Why Health Insurance is a Key Step When Moving to Spain with Spanish Visas
Planning your move to Spain? Whether you’re retiring, studying, or starting a new adventure, health insurance is a non-negotiable part of all Spanish visas applications.
Unless you’re already covered by the Spanish Social Security system, you’ll need private health insurance—and not just any policy. Many expats make mistakes by choosing plans with co-pays, limited coverage, or fine print that doesn’t meet visa requirements.
This guide will help you avoid those pitfalls. We’ll break down exactly what kind of insurance you need, how to choose the right provider, and share real tips from the Spainguru community to make this step easy and stress-free.
Do You Really Need Health Insurance for a Spanish Visa?
In most cases, yes—you absolutely do. If you’re applying for any long-term visa to live in Spain, private health insurance is one of the key documents you’ll need to include with your application. But the specific requirements can vary depending on your visa type, your country of origin, and how long you plan to stay. Let’s break it down.
When health insurance is required
If you’re applying for any of the following, you will definitely need private, visa-compliant health insurance:
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Student Visa
- Entrepreneur Visa
- Family Member of an EU Citizen
- Digital Nomad Visa (unless you’re contributing to Spanish Social Security)
- EU Registry Certificate (for EU nationals staying over 90 days without employment)
In these cases, Spanish immigration authorities want to see that you won’t be a burden on the public healthcare system—so full private coverage is a must.
When it’s not required
There are a few exceptions where you don’t need private health insurance:
- You’re employed or self-employed in Spain, and enrolled in the Spanish Social Security system
- You’re a UK or EU pensioner with an S1 form
- You’re an EU/EEA citizen with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the first 90 days
- You’re applying to switch to public healthcare through the Convenio Especial after one year of residence
Short stays under 90 days
If you’re just visiting Spain as a tourist for up to 90 days, you won’t need long-term private insurance—but you do need travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, especially if you’re applying for a Schengen visa.
Quick Summary
| Visa Type | Health Insurance Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative Visa | Yes | Must be private, with no co-pays or waiting periods |
| Student Visa | Yes | Must cover entire duration of studies |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Yes (in most cases) | May be exempt if contributing to Seguridad Social |
| Schengen Visa (under 90 days) | Yes | Travel insurance with €30,000 coverage |
| EU citizens (first 90 days) | No | EHIC covers initial period |
The EHIC card
In short: if you’re planning to live in Spain long-term, you’ll almost always need health insurance.
What Kind of Health Insurance is Accepted for Spanish Visas?
To be accepted by Spanish consulates or immigration offices, your health insurance must:
- Be private health insurance, not travel insurance or a basic public system plan
- Include full coverage, equivalent to what Spain’s public healthcare system offers
- Have no co-payments (known in Spanish as sin copago)—meaning you don’t pay anything when you visit a doctor, specialist, or hospital
- Have no waiting periods (carencias)—all coverage must be effective from day one
- Cover the entire duration of your stay (e.g., one full year for most visas)
- Be provided by a company authorized to operate in Spain
- Be valid throughout all of Spain, including islands and remote areas
- Include repatriation coverage (in some consulates)—transport back to your home country in case of medical emergency or death
- No reimbursements (in some consulates)
What doesn’t count
Let’s be clear—these won’t cut it:
- Travel insurance (even if it’s expensive or premium)
- Insurance with deductibles, co-pays, or partial coverage
- Policies with waiting periods for certain services
- Insurance providers not licensed in Spain
- Just showing an insurance card instead of a proper “certificate of coverage”
Spanish consulates are strict, and most require a formal insurance certificate or certificate of coverage (certificado de seguro) that clearly outlines the coverage terms in Spanish.
Pro tip from the Spainguru community
Make sure the coverage dates match your intended stay—a common mistake is buying a 12-month policy that starts too early or ends before your visa does.
Real Talk: Common Pitfalls Expats Should Avoid
You’ve got the visa checklist, found a health insurance provider, and you’re almost ready to submit your application… but wait! Before you click “submit” or head to your consulate appointment, make sure you’re not about to fall into one of these all-too-common traps.
These are real mistakes shared by members of the Spainguru community—and they’ve cost people time, money, and even visa rejections.
Buying insurance with co-payments
Many expats unknowingly buy cheaper health insurance plans that include co-payments (copagos). While they might seem like a good deal, they are not valid for visa purposes. Spanish immigration authorities want to see zero out-of-pocket costs for medical visits.
