Health insurance in Spain is required in order to apply for your Non-Lucrative Visa. More importantly, you’ll present proof of coverage of your health insurance in Spain at your visa application appointment. Travel insurance is not acceptable.
The healthcare coverage you purchase must be an all inclusive policy for legal residents in Spain. Furthermore, the coverage must be equal to that of the Spanish public health system.
Luckily, healthcare coverage in Spain is very affordable for fully comprehensive coverage. The insurance you buy must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Minimum medical coverage of 30,000 euros (or its equivalent in USD)
- No deductibles, co-pays, coverage limits or grace periods for certain benefits
- Include repatriation benefits (coverage to transport your body back to the US should you meet your demise while living in Spain)
How Do I Find Health Insurance Companies in Spain?
In my opinion, the best healthcare coverage in Spain comes from Spanish health insurance companies. The following providers have been personally vetted by Family Move Abroad. They specialize in healthcare in Spain for expats, are familiar with consulate requirements, and they all speak English.
[Disclaimer: I have affiliate relationships with some of the providers listed here. If you use sign up using my link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.]
Insbrok health insurance agency represents numerous individual Spanish health insurance companies. As such, one request for an insurance quote to Insbrok will yield you offers from at least two insurers. Individual companies often run promotions. Time it right, and you could benefit from a greatly reduced rate! All policies offered meet all visa requirements. Get your quote here.
How Do I Buy Spanish Health Insurance?
First, get quotes from at least two companies to compare premiums. If you’re scoping out prices in advance, you’ll need to submit an updated request once you’re ready to actually make your purchase.
Second, when you’re ready to buy coverage, contact the agency to make payment. Most of the insurers referred here require a full year payment up front. (Each insurer has different policies regarding cancellation of insurance after payment, for example, if you’re denied the visa. Be sure you understand their terms before purchasing your policy.)
Wise Online Money Transfers is one of the easiest ways to make international payments. Create a Wise account, link it to a funding source such as your checking account or credit card, and you’re good to go. When it’s time to make payment, you specify the exact amount in euro you want the recipient to get, and Wise tells you the exact amount in USD (or whatever source currency you’re using) you’ll pay to transfer the money in that moment. Most transfers process instantaneously, so the insurer will be able to immediately confirm payment and issue you your coverage letter. Easy, fast, fully transparent, and some of the best real time exchange rates available.
Third, once you submit payment, the provider will issue you a declaration of coverage letter. This letter serves as your proof of health insurance in Spain.
How to Demonstrate Your Proof of Spanish Health Insurance to the Consulate
You’ll provide the declaration of coverage letter to the consulate as part of your application package. The letter must:
- State the full name and passport number of each insured individual. Some companies will issue one letter naming all family members. Others will issue an individual letter specific to each family member. Either is fine.
- List a summary of benefits covered by the policy. It should include a statement that there are no waiting periods for certain benefits, coverage for pre-existing conditions, as well as repatriation coverage. Note, some insurers contract with a third party to provide the repatriation coverage. If so, the company will likely issue a separate letter for this benefit. That’s fine.
- Be presented to the consulate in Spanish. As the insurers referred here are all Spanish companies, they will automatically issue your coverage letter in Spanish. This saves you a page of translation costs. If you don’t speak Spanish, ask the insurer if they can also issue you your letter and benefits info in English so you understand your policy. Use only the Spanish version for the consulate.