Private Health Insurance in Spain
Everything expats, visa applicants, and new residents need to know about getting covered with private health insurance in Spain in 2025.
WelcomePrivate Health Insurance in Spain — What Expats, Visa Applicants & U.S. Citizens Really Need to Know
If you’re planning to live in Spain — temporarily or long-term — and you’re not paying into the public system (Seguridad Social), you’ll likely need private health insurance. Not just for faster care and English-speaking doctors, but because in many cases, it’s a legal requirement.
Whether you’re applying for a non-lucrative visa, retiring early, working remotely, or just moving for a better quality of life, this site breaks down exactly what private insurance covers in Spain, what it leaves out, and how to avoid expensive mistakes.
We’re not brokers. We don’t sell policies. This is an independent, plain-English guide built for people trying to navigate the system — not game it.
What You’ll Find Here:
What Is Private Health Insurance in Spain?
Understand how the system works, where it fits alongside public healthcare, and why many foreigners need it.
https://privatehealthinsurancespain.com/what-is-private-health-insurance-in-spain/
Do You Need Private Insurance for a Spanish Visa?
A must-read if you’re applying for a non-lucrative visa, golden visa, or digital nomad visa.
https://privatehealthinsurancespain.com/do-you-need-private-health-insurance-for-a-spanish-visa/
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in Spain?
Realistic monthly costs by age, coverage level, and plan type — no sugarcoating.
https://privatehealthinsurancespain.com/how-much-does-private-health-insurance-cost-in-spain/
Types of Private Health Insurance Plans in Spain
Breakdown of copay vs no-copay, coverage networks, optional add-ons, and visa-compliant policies.
https://privatehealthinsurancespain.com/types-of-private-health-insurance-in-spain/
What Does Private Health Insurance Not Cover in Spain?
From pre-existing conditions and maternity to dental, mental health, and optical — this is what most plans leave out.
https://privatehealthinsurancespain.com/what-does-private-health-insurance-not-cover/
So What Does Your Private Insurance Actually Do in an Emergency?
Explains exactly when you’re covered, when you’re not, and why calling the insurer first matters.
https://privatehealthinsurancespain.com/so-what-does-your-private-insurance-actually-do-in-an-emergency/
Who This Site Is For?
This isn’t just for visa applicants. It’s for:
– Expats relocating from the UK, Ireland, or the EU
– Digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers
– Early retirees without Seguridad Social access
– Non-EU nationals needing visa-compliant policies
– Anyone who wants clarity before signing up
Including U.S. Citizens Moving to Spain
If you’re from the U.S. and planning a move to Spain, it’s important to know that American health insurance (Medicare, ACA, private plans) won’t work here. You’ll need a local private policy that meets Spanish rules — especially for long-term visas.
We’ve got a guide just for you:
https://privatehealthinsurancespain.com/private-health-insurance-in-spain-for-u-s-citizens/
It explains what kind of insurance you need, how to avoid application rejections, and how Spanish private healthcare compares to what you’re used to.
Private health insurance in Spain is required more often than people think — and it’s misunderstood even more than that.
This site gives you the real picture. No affiliate links. No sales scripts. Just what you need to know before something urgent happens.
Our Latest Articles
We keep you updated with the latest information and news concerning private health insurance in Spain – whether for residency, visa applications or travel.
So What Does Your Private Insurance Actually Do in an Emergency?
Short version? Less than you think — unless you follow their rules to the letter. You’ve got private health insurance in Spain. Something bad happens … Read more
What Private Health Insurance in Spain Doesn’t Cover — And Why It Matters
You wouldn’t think you’d need a translator for insurance exclusions, but here we are. So here’s the bit they don’t put on the front of … Read more
Can You Use Private Health Insurance at Public Hospitals in Spain?
If you’re paying for private health insurance in Spain, you might assume it gets you in everywhere. But that’s not quite how it works—especially when … Read more
Health Insurance in Spain with Pre‑Existing Conditions: What You Need to Know
Let’s be honest. Buying private health insurance in Spain is usually straightforward… until you mention a medical condition. Diabetes? Heart issue? Even something mild like … Read more
What Health Insurance Is Available for Over 75s in Spain?
If you’re over 75 and looking for private health insurance in Spain, you may have noticed the options thin out dramatically after age 70. But … Read more
Private Health Insurance in Spain for U.S. Citizens
Moving to Spain from the U.S.? Learn what health insurance Americans need for residency or long stays. Visa rules, costs, compliant policies, and how to … Read more
Health Insurance for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa
Applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa? Find out exactly what health insurance is required: no co-pay, full coverage, Spanish insurers, and what to avoid. Health … Read more
Health Insurance for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa
Applying for a non-lucrative visa for Spain? Learn exactly what health insurance is required: no co-pay, full coverage, Spanish providers, and how to avoid rejection. … Read more
Health Insurance Requirements for Spanish Residency
Applying for Spanish residency? Learn the exact health insurance requirements for non-lucrative, digital nomad, and other visa types. Full coverage, no co-pay rules. Health Insurance … Read more
How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in Spain?
Find out what private health insurance costs in Spain. Real examples by age, visa type, and provider. Learn what affects pricing and what’s included. How … Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Many readers have the same questions, or are looking for the same answers. Please see a shortlist of common questions below.
The Spanish healthcare system includes a universal public option, but many residents — both locals and foreigners — use private medical insurance for faster access, bilingual care, or to meet visa requirements.
In our introductory guide, we explain how private insurance works, what the law says, and how it fits into the broader healthcare system in Spain.
Some people are legally required to have private coverage (like visa applicants), while others choose it to avoid long public hospital wait times or to access English-speaking doctors. Our full guide to who needs private health insurance breaks it down by situation: retirees, digital nomads, students, EU citizens, and more.
Spain’s public health system is world-renowned — but not without delays or limitations. Our comparison of public vs private healthcare in Spain outlines what each system offers, what’s free, what isn’t, and when going private makes sense.
From “no co-pay” residency-compliant policies to flexible international coverage, there’s no one-size-fits-all policy. Our guide to private health insurance plan types in Spain explains the options, including dental, maternity, and emergency care add-ons.
If you’re paying for private insurance, it helps to know what’s included. Our coverage breakdown details what’s typically covered in Spain: GP visits, hospital stays, surgery, diagnostics, specialist access, maternity, and more.
Premiums are often surprisingly affordable — even for full coverage. Prices vary by age, coverage level, and visa type. See our full cost guide for example quotes and comparisons across top insurers in Spain.
If you’re applying for legal residency in Spain, you’ll almost certainly need proof of residency-compliant private health insurance. That means full coverage, no co-payments, and a Spanish-licensed provider.
We explain exactly what you need for:
- Spanish residency permits
If you’re moving from the United States, don’t assume your travel insurance will cover you. It won’t. Most Spanish consulates will reject U.S.-based plans unless they meet strict local standards. Our guide to private health insurance in Spain for U.S. citizens explains everything American applicants need to know — including costs, paperwork, and how to find a compliant policy.
We’re not a broker, and we don’t sell insurance directly. But we do partner with selected providers that offer residency-compliant coverage — and we may earn a referral fee if you request a quote through our site.
That never affects our recommendations. We only link to providers that meet legal requirements and receive strong reviews from real expats using their services.
This helps us keep the site running, constantly updated, and free from ads or sponsored posts — so you get straight answers without the sales pitch.
Want to get started? Begin with What Is Private Health Insurance in Spain? — or jump straight to your visa type to check the specific insurance rules.