Tip: Look for policies clearly labeled sin copago or “without co-payments.”
Submitting the wrong document
Your insurance card is not enough. What you need is an official certificate of coverage (certificado de seguro) from the insurance company that outlines your policy details and confirms it meets visa requirements.
Tip: Ask your insurer for the visa certificate in Spanish with all necessary details—some consulates may require it to be signed and stamped.
Starting your coverage too early or too late
Your policy dates need to align with your intended stay in Spain. If you start your policy too soon and delays happen, you might not have a full year of valid coverage left by the time your visa is approved.
Tip: Set your policy start date based on your estimated visa approval timeline or check with your consulate on what’s safest.
Choosing a provider not authorized in Spain
Some international insurers operate globally but are not officially registered in Spain. This can lead to consulates rejecting your policy—even if it looks great on paper.
Tip: Stick with well-known Spanish or Spain-licensed providers like Asisa, Adeslas, Sanitas, or DKV.
Not checking regional coverage
Some providers may offer limited service in certain regions or islands. If you’re planning to live outside a major city or in the Canary/Balearic Islands, double-check the provider’s coverage in that area.
Tip: Ask specifically if coverage is nationwide (válido en todo el territorio español).
Skipping the fine print
Some cheaper policies include waiting periods, exclusions, or sneaky clauses that can make them invalid for immigration purposes.
Tip: Read the full terms or work with a broker who understands Spanish visa requirements.
How Much Does Visa-Compliant Health Insurance Cost?
Let’s talk numbers—because while moving to Spain might be a dream, budgeting for it is very real. The good news? Health insurance that meets Spanish visa requirements is generally affordable compared to other countries, especially if you’re used to U.S. or UK private healthcare prices.
That said, prices vary based on several factors, and it’s important to understand what goes into the cost before picking a policy.
Typical price range
For most expats under 65, a visa-compliant health insurance plan in Spain will cost between:
- €60 and €100 per month per person
That’s for a full, no-copay, no-waiting-period plan that meets Spanish immigration standards.
Factors that affect the cost
- Age – Older applicants will typically pay more. If you’re over 70, options are fewer and often more expensive.
- Pre-existing conditions – Some providers may increase your premium or exclude certain conditions.
- Family plans – Policies that cover couples or families often offer discounted rates per person.
- Extras – Add-ons like dental, travel insurance, or English-speaking doctor networks can raise the price.
Real examples from the Spainguru community – Join it today!
- A couple in their 40s applying for a non-lucrative visa: €120/month total
- A single student in their 20s with basic coverage: €55/month
- A retiree in their 60s with premium plan: €90–€110/month
- A family of four (two adults, two children): €200–€260/month
These are estimates in 2025, but they should give you a general idea of what to expect.
Don’t forget the payment terms
Most health insurance companies require you to pay the full year in advance and some consulates will ask you to show proof of payment along with your insurance certificate. Monthly payment plans, in most cases, won’t be accepted for visa purposes, even if the policy itself allows them.
Is cheaper always better?
Not necessarily. The lowest-cost plans often have hidden exclusions or limited provider networks, and in some cases, don’t meet visa requirements at all. When in doubt, it’s safer to spend a bit more for peace of mind—and to avoid costly visa rejections.
Choosing the Right Policy: What to Look For
With so many insurance companies and brokers offering “visa-compliant” policies, how do you know which one is actually right for you? Beyond just ticking the legal boxes, the best policy is one that gives you peace of mind, works in your region, and ideally even supports you in English if needed.
Here’s what to focus on when comparing your options.
1. Is it valid across all of Spain?
Spain’s a diverse country—and whether you’re heading to the Costa del Sol, a remote village, or the Balearic Islands, your insurance must be valid nationwide.
Ask:
Is this policy accepted everywhere in Spain, including islands and rural areas?
2. Does it meet the legal visa requirements?
Make sure it includes:
- No co-payments (sin copago)
- No waiting periods (sin carencias)
- Full medical coverage (hospitalization, specialists, emergencies)
- Duration that matches your visa (usually 12 months minimum)
- Issued by a company authorized to operate in Spain
- Optional: repatriation coverage (required by some consulates)
- Optional: no reimbursements (required by some consulates)
3. Are English-speaking doctors or support available?
Navigating a health issue in a foreign language can be stressful—especially when it’s medical terminology. Some providers offer access to English-speaking doctors, translators, or customer service in your language.
