Moving to Spain and its requirements and health insurance options mainly depend on the type of visa you are applying for.
One of the most common options is the Spanish Non Lucrative Visa. This visa allows individuals to live in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activity, as long as they can demonstrate sufficient and stable financial means to support themselves. It is important to notice it does not grant permission to work in the country, even remotely.
In addition to proof of financial means, one of the documents required when applying for a visa is health insurance. Not just any insurance policy is accepted, and any mistake can prove very costly, both in terms of time and money. That is why it is essential to seek expert advice from an insurance broker such as Just Insurance.
Do You Need Health Insurance for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa?
Yes. Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the Spanish Non Lucrative Visa. This permit is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without working.
Because non lucrative residents do not contribute to the Spanish Social Security system, they do not have access to free public healthcare.
As a result, the Spanish government requires non lucrative residents to purchase private health insurance that effectively replaces the public system cover during their stay.
Without compliant insurance, visa applications are not approved.
Health Insurance Requirements for the Non Lucrative Visa (2026)
The right health insurance policy to apply for Spanish visa has to meet some very specific criteria:
No Copayments
The insurance cannot have copayment, meaning it can’t ask for extra payments for doctor visits, tests, or treatments. This ensures full access without additional costs.
Full Coverage in Spain
The insurance must provide complete medical cover, equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system, including general medicine, specialists, hospitalisation and emergency care.
No Waiting Periods
Policies with waiting periods are not accepted. Cover must start immediately from day one.
Authorized to Operate in Spain
The insurer must be licensed to operate in Spain. International policies are often rejected if they don’t meet this requirement.
Valid for the Entire Stay
Your insurance must cover the full duration of your visa, which is 1 year initially.
Insurance Certificate
As proof of the insurance, the application has to include an official certificate in Spanish, clearly stating it meets the requirements..
Make sure you meet this criteria and avoid common mistakes such as purchasing a policy with copayments, using travel insurance instead of health insurance or choosing an insurance company which is not authorised to operate in the country.
Best Health Insurance Companies for Spain Non Lucrative Visa
Which is the best health insurance for residents with non-lucrative visa?
At Just Insurance, we work with some of the leading insurance companies in Spain, including DKV, Adeslas, Salus, Allianz, and Asisa.
These insurers offer specific health insurance products designed for residency applications. Their policies are accepted for immigration purposes and meet the requirements of the Spanish Immigration Office — Extranjería.
Unlike standard health insurance policies, residency-compliant policies do not include waiting periods and provide the level of cover required for visa and residency procedures.
All of these companies are reliable, although their products may differ in terms of price, medical network, included services, payment conditions and additional benefits.
DKV is known for its strong digital services and international focus, which makes it particularly appealing for expats. In addition, DKV offers a dedicated English-speaking customer service telephone line, which makes communication with the insurance company easier and more convenient for international clients.DKV is distinguished by a wide network of collaborating hospitals.
Adeslas, also, offers one of the largest medical networks in Spain, combined with very competitive pricing.. They have a special product suitable for visa purposes which apart from medical services cover repatriation.
Asisa offers affordable options and flexible plans, making it an attractive choice for those looking for cost-effective coverage. However, it has fewer premium hospitals compared to some competitors., depending on age and cover. Additional covers such as dental cover and accidents may be included.
Allianz
Allianz is one of Europe’s largest insurance groups and enjoys a strong reputation for financial stability and customer service.. Many expats appreciate Allianz for its international reputation and straightforward claims handling…However, Allianz’s network of collaborating clinics and hospitals is more limited than that of some insurers that specialise exclusively in health insurance.
Salus
Salus has become popular among expatriates looking for visa-compliant health insurance with simplified underwriting requirements. The company offers plans specifically tailored to foreign residents, often featuring no waiting periods, no co-payments and immediate access to medical services. Salus is particularly attractive for residency applications and for clients who may find it difficult to obtain cover with more traditional insurers.
The key to compliance is choosing the company and selecting the correct plan within that company. In addition, it is interesting to consider location to choose the right company according to its network.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for the Non Lucrative Visa?
Prices vary significantly depending on the applicant’s age and the insurance provider. For residence permit and visa applications, policies are generally required to offer full medical coverage with no co-payments and no waiting periods, which places them in a specific segment of the Spanish health insurance market.
It is also important to note that most health insurance policies specifically designed for visa and residency purposes require annual payment in advance rather than monthly instalments.
As a general guide, annual premiums for visa-compliant health insurance in Spain usually start from around €550–€850 per year for younger applicants, although prices vary depending on the insurer and the area of residence. From around 40 to 50 years old, annual premiums commonly fall within the range of approximately €850–€1,300. For applicants between 50 and 60, prices often increase to around €1,000–€1,650 per year. From around 60 to 65 years old, premiums may typically range between €1,300 and €2,100 per year. For applicants over 65, annual premiums can be significantly higher, often starting from around €1,900 and exceeding €3,000 per year.
These figures are indicative only and may vary depending on the insurer, the applicant’s age, place of residence and underwriting criteria.
Remember that the most important factor is not simply the price but whether the policy fully complies with immigration requirements. Choosing the cheapest option without verifying its suitability for your visa or residence application could result in delays, additional costs or even the rejection of your application.
How to Get Approved: Tips from Insurance Experts
To maximize your chances of visa approval, follow these key tips:
- Ensure full compliance with no copayments, no waiting periods, and full cover.
- Go for solid insurers in Spain.
- Double-check your insurance certificate before sending in the application.
- Remember travel insurance is not accepted.
Get the Right Health Insurance for Your Spain Visa
Get expert advice to make sure you don’t fall into common small mistakes that can lead to rejection.
With Just Insurance, you get personal expert advise based on a deep knowledge of the market. Contact us and get your compliant health insurance and peace of mind.
