Moving to Spain can be an exciting change in life. Although you probably are just thinking of the Mediterranean weather, the rich gastronomy, culture and amazing lifestyle, you also have to consider the paperwork required to make sure you have everything under control.
One of the main aspects to consider is the expat health insurance in Spain. When applying for different visas, such as a non-lucrative visa in Spain or as a digital nomad, insurance is a mandatory requirement. Failing to prove having adequate health insurance might lead to visa rejections.
Other than to get the Spanish visa, insurance is crucial to access medical attention without unexpected medical bills.
If you are planning on moving to Spain, check these insurance mistakes expats make in Spain to make sure you don’t face any unpleasant surprises.
Why Insurance Matters When Moving to Spain
Healthcare for expats in Spain is a legal requirement to obtain a residence permit, such as a non-lucrative visa or a digital nomad visa, but this is not the only reason to get private health insurance in Spain.
Well-being and peace of mind are crucial, especially for retirees coming to live in Spain, and knowing you will get the best medical attention in case you need it is a must.
Common Insurance Mistakes Expats Make in Spain
Learning everything you need to know about the insurance market in Spain can be complicated, and this is why many expats make some common mistakes, such as choosing a health insurance plan with excessive copays, ignoring the waiting periods or even buying non-compliant insurance.
Choosing Insurance with Excessive Copayments
When choosing the right health insurance plan, some people just look at the price. Nevertheless, low monthly premiums usually hide high copayments and, in addition, private health insurance with copaymentss is not accepted in visa applications.
Ignoring the Waiting Periods
Moste health insurance policies include waiting periods. This means you will not be able to access certain services until after a specific period of time, which might range from months to even years.
When applying for a residency permit in Spain, the immigration office (Extranjería) typically requires a health insurance policy that does not include waiting periods.
Make sure you check waiting periods in your health insurance plan before you sign it, especially if you are using it in your visa application.
Buying Non-Compliant Insurance
A critical mistake many expats make when buying health insurance in Spain is looking for the cheapest international plan without noticing the specific Spanish visa and residency requirements.
What Your Health Insurance Really Needs to Cover in Spain
Seeing these mistakes, what should you look for in health insurance for expats in Spain? The best expat insurance in Spain is the one that meets all the legal requirements:
- The private health insurance plan cannot include copays or deductibles.
- The insurance company must be authorized to operate in Spain.
- The insurance policy must be valid for at least 1 year.
- It must cover all the beneficiaries of the residency application.
- Cover must include all risks insured by Spain’s public health system.
- When applying for a residency permit in Spain, it is common for Extranjería to request an insurance policy that does not include waiting periods
- Travel insurance with medical assistance coverage is not accepted.
In addition, documents provided for your residency application must be in Spanish or translated.
The Residency Insurance Requirement: What You Must Know
Depending on the type of visa / residency permit you are applying for, as well as your country of origin, the insurance requirements for your application to be accepted might vary.
The specific requirements that would apply in your case, as well as the necessary documentation and information on how to apply for your visa are available on the website of your local Spanish embassy or consulate. You can find a list with all embassies and consulates here.
Always double-check all documents and requirements before applying or otherwise your application could be rejected, wasting months of preparation.
Why Using a Broker Is Smarter Than Going Solo
Understanding how the private health insurance in Spain works and the requirements of the government can be complicated for foreigners, so leaning on a professional insurance broker in Spain, like Just Insurance, makes the process easier.
Just Insurance is a health insurance broker in Spain for expats, specialised in providing support to English-speakers, retirees coming to live in Spain and other expats who want to make sure their insurance complies with all legal visa and residency requirements.
In addition, we make sure you find the right private health insurance in Spain for your specific needs, with the right coverage for your personal situation and the right price for your budget, by comparing plans from the best health insurance companies.
