Your Guide to Spanish Health Insurance for Residency
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Whether you're dreaming of retirement on the sunny Riviera del Sol, launching a startup in vibrant Barcelona, or relocating to Madrid for a teaching gig, one thing's for sure: if you're seeking Spanish residency, you're probably thinking - what health insurance do you need?
From coverage details to unique perks, let’s look at the top Spanish residency insurance providers to help you choose a health insurance plan that keeps you covered for whatever comes your way in life.
Table of Contents:
1. Overview of Top Insurance Providers
2. Detailed Reviews of Each Provider
- Asisa
- DKV
- Feather
- ASSSA
3. How Much is Health Insurance for Residency in Spain?
4. What Type of Health Insurance Do I Need to Live in Spain?
5. Do Permanent Residents in Spain Get Healthcare?
Overview of Top Insurance Providers
ASISA, DKV, Feather, and ASSA are the most reputable Spanish health insurance providers for expats. They offer extensive networks of healthcare professionals and facilities and worthwhile benefits tailored to meet diverse needs.
Asisa Health Insurance in Spain
With over four decades of experience in the Spanish market, ASISA offers tailored plans that cater specifically to the needs of international residents. This insurer is known for its efficient claims process and multilingual customer support, making navigating the Spanish healthcare system easier.
Monthly Premium: Starts at €45.29
Network: Over 50,000 healthcare professionals, 17 company-owned hospitals, 1,000+ subsidized facilities, and 36 multispecialty centers across Spain, including the islands.
Coverage: Enjoy protection similar to Spain's public health system, including emergency care, consultations, diagnostics, surgeries, and hospital stays.
Co-payments: No copayments
Perks:
Travel assistance up to €14,000
Accident death insurance of €6,010
Complimentary family compensation in case of accidental death
DKV Health Insurance in Spain
Whether seeking preventive care, specialist consultations, or emergency services, DKV stands ready to safeguard your health. With attractive features like no-claim bonuses and international coverage options, DKV doesn't just offer insurance – it promises quality care and unwavering support throughout your Spanish journey.
Monthly Premium: Starts at €30
Network: Over 51,000 medical professionals and 7 of the 10 best hospitals in the country
Coverage: Includes cutting-edge diagnostic tests, interventions, hospitalization, and dental services
Co-payments: Full coverage with no copayments or exclusions; 100% reimbursement for expenses at non-affiliated centers in Spain within 7 days via app
Perks:
Up to €20,000 for worldwide emergency assistance on journeys up to 180 days
Feather Health Insurance in Spain
Feather's innovative digital platform streamlines the insurance experience, offering effortless online enrollment and rapid claims processing via its intuitive mobile app. Plus, its dedication to customer satisfaction shines through its multilingual support staff, who are always prepared to guide expatriates through the intricacies of Spanish healthcare.
Monthly Premium: Starts at €45
Networks: Access to both public and private doctors and hospitals in Spain
Coverage: Consultations and treatments from public and private healthcare providers, including ambulance services and unexpected medical treatments and procedures (excluding pre-existing conditions)
Co-payments: No copayments, deductibles, or waiting periods
Perks:
Coverage extends throughout the EU
Dental care: Pain relief treatments up to €500/year
Tooth replacement after an accident covered up to €500
ASSSA Health Insurance in Spain
Known for their personalized approach, ASSSA offers face-to-face consultations with English-speaking agents, ensuring clients fully understand their coverage options. Their policies are notable for covering pre-existing conditions after a short waiting period and direct billing with many healthcare providers to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Monthly Premium: Starts at €35
Network: Prestigious doctors and international clinics across Spain, equipped with the latest technology
Coverage: Private rooms for in-patient hospital stays, surgical operations without waiting lists, high-tech diagnostic methods, coverage for private GPs, specialists, and emergency hospitals
Co-payments: None
Perks:
No premium increase due to age (age at joining is maintained)
Guaranteed for life
Contractual guarantee of no policy cancellation due to age, illness, or high usage
How Much is Health Insurance for Residency in Spain?
Private health insurance for Spanish residency costs between €50 and €200 monthly, depending on the provider, plan, and individual circumstances. Factors affecting cost include age (premiums increase over time) and coverage extent (specialized care or regular treatments cost more). Some insurers offer pay-per-treatment options, which can be cost-effective for those needing minimal care.
What Type of Health Insurance Do I Need to Live in Spain?
Getting settled in Spain often involves a few hurdles, and health insurance is definitely one of them. For non-Spanish people looking to call Spain home, private health insurance isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have for securing that all-important residence permit or stay status.
According to the law, health insurance suitable for Spanish residency offers:
Operates in Spain
Full coverage, including emergencies, consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries (inpatient and outpatient), hospitalizations, etc
Unlimited financial coverage
No co-payments or deductibles
No waiting periods
Repatriation of remains
Coverage is required for the entire stay that the applicant will be in Spain.
Do Permanent Residents in Spain Get Healthcare?
Yes, permanent residents have the same access to public healthcare as Spanish citizens (Sistema Nacional de Salud or SNS).
This includes:
Doctor visits
Hospitalization
Medications (with some co-pays)
Specialist care (although wait times can be longer)
While basic state services are free once registered, some costs, like prescription co-payments, may apply. Hence, many locals and expatriates opt for additional private health insurance ("seguro de salud privado").
Final Thoughts: Health Insurance for Residency in Spain
ASISA, Feather, DVK, and ASSSA are your best bet when it comes to Spanish health insurance for residency. An important caveat to bear in mind is that some of their more basic plans may be cheaper than what’s stated here. However, these usually require copayments, which disqualify you for residency.
One last thing: Individuals who qualify for Spain's public healthcare system - whether through employment, certain benefits, or as pension recipients - may potentially use this coverage to satisfy the healthcare requirements for residency.
Remember, rules can change from time to time. So, when you're getting ready to apply for residency, it's a good idea to double-check the latest info.