Tip: If this matters to you, choose a policy that includes access to an international clinic network or clearly promotes multilingual support.
4. What is excluded?
Every policy has its limits. Read the fine print or ask directly about exclusions like:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Mental health services
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Dental care
- Work-related injuries or accidents
- Coverage for pandemics or international travel
5. Is there an age limit?
Some insurers don’t accept new members over a certain age (typically 65–75). If you’re a retiree or planning a long-term stay, make sure your chosen provider will cover you now and into the future.
Bonus Tip: Some brokers specialize in finding coverage for seniors or people with pre-existing conditions—worth looking into if you’re in either category.
Options After Your First Year in Spain
Once you’ve settled into life in Spain and your first year of residency is complete, you may find that your healthcare options expand. Whether you’re looking to reduce your costs, switch to the public system, or simply understand your choices better, here’s what you should know.
Joining the public system: The Convenio Especial
If you’re not employed in Spain (and therefore not paying into Social Security), the Convenio Especial is a public health insurance option that becomes available after one full year of legal residency and registration on the local padrón (resident census).
What is it?
- A government program that lets residents pay a monthly fee to access the national healthcare system.
- Available to anyone who has been legally living in Spain for 12+ months and is registered with their local town hall (empadronado).
Monthly cost (approximate):
- €60/month for those under 65
- €157/month for those over 65
Important: It does not cover prescriptions or care abroad, and you cannot join if your healthcare is already covered by the UK (via S1), or another EU country. It will cover pre-existing conditions.
Switching to a cheaper private policy with co-pays
Once your visa is approved and you’re living in Spain, many people choose to switch to a policy with co-payments. These plans can be significantly cheaper and still provide good access to healthcare—especially if you’re using the system infrequently.
Why switch?
- Lower monthly cost (some plans start under €40/month)
- Same network of doctors and clinics
- Still gives you fast access and the option for English-speaking professionals
But remember: If you need to renew your visa, you’ll need to switch back to a full, no-copay policy that meets immigration requirements, and it will be extremelly important not to have gaps in coverage during the whole period. Having gaps in health insurance coverage is one of the top reasons for visa renewal denials!
Supplementing your coverage
Some expats keep their private insurance even after gaining access to the public system—especially those who want faster appointments, English-speaking care, or better hospital options. It’s common to have both.
Health Insurance for Family Members
If you’re applying for a visa as a family, it’s not just the main applicant who needs to be covered—everyone included in the application must have valid health insurance that meets the same requirements.
Whether you’re relocating with a spouse, children, or dependents, here’s how it works.
Everyone needs their own coverage
Each family member must be included in the policy with:
- No co-payments
- No waiting periods
- Full coverage across Spain
- Coverage for the full length of stay
You can either:
- Get one family plan that covers everyone, or
- Purchase individual policies for each person (sometimes cheaper if ages vary widely)
Including dependents in a family plan
Many insurance companies offer family packages with discounted rates for additional members. These plans usually cover:
- Spouses or registered partners
- Children under 18 (or up to 26 if still dependent or in school)
- Occasionally other dependents, such as elderly parents
Tip: Always ask if the policy covers joint applications and ensure the certificate clearly lists each insured person by name.
Special considerations for children
Children must also be fully covered, just like adults. In fact, some consulates are especially strict when reviewing children’s health insurance, so don’t assume they’ll overlook it.
For newborns or infants:
- Make sure the plan includes pediatric care
- Some providers offer newborn add-ons if a baby is born after your arrival in Spain
Can one policy cover everyone?
Yes, and it often simplifies the visa application. Just make sure the insurance certificate includes the full names and ID/passport numbers of all applicants. Some consulates are picky and may ask for a separate certificate per person, even if the policy is shared.
Student Visa Insurance: What Makes it Different?
If you’re heading to Spain for studies, congratulations—student life in Spain can be amazing. But just like any other visa, the student visa requires proper health insurance. The key difference? The insurance policy needs to be tailored to your specific study duration, not necessarily a full 12 months.
Here’s what sets student visa insurance apart.
Requirements for student visa insurance
To be accepted by Spanish immigration, your student health insurance must:
- Be valid for the entire duration of your studies
- Offer coverage equal to or better than the Spanish public health system
- Include no co-payments
- Have no waiting periods
- Be provided by a company authorized to operate in Spain
- Cover you nationwide, including emergency and hospitalization care
Tip: If you plan to extend your studies later, your policy must also be extendable.
Can students use international health insurance?
