Let’s talk Private Health Insurance in Spain for US Citizens and other Non-EU citizens who are thinking of applying a visa in Spain (for example: the non lucrative visa Spain, digital nomad visa, student visa, or the retirement visa). The Spanish consulates have on their requirements the need to obtain private medical insurance Spain.
The popular questions are related to the cost of health insurance in Spain, Non lucrative visa Spain health insurance options, as well as the medical insurance in Spain residency. If you are looking for practical information on health insurance in Spain, this is the perfect place for you to start! It has been a hot topic for years and keeping our email inbox buzzing away.
We’ve also received a few questions from expats already living in Spain who would like to renew their visa and switch their health insurance. After responding to several of the emails, I thought it would just be easier to write up a quick post and let you know all that we know about health insurance for Americans living in Spain. This may apply to other countries as well, but you will need to check.
Updates: 2024 for Expat Health Insurance in Spain
Click here to jump to the Expat Health Insurance for Spanish Residency List
Private Health Insurance Spain
Medical Insurance in Spain is one of our most popular posts! We have updated the information below. The Spanish Consulates are requiring Spanish medical insurance with no co-pay and no deductible.
Many of you will choose to search the web to find the right insurance for Spanish residency, but you are likely searching in English.
First of all, you want to be sure you are looking for health insurance in Spanish or “Seguro de Salud”.
Health Insurance Spain costs?
I know it is a huge mental leap for an American or foreigner to think of the cost of Medical Insurance for Spain or Health Insurance, as something you can afford out-of-pocket. Well, let me just tell you from personal experience, we found health insurance for American expats living in Spain to be very “affordable”. In just a few minutes we will share with you our personal costs just to give you an idea.
Of course the price varies depending on your age, where you will live in Spain, and possibly any pre existing conditions. If you are a student the health insurance Spain costs may be from 500-700 for the year. If you are looking for health insurance in Spain for over 75, then it may cost from 1600-2200 per year per person. These are just ball park estimates and as per the conditions mentioned above it could be more or less.
Health Insurance in Spanish & English, plus a certificate for your consulate appointment
Of course affordable is a matter of opinion, so I will share with you the actual cost of our private medical insurance for our Spanish resident visa, as well as other quotes we have received. We list several companies below who can help provide you with quotes for the cheapest health insurance for Spanish residency!
You can be the judge and also ask for your own quotes.
Please do keep in mind this is just something for you to get a feel for the costs, as for each person/family it will vary due to your ages, location, duration of policy and coverage selected.
Medical Insurance For NonLucrative Visa Application or
other resident visa applications in Spain
(US Citizens, non-EU Citizens & for EU citizen police registration)
REQUIREMENT – You need private Spanish Medical Insurance Coverage!
This is true you do need health insurance for the non-lucrative visa in Spain, as well as for the retirement visa in Spain. It is likely required for other Spain resident visas as well, like the student visa. It is possible to purchase the non-lucrative visa health insurance in Spain in advance, and we provide you the info we have available. The healthcare in Spain for expats is good and with y our private health insurance, you will likely have access to a network of providers. Depending on where you live, you will find that many of the health networks are the same with several medical insurance companies.
Time to show you our Research on Non lucrative visa Spain health insurance
Let the research begin. When still living in the US, we researched many options and found it to be overwhelming. Many US insurance companies wouldn’t insure us outside of the United States for an extended period of time. Others wanted a thorough head-to-toe examination and proof that we were over the top healthy.
We received many online quotes from your standard US Insurance companies (Cigna, Aetna, IMG, United, etc.) and many quoted $5000 – $12,000 per year for our family of 4. What?! I thought that was crazy and continued to do research. They will tell you that you are covered in Spain, but beware!
Many of these companies are not accepted or known in Spain. We’ve know people to use some of them only to find out they weren’t really covered or they had hoops to jump through for reimbursem*nt.
After living in Spain for 1 year, it was time for us to apply for our Spanish resident card renewal. As part of this process, we needed to again show proof of finances as well as Medical Insurance coverage.
Do your research about health insurance in Spain!
