the confidence our patients place in us, because that’s what makes us shine every day."
“Yet what we have achieved to date is only the beginning, and our expansion plans include the creation of a private hospital as well as a residential retirement home.”
