Health Insurance in Spain is essential for both residents and non-residents, so understanding all the requirements to get a health insurance plan in Spain will make it easier for anyone who plans to visit or move to Spain.
In this article, we will focus on the criteria to access private health insurance in Spain. While some people, depending on their country of origin and their legal status, might be able to apply for the European Health Insurance Card or the Spanish public healthcare system, those with non-lucrative visas and other temporary residence permits must have a private health insurance policy to enter the country.
Eligibility to Contract Health Insurance
Firstly, the eligibility to contract a health insurance policy in Spain includes two main criteria: age and legal status.
Age Limits (Minimum and Maximum)
Although there is no minimum age to access healthcare, most health insurance companies have fixed the maximum age for new policyholders at 65-69, a few companies at 75. In some communities there are special products designed for senior people over 75, however, cover under such policies has limitations.
Children under 18 cannot be policyholders, so if a child needs a private insurance a policy should be contracted by one of the parents with a child listed as the insured. Some companies only accept children accompanied by an adult, while other insurers allow a child to be insured alone without insuring one of the parents.
Residency or Legal Status Requirements
To get health insurance in Spain, you don’t need to be a Spanish citizen, it is enough for you to prove your legal residence or temporary permit to enter the country.
Many insurance companies in Spain require proof that you are residing in or planning to reside in the country legally, which is particularly important for visa applicants, retirees, and digital nomads.
Necessary Documentation to Contract Health Insurance
During the process of applying to get health insurance in Spain, you will be asked for several documents related to your identity, residency and ability to pay.
Valid ID
To prove your identity and origin, you will have to show a valid ID document, either your national ID card if you are a EU citizen or coming from a Schengen country, a valid passport if your origin is different or a residency card
NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreigner Identification Number) or NIE is a unique identification number required for any official procedure or contract in Spain as a foreigner, including signing health insurance policies. Not all companies require NIE to issue the policy. So if you are planning to move to Spain and still do not have NIE, but you are asked by the migration office to present a health insurance with a Spanish private insurance provider to apply for a residency permit in Spain – it’s not a problem.
Proof of Address
You will also need to submit your address in Spain when applying for a health insurance. For this purpose, some companies might ask for a certificate of empadronamiento (registration at your local town hall).
Bank Account Information (Spanish or EU account)
To set up the periodic payments, you must provide your bank account details. While some health insurance providers accept international cards or payment by transfer for the first year, you will need a EU or Spanish bank account to renew you policy.
Health Declaration or Medical History
Your health records are essential for the insurance company to review your application.
Medical Questionnaire Requirements
Most private health insurance companies in Spain ask for a basic health declaration providing information on your general health, surgeries, chronic conditions or treatments.
Pre-existing Conditions and Disclosure Obligations
Make sure you disclose any pre-existing conditions so your policy meets your real health necessities. Please take into account that usually private insurance companies do not cover treatment of pre-existing conditions.
Payment Requirements
There are several payment methods and frequency of payment options.
Accepted Payment Methods
Insurers in Spain accept Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) bank transfers, direct debit from EU accounts, or credit/debit cards.
Frequency of Payments (Monthly, Quarterly, Annually)
Most health insurance companies in Spain allow you to choose the frequency of payments, offering monthly, quarterly or annual payment plans. Please note that to opt for monthly or quarterly payment it´s necessary to have an account in Spain or other EU country.
Initial Payment and Activation Process
The confirmation of documentation submitted and the completion of the first payment will activate the service.
Minimum Contract Period and Renewals
Typical Minimum Duration
Most health insurance policies in Spain require a minimum contract of one year.
Renewal Conditions and Notifications
Contracts are typically automatically renewed if they are not expressly cancelled at least one month before renewal.
Special Conditions or Exclusions
Common Restrictions or Limitations Based on Age or Health Conditions
Retirees and other older applicants have to make sure they are not over the eligibility maximum age.
Waiting Periods for Certain Coverages (e.g., Pregnancy, Surgery)
Most policies have waiting periods before you can access all the services included in full health insurance plans in Spain.
Specific services that might have waiting periods are pregnancy and childbirth, surgery and advanced diagnostic tests, but these may vary in different policies.
Policy Activation and Documentation
How and When Cover Begins
Depending on the company the cover begins from the day of issuance or on the 1st day of the month. Some companies would require the payment to be made prior to sending the full set of documentation related to the policy, while others would charge by direct debit within several days after the policy effective date.
Insurance Certificate and Policy Delivery
Once it is activated, you will get a full policy document, an insurance card and an insurance certificate, if required
Just Insurance helps you to get easily your Health Insurance in Spain
Finding the best health insurance plan in Spain can be complex so, if you want to make the process smoother and easier, Just Insurance is the right partner for you.
With vast experience in assessing expats with families, students and retirees coming to live in Spain, we will offer you expert guidance in finding an insurance policy that perfectly meets your needs.