Some international student insurance plans may be accepted—but only if they meet all the Spanish government’s criteria. That’s often where things fall short.
Before you choose an international provider, make sure:
- The insurer is recognized in Spain
- The policy includes repatriation
- The certificate is issued in Spanish (or translated/certified appropriately)
- It clearly states there’s no cost-sharing or limitations
Renewal and extension
If you’re extending your student stay in Spain, you’ll need to renew your health insurance as well. Immigration will check that your coverage hasn’t lapsed, so always keep your insurance aligned with your visa.
Affordable student plans in Spain
Several major Spanish providers (like Asisa, Adeslas, Sanitas) offer specific student plans designed to meet visa requirements, often starting as low as €40–€60 per month, depending on age and coverage options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use travel insurance instead of private health insurance?
No. Travel insurance is not accepted for long-term visa applications. Even if it looks comprehensive, it doesn’t meet the required conditions like unlimited coverage, no co-pays, and coverage for the full duration of your stay.
What happens if my insurance has co-payments?
Unfortunately, it will most likely be rejected. Spanish immigration authorities require no co-payments—this means 100% coverage of medical costs without any out-of-pocket charges when using the policy (and this may also include reimbursements too).
Can I change insurance providers after getting my visa?
Yes, but with caution. As long as you maintain continuous, visa-compliant coverage, you can switch providers. Just make sure the new policy meets all the same requirements—especially if you’ll be renewing your visa later.
Is dental coverage required?
No, dental coverage is not a requirement for visa approval. That said, some policies include basic dental services as a bonus, which may be helpful once you’re in Spain.
Can I use an international insurance policy?
Only if the policy:
- Is accepted by your specific consulate
- Meets all Spanish visa criteria
- Comes with an official certificate in Spanish
- States that there are no co-pays, no waiting periods, and full coverage in Spain
In general, most expats find it easier to go with a Spain-based insurer to avoid confusion and rejection.
What about insurance for children and babies?
Children included in your visa application must also be covered under a compliant health insurance plan. Newborns can often be added later, but check with your provider in advance if you’re expecting during your time in Spain.
Do I need to submit proof of payment?
Yes. Most Spanish consulates require not only the insurance certificate but also proof that the full policy has been paid in advance. This could be a receipt from the insurer or a bank statement confirming the transaction.
Where to Get Health Insurance That Works for Spanish Visas
Now that you know exactly what’s required, the next step is actually choosing a provider that checks all the boxes—and ideally, makes the process simple for expats.
What to look for in a provider or broker
When shopping for health insurance for your Spanish visa, make sure the provider:
- Is authorized to operate in Spain
- Offers policies that are explicitly visa-compliant
- Provides the official certificate (certificado de seguro) in Spanish
- Can customize the start date of your policy to match your visa timing
- Has support in English or your preferred language
- Offers add-ons like dental or international travel coverage, if needed
Trusted providers in the Spainguru community
Many Spainguru members have successfully used providers like:
- Asisa
- Adeslas
- Sanitas
- DKV
These companies offer a range of visa-compliant plans with a reputation for reliable customer service and experience with the visa process.
Want help comparing plans?
We’ve created a dedicated page to help expats find visa-compliant health insurance through licensed brokers who understand the specific needs of foreigners moving to Spain.
Need help choosing the right policy?
Visit our health insurance hub here: https://spainguru.es/health-insurance/
There, you’ll find multiple trusted brokers, real expat reviews, and instant quote request options—whether you’re applying solo, as a couple, or with the whole family.
Conclusion
Sorting out health insurance for your Spanish visa might not be the most glamorous part of your move—but it’s one of the most important. Get it right, and the rest of your visa process will be much smoother. Get it wrong, and you could face delays, rejections, or last-minute stress.
The good news? You’re not alone. Thousands of expats have already navigated this process, and many of them are part of the Spainguru community—sharing experiences, advice, and tips to help each other make Spain feel like home.
Whether you’re applying for a non-lucrative visa, a student visa, or bringing your whole family, the key is simple: choose a policy that is completely visa-compliant and suited to your needs. Use the information in this guide to ask the right questions, avoid common mistakes, and feel confident in your decision.
And if you’re still unsure where to start?
We’ve got you covered.
Visit our health insurance page for expert help and vetted expat-friendly brokers:
https://spainguru.es/health-insurance/
Let Spainguru hand-picked recommended partners make your move a little easier—because your new life in Spain shouldn’t start with paperwork headaches.
