Ultimate Guide to Private Health Insurance in Spain for NIE
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If you're moving to Spain as a non-EU expat, one of the essential steps in your journey is applying for a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) — the foreigner's identification number. This number is required for many legal and administrative tasks in Spain, including buying property, opening a bank account, and securing a residence permit or even working. To successfully obtain your NIE and complete your residency process, you will need private health insurance, especially if you do not have access to Spain’s public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud or SNS).
This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about getting private health insurance in Spain for your NIE application, including an overview of the top providers: DKV, Asisa, Feather, and ASSSA, and why they are the best options for expats.
Private Health Insurance for NIE
Here’s an overview of the top private health insurance for expats applying for NIE in Spain:
1. DKV Seguros
DKV Seguros is one of the most respected health insurance providers in Spain, offering a variety of health plans that cater specifically to expats.
Why DKV for NIE?: DKV provides comprehensive coverage, including general medicine, specialist care, hospitalization, surgery, and diagnostics. Importantly, they offer policies that meet NIE and visa application requirements with no co-payments. DKV also boasts one of the largest networks of doctors and hospitals in Spain, which includes many English-speaking professionals, making it an excellent choice for expats.
Best for: Expats seeking extensive coverage, access to a large medical network, and policies compliant with NIE requirements.
2. Asisa
Asisa is a highly regarded private health insurance provider in Spain, known for offering affordable policies with wide-ranging coverage.
Why Asisa for NIE?: Asisa offers private health insurance policies specifically designed to meet the needs of expats applying for NIE. Their no-co-payment plans ensure that you meet Spanish visa and residency requirements. Asisa’s insurance also covers dental care and access to top hospitals and specialists. With offices across Spain and excellent customer service in multiple languages, Asisa is a reliable choice for expats.
Best for: Expats looking for affordable health insurance with comprehensive coverage, including dental, and policies that are visa-compliant.
3. Feather Insurance
Feather is a modern, digital-first health insurance provider designed to make the insurance process simple and stress-free for expats.
Why Feather for NIE?: Feather’s private health insurance plans are tailored for expats, providing full coverage for general medical services, specialist consultations, and hospital care. Feather's policies are compliant with visa and residency requirements and come with no co-payments. Their online platform makes it easy to apply, manage your insurance, and access customer support in English, making it especially useful for expats who prefer a seamless, digital experience.
Best for: Expats who want a fully digital process, with straightforward coverage and excellent English-language support.
4. ASSSA
With over 80 years of experience, ASSSA is a private health insurance company that specializes in providing policies for expats living in Spain.
Why ASSSA for NIE?: ASSSA is known for providing personalized, tailored health insurance plans with no co-payments, perfect for NIE and visa applications. They have local offices in many regions of Spain, where you can get in-person assistance in your language, be it English, German, or other languages. ASSSA also gives access to private hospitals and top specialists across the country.
Best for: Expats who prefer personalized customer service and in-person support from a provider with deep experience catering to foreign residents.
Why Private Health Insurance Is Necessary for NIE Applicants
Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent, but access to it depends on your employment status, contributions to social security, and residency. For many expats, especially those applying for a visa or residency without employment in Spain, private health insurance is a legal requirement for your NIE application. Here's why:
Visa and Residency Application Requirement: Spain mandates proof of health insurance that provides comprehensive coverage with no co-payments for those applying for an NIE under certain visa types, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). This ensures you won’t rely on Spain’s public health system without contributing to it.
Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Private health insurance covers a broad range of medical services, from GP visits and specialist consultations to emergency care and surgeries, ensuring you have access to healthcare without long wait times.
Peace of Mind: Having private health insurance ensures that you and your family are protected in case of illness or accident, which is essential when living in a foreign country where you might not be familiar with the healthcare system.
Private Health Insurance in Spain for NIE: Price
The cost of private health insurance in Spain for NIE applicants can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as your age, the level of coverage, the specific insurer, and any additional benefits included in the policy. Generally, prices range from €40 to €150 per month for comprehensive plans that meet the no co-payment (sin copagos) requirement essential for NIE applications.
|
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 |
35€ |
Flexible Coverage Periods |
Here’s what influences the price of private health insurance in Spain:
Age: Younger applicants typically enjoy lower premiums, while older individuals may face higher costs, especially after the age of 50.
Coverage Level: Basic plans that cover general medical services and emergencies tend to be more affordable, while more comprehensive plans that include dental, vision, and additional specialist care will increase the premium.
No Co-Payments: Plans with no co-payments, which are essential for NIE and residency applications, are generally more expensive than those with co-payments.
Additional Services: Some policies include extra services, such as dental coverage, mental health services, or homeopathy, which can raise the monthly premium.
Location: Premiums may also vary based on the region you live in and the healthcare network available through your insurer.
On average, for a 30-year-old expat applying for an NIE, a no-co-payment plan might cost between €50 and €80 per month, while more comprehensive plans for individuals over 50 could be upwards of €100 to €150 per month. It’s crucial to compare policies and find one that balances cost and coverage to meet both your healthcare needs and visa requirements.
Most insurers also offer discounts for annual payments, so if you pay for a year upfront rather than monthly, you may save a small percentage on your overall premium.
What to Look for in Private Health Insurance for NIE
When selecting a private health insurance policy for your NIE application, ensure that it meets the specific requirements outlined by Spanish immigration authorities. Key features to look for include:
No Co-Payments (Sin Copagos): This is a mandatory condition for many visa and NIE applications, meaning that you don’t have to pay for each doctor’s visit, specialist consultation, or procedure.
Comprehensive Coverage: Your policy should cover all essential health services, such as general medicine, hospital stays, surgeries, emergency care, and specialist visits.
Spanish Compliance: Ensure that your policy meets Spanish legal requirements for expat residency applications, as authorities are strict about accepting only valid insurance certificates.
Affordable Premiums: While cost is important, balance affordability with comprehensive coverage to ensure you’re fully protected.
Customer Support in Your Language: Navigating health insurance in a foreign language can be challenging. Look for providers with multilingual support and customer service in English or other languages you’re comfortable with.
Securing private health insurance is an essential step for non-EU expats applying for an NIE in Spain. Providers like DKV, Asisa, Feather, and ASSSA offer comprehensive, visa-compliant plans that ensure you have access to the healthcare you need while meeting the legal requirements for residency.
When selecting your insurance, consider factors like no co-payments, coverage range, customer service, and whether the policy fits your budget. With the right health insurance, your NIE application will go smoothly, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your healthcare needs are fully covered in your new home.
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