Health insurance for a Spanish visa
NLV, Digital Nomad, Student and residency applications need full private cover with no co-payments. See exactly what's required.
Visa cover →Private health insurance
Faster access, English-speaking doctors and Spain's leading private hospitals — without the public-system waiting lists.
Private cover →Compare insurers
Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, ASISA and more — compared on visa-suitability, co-pays, English support and hospital networks.
Compare →Who it's for
Cover for every expat situation in Spain
Expats
British, American, Irish, EU & non-EU residents.
Retirees
Comprehensive cover for over-60s and pensioners.
Families
Maternity, paediatric and whole-family plans.
Digital nomads
Flexible cover with international protection.
Students
Student-visa-compliant cover for your stay.
No-copay cover
Why Spanish visas require it, and how it differs from cheaper co-pay plans.
Non-residents
Second-home owners and part-year residents.
What it costs
What drives price and how to keep it down.
The big one
Applying for a Spanish visa? Your health insurance has rules
For the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Student Visa and most residency routes, Spanish immigration expects full private health cover, with no co-payments and no deductibles, from an insurer authorised in Spain — usually for a full year, with a certificate for your consulate. A cheaper "with co-pay" policy is normally rejected.
We help you understand the requirement and get a compliant policy and certificate in time for your appointment.
How getting cover works
1. Tell us your situation
Visa type, ages, where in Spain, and whether you need a certificate. Use the quote form — it takes a couple of minutes.
2. Compare suitable options
We help you weigh plans on cover, co-pay, English support and price — neutrally, across insurers.
3. Get covered & certified
Once your policy is confirmed, your documents and visa certificate follow quickly.
Get your Spanish health insurance quote
Tell us your situation — visa type, ages, where in Spain — and we’ll help you find suitable cover. English-speaking support, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need private health insurance to live in Spain?
If you're applying for a residency visa (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, student), yes — full private cover with no co-payments is part of the requirement. If you work and pay Spanish social security you may have public cover, but many expats still take private insurance for faster access and English-speaking care. See the requirements.
What makes a policy “visa-compliant”?
Generally: full private medical cover, no co-payments and no deductibles, from an insurer authorised in Spain, no coverage gaps, usually for a full year, with a certificate for your consulate. More on no-copay cover.
Can I use a policy with co-payments for my visa?
Usually not — consulates treat co-pay (con copago) plans as leaving out-of-pocket costs, so they're generally rejected. You need a no-copay (sin copago) plan.
How fast can I get the certificate for my visa appointment?
Usually shortly after your policy is confirmed — often the same or next working day. Tell us your consulate date and we'll work to it. About the certificate.
Which insurer is best for expats in Spain?
It depends on your priorities — English support, hospital network, price and visa-suitability all differ. We compare the main insurers neutrally; start with best health insurance in Spain or compare insurers.
How much does private health insurance cost in Spain?
Premiums are mainly age-based and vary by plan and add-ons. See what health insurance costs in Spain or try the cost estimator. Any figures shown are indicative only.
Does it cover pre-existing conditions?
It varies by insurer and plan; some conditions face waiting periods (carencias) or exclusions. More here — never assume a condition is or isn't covered.
Can I get cover with no waiting periods?
Yes — for visas, core cover should be effective immediately with no waiting periods. How no-carencia cover works.
Can I use my cover anywhere in Spain?
Network plans cover the insurer's approved providers nationwide; reimbursement plans let you use almost any clinic. Check the cuadro médico for your area before choosing.
Do I need an NIE to take out a policy?
You can usually get a quote without one, but an NIE is typically needed to issue the policy. We can guide you through the order of steps.
Can retirees and over-65s get cover?
Yes — most insurers cover older applicants, though premiums rise with age and some set limits for new policies. See cover for retirees.
Is the public healthcare system in Spain any good?
Yes — Spain's public system is excellent. Private cover adds speed (shorter specialist waits), choice and English-speaking care. Public vs private compared.