Best Health Insurance for Spain Student Visa (2024 Guide)

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Studying abroad is an exciting adventure as you embark on this journey, one essential aspect to consider is navigating the complexities of obtaining a student visa for Spain which involves understanding essential health insurance requirements.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best health insurance options for international students in Spain.

With personal experience navigating the system, I’ve carefully assessed each provider based on coverage, cost, customer service, and compliance with visa requirements to help you make the best choice for your time abroad.

Best Spain Private Health Insurance for International Students

When studying in Spain, choosing a health insurance company that is authorized to operate in the country and meets the student visa requirements is crucial. Here's a rundown of some of the best health insurance companies for international students in Spain:

Insurance Company

Starting Monthly* Cost

Standout Feature

Adeslas

39€

Best Value for Money

DKV

76€

Best Provider Network

Asisa

59€

Reliable Customer Service

Feather

45€

Easy Application Process

ASSSA

39€

Flexible Coverage Periods

*Some plans may require payment for 12 months upfront.

1. Adeslas: Best Value for Money

  • Widespread Coverage: Adeslas stands out for its extensive network of healthcare facilities across Spain.

  • Customized Student Plans: Offers plans specifically designed for the healthcare needs of international students.

  • Affordable yet Comprehensive: Known for providing affordable insurance options without skimping on essential healthcare services.

2. DKV: Best Provider Network

  • Price: DKV offers a range of plans tailored to expats, with monthly premiums starting at around 89€ and going up to 600€, depending on your needs. This flexibility in pricing allows you to choose a plan that fits your budget while ensuring you’re covered.

  • Specialized Health Services: What stood out to me is DKV's focus on specialized health services and preventive care. This makes them a great option if you're looking for more than just basic coverage, as they prioritize both treatment and prevention.

  • Innovative Digital Solutions: This is a given but I like the fact that they offer easy access to healthcare services through their digital platforms. This is a huge convenience, especially when you need quick access to medical advice or appointments.

  • Diverse Plan Options: Lastly, DKV provides a wide variety of plans, so you can easily find one that aligns with your specific healthcare needs and financial situation. This makes it a versatile option for international students with different priorities.

More: DKV Health Insurance Spain Reviews Expats

3. Asisa: Reliable Customer Service

  1. Reliable Customer Service: One of the things that stood out during my review was Asisa’s reputation for reliable customer service.

  2. Price: Asisa offers private health insurance plans that are budget-friendly, starting at around 60€ and going up to 180€ per month. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for comprehensive coverage without stretching your budget.

  3. Tailored for Students: I was impressed to see that Asisa offers health insurance plans specifically designed for international students, ensuring you get the coverage you need while studying in Spain.

  4. Extensive Services: Asisa provides a wide range of medical services, from preventive care to hospitalization, so you’re covered for both routine check-ups and more serious health needs.

  5. Affordable Options: Lastly, Asisa is known for offering affordable plans without compromising on essential coverage, making it a solid choice for students who want to balance cost and comprehensive healthcare.

More: Asisa Health Insurance Spain Reviews for Expats

4. Feather: Easy Application Process

  • Price: Feather offers two affordable plans designed for students. If you're under 35, you can get coverage for just 45€ per month, while students over 35 and non-students, like digital nomads and freelancers, can choose a plan for 60€ per month.

  • Designed for Expats: What impressed me most about Feather is that their policies are specifically designed for expats and international students. This ensures you get the right coverage tailored to your needs, especially if you’re new to Spain’s healthcare system.

  • English-Language Services: One standout feature of Feather is that all their services are offered in English. For students who aren’t fluent in Spanish, this makes navigating healthcare much easier and eliminates the language barrier.

  • Simple and Transparent: I also appreciated how straightforward Feather's policies are. They’re known for being clear and easy to understand, so you always know exactly what coverage you’re getting without any hidden surprises.

ASSSA: My Top Pick for Spanish Student Visa Insurance 🏆

ASSSA stands out for its flexible coverage periods and exceptional personalized service, making it the ideal choice for international students.

Price: ASSSA offers three flexible plan options—Standard, Plus, and Master—with prices starting at approximately 35€ per month and going up to 240€. This range allows students to choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget.

Specialized Expat Insurance: ASSSA is particularly well-known for catering to the expat community in Spain, including international students, ensuring your healthcare needs are fully met while you study abroad.

Medical Travel Cover: One of ASSSA's standout features is its travel coverage. They provide up to 15,000 € in medical emergency assistance and cover up to 90 consecutive days of travel outside of Spain—perfect for students who want to explore Europe during their time abroad.

Personalized Attention: ASSSA places a strong emphasis on personalized service, ensuring that each student’s individual healthcare needs are taken care of. Their customer support makes navigating healthcare in a new country much easier.

Which Type of Student Health Insurance Do You Need in Spain?

There are primarily two types of health insurance options available for international students:

1. Public Health Insurance (SNS - Sistema Nacional de Salud)

  • Public Health Insurance: Some international students might be eligible for Spain’s public healthcare system, which offers comprehensive coverage. However, this option is typically available only to students who are employed or have a residency status in Spain.

  • Who It's For: If you are an EU citizen, you may be eligible for free or low-cost healthcare through the public system. You will need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access these benefits.

  • Coverage: SNS covers basic medical services and emergency care. While it's an economical option, it may not provide the same level of coverage as private insurance.

2. Private Health Insurance in Spain

  • Private Health Insurance: Most international students opt for private health insurance. It’s crucial that the insurance company is authorized to operate in Spain. Private insurance often offers more flexibility in terms of hospitals and specialists and might include services not covered by the public system.

  • Who It's For: International students from non-EU countries often opt for private health insurance. This option offers more comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and additional benefits.

  • Coverage: Private health insurance provides a broader range of services compared to the public system. It typically covers medical consultations, hospital stays, specialist treatments, and sometimes dental and optical care.

Important Info: Travel Insurance for Tourist Visas

Note: If you’re planning to stay in Spain for less than 90 days on a tourist visa, you can also meet the visa requirements with travel insurance. Many options are available from Spanish providers as well as companies in your home country.

Recommended Option: For short-term stays, SafetyWing offers a great travel insurance plan. It’s affordable and designed to meet the needs of travelers. Be sure to check out SafetyWing reviews for more details.

What to Look for in a Health Insurance for Spain Student Visa

When selecting health insurance for a Spain student visa, there are several crucial factors to consider to ensure that your policy meets visa requirements and adequately covers your healthcare needs while studying in Spain. Here's what you should look for:

1. Compliance with Spain Visa Insurance Requirements: 

  • Approval by Spanish Authorities: The insurance must be recognized and approved by the Spanish government for visa purposes.

  • Duration of Coverage: Ensure the policy covers the entire duration of your stay or study period in Spain.

2. Comprehensive Coverage: 

  • Basic Health Services: The plan should cover general medical consultations, treatments, and hospitalization.

  • Emergency Services: Look for policies that include emergency medical care, including ambulance services.

  • Specialized Treatments: Consider plans that cover specialized medical services, if needed.

3. No Co-payment or Deductible: 

  • Policies without co-payment or deductibles are preferable, as they don't require additional out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services.

4. No Waiting Periods

  • Choose a plan that offers immediate coverage upon commencement, without waiting periods for certain services.

4. Repatriation Coverage

  • In case of severe illness or death, the policy should provide coverage for repatriation to your home country.

5. Coverage Area

  • Verify that the coverage is valid throughout Spain, and check if it extends to other Schengen countries if you plan to travel.

  • Ensure the health insurance is valid in all medical facilities across Spain and is widely recognized.

6. Language Support

  • Access to services in English (or your preferred language) can be very beneficial, especially in emergencies or complex medical situations.

  • Responsive customer service and support for claims and inquiries are vital for efficient and hassle-free healthcare access.

7. Cost and Affordability

  • While affordability is important, it should not come at the cost of essential coverage. Balance cost with the benefits and coverage offered.

Why International Student Health Insurance Is Important

Health insurance is a non-negotiable aspect of your student life in Spain. Here are some compelling reasons why:

1. Mandatory Requirement: 

  • Spain mandates that all residents, including international students, have health insurance coverage. It's a legal requirement to obtain a student visa.

