For Spain’s non-lucrative visa, consulates usually require comprehensive private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, covering everything the Spanish public system covers, with no co-payments and no waiting periods, valid for at least the first year. Travel insurance and the GHIC are normally not accepted.
Checklist for an accepted policy
- Insurer authorised to operate in Spain.
- Comprehensive cover equivalent to the public system.
- Sin copagos: no co-payments.
- Sin carencias: no waiting periods.
- Policy term of at least 12 months, often paid in full.
- Repatriation cover, frequently requested.
- A certificate from the insurer stating these conditions, in Spanish.
Common reasons for rejection
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Travel insurance submitted | Use a Spanish health policy |
| Co-payments on the policy | Choose a no co-payment plan |
| Waiting periods | Ask the insurer to waive them |
| Monthly policy | Pay annually or show a 12-month term |
Tips
- Ask the insurer for a visa certificate before you pay.
- Check your consulate’s document list, as requirements differ.
- Declare pre-existing conditions; exclusions may apply.
Our verdict
Buy a policy designed for visa applicants. See Spain Non-Lucrative Visa for Wintering Retirees.
Disclaimer
General information; confirm with your consulate.
Official sources
Rules change. Before you book or apply, check the current position with the official source: