Private health insurance is essential if you apply for a Spanish residence visa, and useful for long-stay visitors who want fast access to English-speaking private doctors. For residence visas, Spain normally requires a comprehensive policy from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no co-payments and no waiting periods.
Two different needs
| Situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| Visitor under the 90/180 rule | Long-stay travel insurance plus GHIC |
| Non-lucrative visa applicant | Comprehensive private health insurance, no co-payments |
| Digital nomad visa applicant | Health insurance accepted by the authorities |
| New resident | Private insurance or access to the public system if eligible |
What consulates usually expect for residence visas
- Cover equivalent to the Spanish public health system.
- An insurer authorised to operate in Spain.
- No co-payments (sin copagos) and no waiting periods (sin carencias).
- Cover for the full first year.
- Repatriation is often required too.
Comparing policies
- Check the network of clinics and hospitals on your island.
- Ask about English-speaking doctors.
- Read exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
- Compare annual price and payment options.
Our verdict
Visitors need travel insurance; future residents need a proper Spanish policy. See Health Insurance for the Non-Lucrative Visa.
Disclaimer
General information; each consulate sets its own document checks.
Official sources
Rules change. Before you book or apply, check the current position with the official source: