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.
Health Insurance Requirements for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa
What your policy must include — and what will get you rejected
If you’re applying for Spain’s non-lucrative visa, you must provide proof of private health insurance that meets strict conditions. It’s not enough to just “have a policy” — the insurer, coverage, and even the wording on your certificate must follow Spanish immigration guidelines.
This guide explains exactly what your plan must include, where to get it, and the common mistakes that lead to visa denials.
Why Health Insurance Is Required
Spain’s non-lucrative visa (NLV) is for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without working. That includes retirees, early retirees, remote workers with passive income, and families moving for lifestyle reasons.
Since applicants won’t be contributing to the Spanish public system (Seguridad Social), private health insurance is mandatory to ensure you’ll have full access to care during your stay.
Official Requirements (As of 2025)
To be accepted by a Spanish consulate or immigration office, your private health insurance must:
- ✅ Be issued by a Spanish-licensed insurer
- ✅ Provide full medical coverage, including GP, specialists, diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalisation
- ✅ Include no co-payments (sin copago) — meaning the insurer covers 100% of costs
- ✅ Be valid for 12 months minimum
- ✅ Clearly state compliance in the certificate of insurance
- ✅ Be paid in full upfront (some consulates won’t accept monthly payments)
Not all Spanish insurers offer compliant policies by default. See Types of Plans for how to identify the right kind.
What Your Policy Should Say
The consulate or immigration office will check the policy certificate, not just the brochure or website.
Make sure it explicitly states:
- “Sin copago” (no co-pay)
- Coverage for primary and specialist care
- Coverage for hospitalisation, surgery, and emergencies
- Duration: 12 months or longer
- That it is issued by a provider authorised to operate in Spain
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
🚫 Submitting travel insurance — not accepted under any circumstances
🚫 Using a foreign insurer not authorised in Spain
🚫 Choosing a co-pay plan (even with full coverage)
🚫 Submitting a quote instead of a paid policy
🚫 Providing documentation that doesn’t explicitly say no co-pay
Immigration authorities check all documents closely. Even one vague clause or missing word can lead to rejection or delays.
Where to Get a Compliant Plan
Several major Spanish insurers offer policies specifically for non-lucrative visa applicants, including:
- DKV
- ASISA
- Adeslas
- Sanitas
- Axa Salud
When requesting a quote, ask directly for:
“Residency-compliant health insurance for a non-lucrative visa – full coverage with no co-payments.”
These policies usually start around €50–€90/month depending on your age. See Cost Guide for example premiums.
When to Purchase Your Insurance
You’ll need to submit proof of insurance with your visa application. Some consulates require:
- Payment before your appointment
- Coverage starting from your intended arrival date
- A paid-in-full certificate showing validity for 12 months
Timing can vary slightly by region — check your local consulate’s requirements.
For Family Members & Dependents
Each family member listed on your visa application must also be covered under a compliant private health insurance plan.
You can:
- Add dependents to your own policy
- Or purchase individual policies per person (sometimes required for children)
The same rules apply — no co-pay, full coverage, Spanish-authorised insurer.
Final Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure your insurance:
✅ Is issued by a Spanish insurer
✅ Has no co-payments
✅ Covers GP, specialists, hospitalisation, surgery, diagnostics
✅ Is valid for at least 12 months
✅ Is paid in full
✅ Includes a clear certificate with all the above details
Still comparing plans? See What’s Covered or Who Needs Private Health Insurance to check your situation.
Final Word
Getting your health insurance right is one of the most important steps in the non-lucrative visa process. The wrong plan — or even the wrong wording — can lead to a rejection.
Play it safe by choosing a no co-pay policy from a Spanish provider with proven experience in residency-compliant plans.
Need help understanding how these policies differ? Start with What Is Private Health Insurance in Spain?.