Question
“For the Spain digital nomad visa do dependent children 18+ need their own private health insurance or are they covered under my pledge to pay SS? Thank you.”
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spain Digital Nomad Visa group members:
“Under social security rules you can add children up to the age of 26 if they can’t access it in their own right. However it might be an idea to have a quote ready just in case you get asked. Getting a child over 18 approved as a dependent is getting more complicated unless they are a student.”
“That’s what I thought but the only thing they’re asking for additionally is proof of insurance. Short of buying a year upfront for her can I write a letter addressing the SS rules? Or should I just bite the bullet 😫”
“Getting an over 18 through is super tough. I’d bite the bullet.”
“My thoughts the same. Thank you. The cheapest I’ve found is 599 for the year with Adeslas.”
“I’m asking the one I work with what they would charge, but I think it will be similar.”
“Thanks! Apparently it has to be paid all at once as they don’t do monthly payments 🤦🏻♀️”
“I am not sure if it’s your case but sometimes when the children are not biologically the main applicant’s, they do ask for private insurance. I have never been asked by UGE to provide private insurance if the over 18 was biological (or legally adopted) and the main applicant was going to be autónomo.
But as said, you are so close that I wouldn’t risk it anyway as yes, it’s extra money but at least you get private insurance out of it which might come in handy. Good luck!”
“Biological 100%. As a 1099 self-employed I submitted my intent to register as an autónomo. You are both right—why rock the boat. But annoying though.”
“It is indeed frustrating 🙁 but you are almost there! Best of luck!”
“I submitted the doc yesterday evening at 11pm and this morning I received approval for my 23 year-old daughter and myself 🤣😂🤣!”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you. There is no way I would’ve been able to do this without all the help from this group—truly a lifesaver. Thank you so very much for all the support you provide.”
Conclusion
The Spainguru community confirms that while Spanish Social Security allows dependents up to age 26, applying for the Spain digital nomad visa with dependent children over 18 often requires private health insurance.
Some members noted it’s possible to be approved without it, but due to stricter interpretations, especially for non-student dependents, many advise getting a private policy to avoid delays or rejections.
Applicants also noted that biological or legally adopted status and intent to register as autónomo may help, but having proof of insurance ready is the safest path.