Again we reached out to several and received quotes for our family of 4. To receive a quote for coverage, all they needed was our birth dates and passport numbers (or NIE number) and our contact info. Of course, you still have the varieties of coverage from your basic coverage to the mac daddy full hospitalization as well as various deductibles, in a network, out of network, etc.
Updated: When it says “no wait periods”, this means for general issues. There will always be a wait period for giving birth to a child and things like that. It just isn’t possible to buy insurance today and then give birth to a child using the insurance next week, so there will be a few standard wait periods.
The Spanish Consulates now have a requirement regarding health insurance. it states that you must have a policy with no co-pay, no wait periods, and no deductible. It is more inclusive and similar to what would be provided if you were in the Spanish public healthcare system.
We received price quotes for our family of 4 ranging from €45 – €220 per month ($62 – $300, depending on the exchange rate). If you opt for a quarterly, bi-annual, or yearly contract, you may also receive discounts.
I think the Annual contract for full coverage with dental, travel, and hospitalization was about €2200 per year (~$3025). This is a far cry from the prices quoted to us by many of the US companies, and we didn’t need to go to the ends of the earth to prove we were in good health.
What did we choose for our health insurance plan in Spain?
In 2013, we moved to Mapfre–
In the end, we selected the basic preventative coverage with Mapfre, which included travel and dental. It also covered us for emergency medical around the world, including the US. In hindsight, I think this was the right option for us at the time. Our needs continued to change, so we we again went through the evaluation of our coverage and changed down the line.
Many people prefer a full-coverage plan offered with Sanitas Expats or Caser Expat (including hospitalization) and coverage in the USA. I really liked the online services and they have all of their documents in English as well as Spanish.
They do cater more to foreigners, but their prices show that. When they sent us a quote they offered one that was geared more towards expats and had regular coverage in the US as well.
In 2015 we did more research and opted for DKV Seguros (They do require a Spanish bank account and address). We have full medical, hospitalization, and dental coverage for our family of 4. This is including 90 days of travel insurance outside of Spain.
Spain private health insurance providers offer a network system. This means there are specific places you need to go for your medical care in Spain. Before contracting an insurance policy, request a list of the network in the area which you live or plan to live in Spain.
How much does private health insurance in Spain cost?
For us, as of 2024, we still have DKV. It is now €387 a quarter, so it has gone up about €13 each year. (it would not meet the non lucrative visa requirements as they stand today). We do have a co-pay) and rarely use it. I am autonomo (self-employed) now and we have access to the free Spanish public health system as well. The DKV insurance is something we keep because it is low cost, just in case we are no longer self-employed, plus the 90 days of travel insurance included is a bonus.
With the exchange rate of $1.14 to €1, it comes out to $395 per quarter or about $1600 for the entire year. We get all preventative medical and dental (cleaning etc) included once a year free as part of the plan.
The Spanish Insurance companies we have received quotes from or recommend are listed below. These are also the companies our clients have recommended to us as it is what they use and recommend. They all have online tools available for you to receive a quote. Each offers a variety of coverage for healthcare in Spain.
Live a Healthy Life!
Insurance Companies in Spain
with private Medical Insurance in Spain for Expats
(US Citizens applying for non lucrative visa in Spain)
Here are some companies that we researched and found to meet the non-lucrative visa requirements needs. This also includes our own insurance or our clients’ recommendations.
Expat Health Insurance for visa in Spain
Be sure to mention you are looking for health insurance for Spanish Residency or a visa when you obtain your quotes. They will know what the current requirements are:
- No deductible (no minimum to pay prior to coverage)
- No co-pay (no fee per visit to pay)
- No waiting periods(access to general procedures right away.)
*there are likely a few wait periods for some conditions like childbirth or oncology. - Repatriation (in the case of death, the return of remains to the home country)
Please refer to our Health Insurance for Expats in Spain List below:
Private Health Insurance for
Spanish Residency & Visas
ADESLAS Insurance
Private Health insurance in Spain for over 65!
This is the most popular private insurance in Spain and they offer special expat packages as well. You really can’t go wrong with their coverage throughout Spain, as ,it is one of the biggest networks in Spain. They have a plan for you to meet the Spanish residency and visa requirements.
