Health Insurance in Spain for Expats
Private medical cover arranged in English — for new residents, visa applications, families and business owners on the Costa del Sol and beyond.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Spain?
Living in Spain means leaving the NHS behind. Spain’s public health system — while good — is not always accessible to expats, particularly in the early stages of residency. Private health insurance fills that gap: fast access to English-speaking doctors, specialist consultations without long waits, and the medical documentation you need for your visa or residency application.
You almost certainly need private cover if you fall into any of these situations:
- Applying for a Spanish visa or residency — The Spanish government requires proof of private health insurance with no co-payments and no deductibles for non-lucrative visas, TIE residency and digital nomad visas.
- Recently arrived and not yet on the public system — Until you’re registered and contributing to social security, private cover is your safety net.
- Retired and relying on an S1 from the UK — Post-Brexit, S1 arrangements have limitations. Many retired expats find private insurance gives faster, more comfortable access to care.
- Self-employed (autónomo) — Private insurance gets you seen faster and with more choice of specialist.
- Simply want better healthcare — Spanish private healthcare is excellent. Fast appointments, modern facilities, English-speaking consultants in most areas.
What Does Private Health Insurance Cover?
- GP consultations — same-day or next-day appointments
- Specialist referrals — without needing a GP referral first
- Hospital admission and surgery
- Emergency treatment and ambulance
- Diagnostic tests — blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans
- Maternity care (on selected plans)
- Mental health support (on selected plans)
- 24/7 medical helpline
Dental Care: All dentistry in Spain is provided privately — there is no NHS equivalent. Most health insurers offer dental cover as an add-on or as part of a combined plan. We’ll make sure you understand exactly what dental treatment is included.
Comparing Spain’s Main Health Insurers
We work with all of Spain’s leading health insurance providers. Here’s a guide to help you understand the landscape — we’ll guide you to the right one for your specific situation.
| Provider | Network Size | English Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanitas | Very large — nationwide | Strong, dedicated expat team | Families, wide hospital network |
| Adeslas | Largest in Spain | Good | Cost-conscious buyers, broad coverage |
| Cigna | International network | Excellent | International families, frequent travellers |
| DKV | Large — strong in Andalucía | Good | Andalucía-based expats, preventive care |
| Asisa | Large — nationwide | Moderate | Value policies, basic coverage needs |
| AXA | Large | Good | Comprehensive plans, maternity add-ons |
The right provider depends on your age, health history, location, budget and specific requirements. We compare current pricing and policy terms when preparing your quote.
Health Insurance for Your Spanish Visa or Residency Application
If you’re applying for a non-lucrative visa, TIE residency or digital nomad visa, your health insurance must meet strict Spanish government requirements. Getting this wrong can mean a rejected application.
Spanish consulates require health insurance that:
- Has no co-payments (copagos) and no deductibles (franquicias)
- Provides full coverage in Spain for all medical contingencies
- Is issued by an insurer authorised by the DGS (Dirección General de Seguros)
- Covers the full duration of your visa or initial residency period
We know exactly which policies meet these requirements and can provide your certificate of coverage in the format consulates accept. Full guide to residency health insurance →
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Spain?
Premiums depend primarily on your age and the level of coverage you choose. As a rough guide:
| Age | Basic Plan (approx.) | Comprehensive Plan (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | From €50/month | From €80/month |
| 35 – 50 | From €70/month | From €110/month |
| 51 – 65 | From €110/month | From €170/month |
| 65+ | From €180/month | From €280/month |
Figures are indicative only and vary by provider, coverage level, location and health history. Family plans and multi-policy discounts are available.
Health Insurance in Spain — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my EHIC or GHIC instead of private insurance?
The EHIC/GHIC provides emergency cover for visitors — it is not designed for residents. Once you are living in Spain, you are not covered as a tourist. For residents, private health insurance is the appropriate solution, and it is required for most visa and residency applications.
Will I be covered for pre-existing conditions?
This varies by insurer and the condition. Some providers offer full coverage from day one; others apply a waiting period or exclude certain conditions. We will always be upfront about what is and isn’t covered before you take out a policy.
Can I keep my UK private health insurance when I move to Spain?
Most UK private health insurers (Bupa UK, AXA Health UK, Vitality) will not cover you as a Spanish resident. Their policies are designed for UK residents. You will need a Spanish-issued policy.
Is dental cover included?
Dental treatment in Spain is entirely private. Most health insurance plans do not include dental as standard, but dental add-ons are available. We can include dental cover in your quote.
Can I arrange health insurance for my whole family?
Yes. Family plans covering two adults and children are available from most providers, often at a significant discount compared to individual policies.
How quickly can I get covered?
In most cases, your policy can start within 24–48 hours of your application being approved. For residency applications with an urgent deadline, tell us and we will prioritise.
Get Your Health Insurance Quote Today
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll come back to you — usually within one working day — with a clear comparison of your best options. No obligation, no pressure, no jargon.
Or WhatsApp: +34 650 160 711
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