Moving to Spain is an exciting step, but before you pack your bags, there’s one essential thing you’ll need—health insurance. Whether you’re applying for a non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa, student visa, or another residency permit, having visa-compliant health coverage is a strict requirement.

I sat down with Ciaran O’Toole, an expert from Inno Insure, who has helped hundreds of expats secure the right insurance for their move to Spain. We covered everything from why health insurance is essential, the difference between public and private coverage, and what you need to consider when choosing the best plan.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of:

Why health insurance is required for Spain visas
Who can access Spain’s public healthcare system
What private health insurance covers
How to compare providers and find the best policy
The cost of health insurance and what factors influence it
How the application process works and what to expect

Why Do You Need Health Insurance for Spain?

If you’re moving to Spain on a visa or residency permit, having private health insurance is mandatory. Without it, your application will be rejected. But beyond being a requirement, having good health coverage gives you peace of mind in case you need medical care while in Spain.

I Asked the Expert: Why Is Private Health Insurance Essential?

Ciaran explained that not everyone has access to Spain’s public healthcare system. If you’re not already a resident contributing to Spain’s Social Security system, you won’t qualify for free public healthcare. That’s why private health insurance is necessary for visa holders like:

Non-lucrative visa applicants (retirees and remote workers who don’t contribute to social security)
Digital nomad visa holders
Student visa holders
Entrepreneurs and self-employed workers without public coverage
Anyone moving to Spain who wants access to faster private healthcare services

Public vs. Private Healthcare in Spain: What’s the Difference?

Who Can Access Spain’s Public Healthcare System?

   Feature Public Health Insurance Private Health Insurance 
  **Eligibility** Residents paying into social security Available to all residents and expats 
 **Coverage** Basic healthcare, general practitioners, emergency care Specialist visits, surgeries, and advanced treatments 
 **Waiting Times** Often long, especially for specialists Shorter, faster access to specialists 
 **Choice of Doctors** Limited to assigned doctors Freedom to choose from a wide network 
 **Prescription Coverage** Subsidized but requires co-payment Typically not covered 
 **Dental & Vision Care** Not included Often included (varies by plan) 
 **Emergency Care** Free for residents Covered, with priority service 
 **Cost** Free for social security contributors €700–€3,000/year, depending on plan & age 
 **Requirement for Visas** Not accepted for most visas Mandatory for non-lucrative & digital nomad visas 
 

Spain has one of the best public healthcare systems in Europe, but not everyone qualifies for free access. You’re eligible if:

You’re working in Spain and paying into the Social Security system.
You’re a resident in Spain and your employer contributes to Social Security on your behalf.
You’re a retiree from the EU who can transfer their healthcare rights to Spain.

If you’re moving to Spain on a visa, you likely won’t have access to public healthcare initially. That’s where private health insurance comes in.

What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?

Private insurance gives you access to private hospitals and doctors, often with shorter wait times and English-speaking medical professionals. Policies typically cover:

Doctor visits & specialists (including gynecologists, dermatologists, and cardiologists)
Emergency care & hospitalization
Surgical procedures
Maternity care
Annual check-ups
Diagnostic tests & imaging
Some dental care (check-ups, cleanings, and simple extractions)

However, prescriptions and vision care (glasses & contact lenses) are usually not included.

How to Choose the Best Private Health Insurance for Spain

Since your visa application depends on your health insurance being fully compliant, it’s crucial to choose the right provider.

What to Look for in a Health Insurance Plan

Visa Compliance
- No co-payments or deductibles
- Full coverage (no exclusions)
- No waiting periods for care
- Covers hospitalization and emergencies
Nationwide Coverage
- Check if the provider has hospitals and clinics in your area. Some insurers have limited coverage in smaller cities or islands.
English-Speaking Support
- Many expats worry about the language barrier. Some insurers offer English-speaking doctors and customer support.
Cost & Affordability
- Policies range from €700 to €3,000 per year, depending on age, pre-existing conditions, and coverage levels.
Ease of Use
- Does the insurer offer a user-friendly app for booking appointments? Can you search for English-speaking doctors online?
Refund Policy
- If your visa is denied, can you get your money back? Some insurers offer refunds for unused months with proof of visa rejection.

Feature	ASSSA Insurance	Asisa	DKV	Feather	SafetyWing
Maximum Age at Policy Inception	79	70	39	74	50
Lifetime Premium Available	Yes	No	No	No	No
Cover Pre-Existing Conditions	Minor Conditions	Yes*	Yes*	No	Limited
Cover for Life	Yes	No	No	No	No
Travel Assistance	€15,000 for stays up to 90 Days	€12,000 for stays up to 90 Days	€20,000 for stays up to 180 Days	TBC	Worldwide
Dental Coverage	Basic Cover Included, Options for Comprehensive	Basic Cover Included, Options for Comprehensive	Basic Cover Included, Options for Comprehensive	No	No
Policy & Assistance in English	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Spain-Wide Coverage	Not available in Balearics, Basque Country, Seville & Cadiz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Get a Free Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost?

The price of your policy depends on:

Age – Younger applicants pay lower premiums, while policies for retirees can be more expensive.
Pre-existing conditions – Some insurers will cover existing conditions (after approval), while others may increase your premium.
Coverage level – Higher coverage, like maternity or specialized care, raises costs.

Price range:

Basic plans: ~€700–€1,200 per year
Comprehensive plans: ~€1,500–€3,000 per year

Important: You must pay for a full year upfront for your visa application.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Health Insurance for Your Spain Visa

1. Get a Quote Online

Most providers let you request a quote online by entering your age and coverage details.

2. Complete Your Application

Once you choose a policy, you’ll fill out an online application, including:

Personal details
Spanish address (if available)
Payment information

3. Pay for Your Policy Upfront

Since visas require proof of one full year of coverage, you’ll need to pay in advance.

4. Receive Your Insurance Certificate (3 Business Days)

After payment, you’ll get an official insurance certificate by email—this is what you’ll include in your visa application.

5. Register for Healthcare Services

Once in Spain, you can register with your insurer’s app to book doctor appointments.

Common Misconceptions About Health Insurance in Spain

1. "Does my policy include dental coverage?"
Yes, but only basic dental care (check-ups, cleanings, and simple extractions). Major dental work is not covered.

2. "Will my medications be covered?"
No, prescription medications are not included in private health insurance.

3. "What if I get pregnant?"
If you become pregnant after purchasing insurance, maternity care is fully covered after 8 months. If you’re already pregnant, you need special approval from the insurer.

4. "Can I cancel my insurance if my visa is denied?"
Yes—if you provide a visa rejection letter, many insurers will refund unused months.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Spain Visa

Choosing the right private health insurance is one of the most important steps in your Spain visa application. A visa-compliant policy will: ✔ Cover everything required by Spanish immigration
✔ Provide access to English-speaking doctors
✔ Give you peace of mind for emergencies and routine care