They also offer car, home, pet, and other insurance policies so you get discounts with bundles. When we met with the agent they assured us you can choose from several plans.
Seniors, are you 65+? Segurcaixa Adeslas can help
Cheapest health insurance for Spanish residence when you are over 65 years old! Segurcaixa Adeslas offers plans for customers from over 65, and even specific health insurance in Spain for over 75! In some cases, they may also request permission to obtain insurance for those more than 84 years old.
- Plena Plus – Full Health Insurance
- Completa – Full health insurance with repatriation, which is necessary for the visa to live in Spain
- Senior Health insurance specific to customers from 70 to 84. Also, more than 84 years old, with special permission.
Read more about what they offer here.
Contact: Segurcaixa Adeslas for more information.
(Let them know Heidi sent you)
Click here to email Motril@oac.segurcaixaadeslas.es
Tel:+34 640 249 711 WhatsApp
Updated: Jan 2024– We are receiving feedback on good customer service and prices, happy customers!
CASER Expat Insurance In Spain – click here for aquote
We speak English and can help you with the right policy for your needs! We work with the leading insurance companies in Spain, who have been in doing business for nearly 75 years. They are trusted and have a good network of coverage throughout Spain. Offering special plans for expats in Spain for residency and meeting all of the current visa requirements.
OFFER through March 2024 – 30% off!
Some of the key expat features include:
- Offering health coverage for people applying at age 69 years and younger, perfect for families or early retirees.
- Dedicated English-speaking claims and customer service telephone line. Telephone and on-line medical support 24 hours a day, in various languages (English, French, German, Dutch).
- The insurance plan may be contracted with a passport to apply for residency. Offering a special certificate for Residency and Visa applications.
Read the FAQ’s and more about the coverage.
- No copayordeductible– Use the network director of medical providers with No co-payments* (except for 8 Euros for Psychology). There is no deductible to meet prior to being covered.
- Wait periods – No wait periods for general medicine. There are a few wait periods related to Family planning, Psychology, Oncology all 6 months.
- Repatriation(add on policy for small annual fee)
- Dentalincluded
- It is preferred to have a Spanish Bank Account for direct debit payments or an EU account with IBAN number.
- If you don’t have a EU bank account, you may open an online European account withWiseMulti-currency Account.
Sanitas Insurance – Click here to request a quote
The office speaks English and caters to the expat community. We have a comparison chart of their various plans.
They have several plan options with various levels of coverages, copays, and deductibles. By clicking on this link you will be able to make an inquiry. The team will help you determine the best insurance package to meet your needs.
Some American friends of ours in Spain were specifically seeking out Maternity coverage. It appears that Sanitas offers good coverage as well. Some friends of ours (US Citizens) in town also use this and like the coverage offered when traveling back to the USA.
Our recommended Sanitas agent offers great customer service. They like it best if you have a Spanish bank account for the payment. If you don’t have one, they will likely ask for payment of a full year in advance.
INSBROK Insurance – Click here to request a quote
With over 35 years of experience, Insbrok can help you with your insurance needs. They are dedicated to helping English-speaking clients wishing to reside in Spain. Offering private health insurance in Spain, home insurance, pet insurance, and more. They have a plan for you to meet the Spanish residency and visa requirements. They also offer health insurance for seniors.
So do you have questions? You may read more about the FAQ’s here. You will find answers to those popular questions. (Waiting periods, deductibles, payments, pre-existing condition, repatriation, buying before you arrive, and more).
Some INSBROK Partners:
Mapfre – Click here to request a quote
This is what we had for our first 2 years. It was very affordable, but we didn’t use it for anything, so can’t inform you of the claims process or anything. It is offered through Insbrok.INSBROK Insurance – Click here to request a quote
DKV– Click here to request a quote
This is what we currently have. It seems to work well for us and is affordable. The network of providers is pretty similar to all of the other insurance companies for the area where we live. You may request via INSBROK Insurance – Click here to request a quote
A word of caution if you intend to use any of the US-based health insurance companies; (Cigna, United Health, and so on) please read the fine print and be sure they have coverage in Spain. Ask someone and then ask a second person, just to be sure it will be widely accepted in Spain. Many of them will not suffice for the visa approval and you will likely have difficulties once in Spain.
