Do you need private health insurance in Spain? This guide covers visa applicants, digital nomads, retirees, students, and expats — and when it’s legally required.
Who Needs Private Health Insurance in Spain?
A breakdown for visa applicants, digital nomads, retirees, students & expats
Spain offers both public and private healthcare — but not everyone qualifies for the public system right away. And for many people, having private health insurance isn’t optional — it’s a legal requirement for residency or visa approval.
In this guide, we explain who needs private health insurance in Spain, who doesn’t, and when it makes sense even if you’re not legally required to have it.
When Is Private Health Insurance Required in Spain?
You must have private health insurance in Spain if:
- You’re applying for a non-lucrative visa
- You’re applying for a digital nomad visa
- You’re a non-EU student
- You’re applying for temporary or long-term residency from abroad
- You are a retiree not contributing to Spanish social security
- You don’t yet have access to public healthcare (Seguridad Social)
In all of these cases, the policy must be:
- From a Spanish-authorised insurer
- Fully comprehensive
- Valid for 12 months or more
- No co-pay (sin copago)
- With no coverage limits or exclusions
See Types of Plans to compare co-pay vs no co-pay options.
✔️Visa Applicants (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad, etc.)
If you’re applying for any long-stay visa, you will need to include proof of private health insurance in your application.
Specifically required for:
- Non-lucrative visa
- Digital nomad visa
- Student visa (non-EU)
Spanish consulates will only accept:
- Policies issued by licensed insurers in Spain
- Policies with no co-pays or deductibles
- Coverage that matches the Spanish public system (GP, emergency, hospital, etc.)
Travel insurance does not meet these requirements.
✔️ New Residents Without Public Access
Even if you’re already living in Spain, you might not qualify for public healthcare right away. This includes:
- Retirees who don’t pay into Seguridad Social
- Spouses of workers who haven’t registered yet
- Freelancers setting up autonomo status but not yet registered
- Dependents or children of new residents
Private insurance provides immediate access to care while you’re waiting for eligibility.
✔️ Early Retirees
If you’re retiring to Spain from a non-EU country, you won’t be able to register for public healthcare unless:
- You’ve contributed to Spanish social security
- You have an EU-based S1 form (e.g. UK pensioners)
In most cases, you’ll need a residency-compliant private health insurance policy. See Health Insurance for Spanish Residency for specifics.
✔️ Students from Outside the EU
Non-EU students need to show proof of private health insurance when applying for their student visa. Some universities may offer a group policy, but if not, you’ll need a plan that:
- Covers the full duration of your studies
- Is no co-pay
- Includes hospital and outpatient care
Some insurers in Spain offer student-specific policies that meet these rules.
❓ Who Doesn’t Need Private Health Insurance?
You probably don’t need private health insurance in Spain if:
- You’re employed or self-employed in Spain and already pay into social security
- You’re a retired EU citizen with an S1 form
- You’re covered as a dependent under someone else’s public plan
- You’re only visiting short-term and have valid travel insurance
Still, many people in these groups choose private insurance for faster access, English-speaking doctors, or dental/maternity extras.
Compare Public vs Private Healthcare in Spain to help decide.
Why Many People Choose It Anyway
Even when it’s not mandatory, many expats and residents opt for private insurance because:
- Public system wait times can be long (especially for specialists)
- Public care is in Spanish only
- Private hospitals often offer shorter wait times and bilingual doctors
- Coverage can include dental, maternity, mental health, and vision
And plans are often surprisingly affordable — see What It Costs for a full breakdown by age.
Final Word
If you’re moving to Spain and not immediately eligible for the public system, you probably need private health insurance — especially if you’re applying for a visa or residency.
Even if you’re already a legal resident, it’s often worth having for faster, more flexible access to care.
Still unsure? Start with What Is Private Health Insurance in Spain? to learn how it fits into the wider system.