2. Healthcare Costs:

  • Medical expenses can be substantial without insurance. In the event of illness or injury, having coverage can save you from financial stress.

3. Peace of Mind: 

  • Ultimately, health insurance provides peace of mind, knowing that you have access to quality healthcare when needed.

  • Before selecting a health insurance plan for your Spain student visa, it's essential to compare the coverage, costs, and terms of each provider to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Additionally, consider factors such as the location of healthcare facilities and the ease of communication in English. With the right insurance in place, you can focus on your studies and enjoy your time as an international student in Spain with peace of mind.

Foreign Student Insurance Application Process

Since Spain requires health insurance to get a visa, you have to complete the health insurance application process first. Fortunately, major providers let you do this online. Here’s the basic process:

  • Decide what you need: Depending on your health and plans in Spain, decide if you’re looking for broad coverage or just the basics to save money. Also, some non-EU countries including Andorra, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru have arrangements with Spain. Students from these locations can get some basic services for free.

  • Compare providers: Comparison shopping is the best way to find the coverage you want for an affordable rate.

  • Purchase a plan: When you find the right plan, you can complete the purchase process online.

  • Complete the visa application: Now, you can present the health insurance plan that covers at least €30,000 (plus repatriation and evacuation) to complete the visa application.

Medical Insurance for International Students in Spain: FAQ

Below are a few frequently asked questions about health insurance for international students in Spain:

Yes, having health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa in Spain. Without adequate health insurance, your visa application could be denied.

For a Spain student visa, applicants must have health insurance that covers their entire duration of stay in Spain. This insurance should include comprehensive coverage for medical expenses without copayments.

It depends on your current policy. The health insurance used for the visa application must be authorized to operate in Spain and meet specific coverage criteria set by the Spanish government. Many students opt for private health insurance plans offered by Spanish or internationally recognized insurers like Adeslas, DKV, and Asisa.

Costs vary based on coverage levels and other factors like age and health. Typically, plans start from as low as €30 per month, but more comprehensive plans can cost more.

Students should first research and compare different insurance plans. Once they select a policy, they can apply online or through an agent, providing necessary documentation. Upon approval, they will receive an insurance certificate, which is needed for the visa application.

📜 Living in Spain Planning Guide 📜

Before Moving to Spain

🔍 Research the visa process, residence permits, and other essential documentation early on.

💡 Did you know it’s mandatory to have official documents translated by a sworn translator? Consider hiring a translation service like Translyt for handling any official documents.

💡 Important: If you're moving from a non-European country, private health insurance is required for your visa application.

🧑‍⚕️ Finalize your local health insurance plan with Innoinsure for comprehensive coverage, or opt for the digital insurance services of Feather or ASSSA.

If you are a digital nomad or need travel insurance, SafetyWing provides flexible coverage for individuals living abroad.

🐕 If your pets have joined you, use Petplan for their health insurance and well-being.

Once in Spain

🏠 Use platforms like Spotahome get 15% off with code: CTSPAIN15 or Flatio to find your new home in Spain. They offer verified listings and short- to long-term rental options.

Are you on a tight budget? Check out Trusted Housesitters for free accommodation in exchange for pet sitting (Get 12% off annual memberships with code 12TRUST).

💸 Money Transfers: Set up a reliable currency exchange and transfer service like XE Money Transfer to avoid high banking fees when transferring funds internationally.

🚗 Need a rental car? Use DiscoverCars to easily compare and find the best deals for car rentals in Spain.

💡 Can you live and work in Spain without speaking Spanish?

The answer is YES! But learning Spanish will make your life so much easier. Start learning Spanish using Preply’s language tutor to learn the basics, and expect to see massive improvements within the first few months.

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Laetitia woue

Laetitia is the author of Coming to Spain and has been living in Spain for over six years. She is passionate about traveling throughout Spain and helping others overcome their limiting beliefs to achieve their dream of moving to Spain. Through her writing and resources, she provides practical advice and insights to support and guide individuals in making their dream of living in Spain a reality.