We do know of several families who purchased the expensive US coverage and then once in Spain realized, they weren’t easily covered. No one knew what the company was and there wasn’t a wide network that would accept it for coverage. They ended up canceling and switching to a Spanish company and buying Spanish health insurance.
Do the research, get the quotes
Please do your own research and let us know if you find any other Spain healthcare insurance companies you would recommend. Just contact us, so we can add them to the list, or just enter the information in the comments below. We want to be sure that you have enough information to make a decision based on your needs for your expat insurance.
It has been said there is a program to join the Spain healthcare system after living in Spain for 1 year. We do not have experience with this and cannot advise on using the Spanish healthcare system.
Do you have a pre-existing condition?
We are not experts in this area, as we didn’t have any pre-existing conditions. Don’t completely give up hope. We have heard from some clients and some Spanish health insurance companies, that coverage will vary for a pre-existing condition. You may be able to receive coverage, depending on the condition.
In addition, we have heard there are carriers who will allow a policy, excluding the condition (meaning you are completely covered except for your condition). Others will not cover you at all.
It depends on the insurance carrier and the flexibility of obtaining travel insurance instead will vary based on which consulate you go to in the US (your aligned consulate is your only choice).
Best of luck with your Spain private health insurance hunt!
Helpful Vocabulary for Health Insurance Spain
- Doctor in Spanish – Medico
- I need an appointment – Necesito una cita
- I have an appointment – Tengo una cita
- Private – Privado
- Insurance in Spanish – Seguro
- Pain – Dolor
- I hurt or I have pain – Me duele
- Health or healthy in Spanish – Salud
- Blood – Sangre
- Medical Insurance Spain – Seguros de salud España
Bonus Information!
With the non lucrative visa, you are required to show proof of Spanish health insurance each time you renew. After the first year, you may renew 2 times for 2 years each. That will give you a total of 5 years in Spain.
After that 5 year mark, you apply for the long duration residency. With that residency, you are automatically allowed to work in Spain and if you work and pay into social security, etc, you will be able to join the Spanish healthcare system.
Non lucrative visa health insurance
Other information we have provided regarding “How to Apply for Non Lucrative Visa for Spain as US Citizen or Canadian Citizen” are listed below.
- Doesn’t a US citizen need a visa to live in Spain?(Spanish Resident Visa)
- Where oh where is that Spanish non-lucrative resident visa?
- 10 Tips for Spanish Resident Visa Application –
for the US Citizen or American Traveler - Tips For Getting Settled In Spain – Resident Card, Bank, School, Phone
- Spanish Resident Card Renewal Process – What is going on?
- Legality in Spain
Travel insurance in Spain
If you are looking specifically for travel insurance in Spain, all of the insurance companies above offer stand alone travel insurance as well for residents. In addition, there is likely 90 days of travel insurance included with your health policy, for travel when you are outside of Spain.
If you are on vacation in Spain and are looking for travel insurance in Spain, then I would recommend you check out World Nomads Insurance. You can read more about their travel insurance here.
More help for your move to Spain
Of course, Alan has written a very thorough e-book, Live in Spain, which walks you, step by step, through the entire process of the non lucrative visa requirements and the Spain retirement visa requirements.
It is full of tips and tools to help you and a matrix with spells out the special things for each Spanish consulate in the USA. It also provides you with a checklist to make sure all of the organization and timing of documents in on target.
We have helped hundreds of families, couples and singles successfully move to Spain!
We also have a book to help you prepare for your move and getting settled once you arrive! Getting Settled In Spain
Some other articles that may be of help to you.
- How to move to Spain
- What was the Cost To Live In Spain For 1 Year?
- How to estimate the cost of living.
- Preparing For Your Move Abroad
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Live In Spain – Spain Visa Requirements|Driving In Spain|Getting Settled in Spain|Residency/Visa Renewal|Education In Spain|Almuñécar Walking Guides
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We offer our expertise and knowledgeable advice for relocation planning, visa application, residency, and getting settled. With our help, you can move to Spain with children or without. We also offer custom packages for your move to Costa Tropical. Click here to read more about our relocation to Spain services.
- How to move to Spain
