Navigating Spanish Health Insurance for Your Visa Application

/

Moving to Spain? Congratulations!

It’s an exciting journey, but one essential step in the process is securing health insurance—especially if you’re applying for a long-term visa.

Spanish healthcare is renowned for its quality, but understanding the insurance requirements for your visa can feel overwhelming.

Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get the right coverage and keep things stress-free.

Do You Really Need Health Insurance for Your Spanish Visa?

Yes! Health insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for most Spanish visa types, including the non-lucrative visa, study visa, and work visa. The Spanish government wants to ensure you have access to medical care during your stay without relying on the public healthcare system, which is reserved for legal residents.

Here’s what your insurance policy must include:

  • Coverage of at least €30,000.

  • Valid across the entire Schengen zone.

  • No deductibles or copayments.

  • Comprehensive coverage, including emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

What Type of Health Insurance Do You Need?

There are a few options to consider, depending on your situation:

  1. Private Health Insurance
    This is the go-to option for most visa applicants. Many providers in Spain, such as Innosure, Asisa, DKV, Sanitas, and ASSSA, offer policies specifically designed to meet visa requirements.
    Why it’s a great option:

    • Fast access to private clinics and hospitals.

    • No waiting times for appointments.

    • Meets all visa requirements with no copayments.

  2. Public Health Insurance (Seguridad Social)
    If you’re moving to Spain for work, you may eventually qualify for public healthcare through Spain’s Social Security system. However, this won’t apply until you’re employed and registered, so you’ll need private insurance for your visa application.

  3. International Health Insurance
    Companies like Allianz and AXA offer international plans that are valid in Spain and meet visa requirements. These can be a good option if you want global coverage, but they tend to be pricier than Spanish plans.

Pro Tip: Start Early

If your visa appointment is in November, get your insurance sorted well in advance. Policies can take time to process, and you’ll need all the paperwork ready to avoid delays.

What You Need to Know About Policies for Health Insurance for Spanish Visa​

Here are some important details about how policies work in Spain, especially for visa applicants:

  1. Upfront Payment:

    • Most health insurance policies require upfront payment for the first year.

    • However, policies typically run from January 1 to December 31. If you start a policy mid-year (e.g., in August), you’ll only pay for the months remaining until December. After the first year, some companies allow monthly payments.

  2. Zero Copay Requirements:

    • Visa-compliant policies must cover everything without exceptions or exclusions.

    • For example, someone had their application denied because their policy excluded coverage for a pre-existing condition (a heart murmur).

  3. Documentation and Checks:

    • You’ll need to submit multiple documents for your visa:

      • A certificate of insurance.

      • The full policy wording.

      • A letter from the insurance company.

    • Authorities may carefully review your policy, so ensure it’s comprehensive and compliant.

  4. Health Questionnaires and Claims:

    • Some providers require you to complete a health questionnaire and may contact your doctor in your home country the first time you make a claim.

  5. Language Considerations:

    • Most policies are issued in Spanish. Ensure you have the Spanish version for your visa application, as authorities require this.

How to Select the Best Policy for you Spanish Visa 

Here are some steps to make sure you get the right coverage:

  1. Request Full Policy Details:

    • Before signing up, ask for the complete policy wording and ensure there are no exclusions that could cause issues with your visa application.

  2. Work with a Gestor:

    • Gestores (administrative advisors) are invaluable when navigating Spanish bureaucracy. They can help you choose a policy and handle the paperwork for your residency.

  3. Visit Providers or Brokers:

    • If you haven’t decided on a location yet, consider visiting local brokers or insurance offices. They can provide recommendations tailored to your needs.

  4. Prepare for Renewals:

    • You’ll need to renew your policy annually. Consider working with a company that can handle multiple types of insurance, such as health and car coverage, for added convenience.

Choosing the Right Insurance Provider for your Spanish Visa 

Choosing the right health insurance is crucial for your move to Spain. Here are some top providers, along with their star ratings and insights from expats:

  • Innoinsure
    Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
    Review Platform: Trustpilot
    Number of Reviews: 44
    Insight: I needed health insurance for my Spanish digital nomad visa, and Innoinsure were super helpful and efficient! I got my documents in 3 days, and the price was good too.

  • Asisa
    Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.1/5)
    Review Platform: Trustpilot
    Number of Reviews: 1,232
    Insight: I'm ever so delighted with the service. The customer care team is friendly and approachable, especially Olivia. Also, the 24 hour emergency line connects directly to English speaking doctors who helped me manage when I was suffering from chest pains at 2am. I'm not fluent in Spanish so they arranged for an Ambulance to find my (complicated) home address and take me to the hospital. Luckily everything turned out fine but I don't know if I would have managed so well without their support that night.

  • DKV
    Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.4/5)
    Review Platform: Trustpilot
    Number of Reviews: 1,243
    Insight: Love fact I have such Easy access to Specialists with no referral needed No permission from DKV necessary.

  • Feather Insurance
    Rating: ★★★★☆  (4.8/5)
    Review Platform: Truspilot
    Number of Reviews: 1,050

Insight: Much simpler sign on for private insurance than other health coverage brokers! While I can't say anything about reimbursing of claims yet, the sign up process has been great at very competitive prices!

  • ASSSA
    Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
    Review Platform: Trustpilot
    Number of Reviews:79
    Insight: I was completely impressed with their professionalism and customer service.I highly recommend them.

The Bottom Line

Health insurance for your Spanish visa doesn’t have to be complicated. Understand the requirements, choose a reputable provider, and make sure your policy is airtight. By starting early and working with experts, you can navigate the process smoothly and focus on what matters—starting your new adventure in Spain.

Ready to find the perfect policy? Explore your options today and take one step closer to your move!

/ / Comment
,
, ,

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.