Health Insurance in Spain for foreigners

Today we are going to talk about health insurance in Spain for foreigners, a requirement that you will need to process the NIE, process a study visa, and take care of your health, among others.

Below we are going to give you some details so that you can understand if you need health insurance in Spain and we will also see how it differs from travel insurance and which option you should choose.

Why do I need health insurance in Spain

First of all… Who should have it?

Any foreigner who is going to reside in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for the European Union Citizen Registration Certificate if they are a community citizen, or apply for a Residence permit if they do not belong to the European Union.

For both cases, you will need to have health insurance.

According to the National Immigration Code, foreigners who apply for a visa for short or long-term stays, whether for non-lucrative temporary residence, internships, or studies, among others, must have health insurance, arranged with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain.

For those who do NOT belong to the European Union, it will be necessary to carry out certain procedures and demonstrate the availability of sufficient resources to face any unforeseen event that may arise during your stay in Spain, in addition to having health insurance.

Visit: Health insurance in spain for over 75

What is the difference between health insurance and travel insurance

If you are a foreigner and are going to travel to Europe, you may have a question about whether you have to take out medical insurance or travel insurance.

Let’s see the difference between the two.

Health insurance protects you in your daily life and offers comprehensive coverage that covers a wide range of medical services such as routine consultations, specialists, diagnostic tests, treatments and surgeries, and hospitalizations, among others.

This type of insurance is generally contracted on a long-term basis, usually for one year.

Travel insurance, on the other hand, is specifically designed to protect you during your trips abroad, meaning it does not apply if your idea is to stay and live in the country.

What characteristics does health insurance for foreigners in Spain have

Medical insurance for foreigners in Spain must cover the same benefits as the National Health System and DOES NOT HAVE TO HAVE CO-PAYMENTS and waiting periods.

This means that the policy should not impose limitations, so you will not have to pay a portion of the services each time you use them.

On the other hand, the waiting period refers to the time between registering the policy and the possibility of using certain coverage or services.

In Spain, many  policies have waiting periods, especially for guarantees such as pregnancy and childbirth.

Non-EU foreigners, it is unlikely to have public insurance, so they must turn to companies to contract private HI with the aforementioned characteristics, in addition to repatriation coverage.

For what procedures do you need 

In Spain, health insurance is essential for various procedures, including obtaining the NIE (Foreign Identification Number) along with proof of funds. It is also necessary to process study visas and for those seeking faster access to specialized medical services.

How is health insurance paid in Spain?

In Spain, health insurance offers various payment options, adapting to the financial needs of the insured:

• Monthly Payment: A fixed payment is made each month to keep coverage in force.
• Annual Payment: You pay the insurance in advance once a year and have the benefit of a discount for paying the benefit together
• Quarterly or Semiannual Payment: Provides flexibility with payments every three or six months.
• Linkage Discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for having other insurance with the same company or for being a long-term customer.
• Online Payment and Direct Debit: Most companies allow online payments and direct debit for convenience.

What do you need to take out health insurance in Spain

To take out health insurance in Spain, your passport, NIE, or Spanish DNI is required, as well as your bank account number.

If you do not have your account, you can use the account of a known person to pay the fee.

How much does medical insurance for foreigners cost in Spain

The costs of HI in Spain vary depending on the company, the type of coverage, and other factors such as the age of the insured.

We recommend that you compare offers and carefully review the conditions of the contract to ensure that it meets your needs and budget.

How to take out health insurance for foreigners in Spain

It is possible that when looking for HI in Spain you feel a little confused since there is a lot of information and there are several factors that you must take into account to find one that adapts to your situation and needs.

We currently work with two very prestigious companies and we are willing to advise you. So we invite you to contact us so we can share some plans with you and guide you when purchasing your insurance.