Question
We are currently waiting for our Spain Non Lucrative Visa from Manchester, but if we are successful, I was wondering about medical insurance. We have completed and registered our S1 forms and understand we have to register when we arrive in Spain.
Some people have said there can be a gap between arriving and becoming eligible for medical care? Is it necessary to obtain temporary medical insurance, and if so, can anyone recommend a temporary one and how much would it cost, approximately?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group members:
“We went to our local Medical Centre and they gave us a temporary SIP card and I used their services several times before we received our permanent card. For us, no need for extra private insurance but it depends on what if any problems you have I guess.”
“Can you not rely on your GHIC Card? And, use a private English speaking Doctor to fill the gap?”
“I heard you might be able to use GHIC card or that there may be a temporary SIP card – but wanted you to know ask if anyone had experience of this already.”
“When you apply for an S1 DWP ask for you to send it back, then you apply for another type of card for the rest of the EU, as soon as the S1 is registered you have health cover in Spain but remember to take it back to the UK when you visit in case you need to see a doctor.”
“So, correct me if I’m wrong, but until you obtain residency (the TIE card), you can use travel insurance. It can take quite some time to get the TIE card, sometimes months. I personally would recommend obtaining proper Spanish health insurance. However, I understand that for cost-effectiveness, some people might be interested in travel health insurance.”
“The only option I found was to obtain travel insurance from the UK prior to entering Spain, however, some policies may not be valid as once you’ve entered Spain on the Visa you are no longer a UK resident.
The recommendation I have received was to use the global health card. There is another option if you have a family member in Spain, you can be added to their policy on a temporary basis for instance, three months cover.”
“It’s an awkward situation, which really needs to be answered by a good experienced insurance broker preferably in Spain.”
Conclusion
Many Spain Non Lucrative Visa applicants may find themselves covered by temporary solutions such as the GHIC card or temporary SIP card, while others opt for private health insurance or travel insurance to bridge any gaps.
The choice largely depends on the individual’s circumstances and the potential wait time for the official residency documentation (TIE card).
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