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 Requirements for Spanish Residency
What your policy must include for visas and legal residence in Spain
If you’re applying for residency in Spain as a non-EU citizen, you’ll need private health insurance that meets strict legal criteria.
This guide breaks down exactly what your policy needs to include, which types of coverage meet the rules, and what to avoid — especially if you’re applying for a non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa, or any long-term stay permit.
When Is Health Insurance Required for Residency?
You must provide proof of private health insurance if you’re:
- Applying for a non-lucrative visa
- Applying for a digital nomad visa
- Applying for initial temporary or long-term residence from outside Spain
- A retiree, student, or financially independent person not paying into Seguridad Social
- A dependent or spouse of an applicant without public healthcare access
The Legal Requirements: What Your Policy Must Include
To be accepted by the Spanish government or consulate, your insurance must:
✅ Be from a Spanish-licensed insurer
Foreign or travel insurance will usually be rejected — it must be issued by a company authorised to operate in Spain.
✅ Offer full coverage (equivalent to the public system)
This means:
- GP and specialist visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Hospitalisation and surgery
- Emergency care
- 24/7 assistance
See What’s Covered for a full list.
✅ Be no co-pay (sin copago)
Your policy cannot include co-payments, deductibles, or limits. That means:
- You won’t pay anything at the point of care
- The insurer pays 100% of costs
Not sure what this means? Compare options in Types of Plans
✅ Be valid for the full duration of your visa
Most visas require 12 months of uninterrupted coverage. Some consulates require paid-in-full annual policies (not monthly).
Why Travel Insurance or Cheap Plans Won’t Work
Many applicants are denied because they:
- Submit travel insurance (not accepted)
- Buy plans with co-payments (also rejected)
- Choose non-Spanish insurers
- Provide short-term or incomplete coverage
Even policies that sound comprehensive may fail if they don’t meet the technical wording required by immigration. Always confirm with the insurer that the plan is residency compliant.
Which Visas Require This Coverage?
🏡 Non-Lucrative Visa
Requires no co-pay, full-coverage private insurance for at least 12 months.
Full details: Non-Lucrative Visa Health Insurance
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
Same requirements — private, full coverage, no co-pay, from a recognised Spanish provider.
Full details: Digital Nomad Visa Health Insurance
🧑🎓 Student Visas (non-EU)
You must have private health insurance if not covered through your university. Must include inpatient and outpatient services, and ideally be no co-pay.
What About EU Citizens and Pensioners?
If you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and have an S1 form, you may be able to register directly for public healthcare. If not, you may still need private insurance for initial residency approval.
Learn more in Who Needs Private Health Insurance in Spain
Documents You’ll Need to Show
When applying for residency, expect to submit:
- Full insurance certificate (not just a quote)
- Proof of payment (some consulates require full payment upfront)
- Policy document showing:
- No co-pay / 100% coverage
- Inpatient & outpatient care
- Spanish insurer details
- Validity period
How to Get a Residency-Compliant Policy
Many Spanish insurers offer specific plans designed for visa and residency purposes. Look for:
- “Sin copago” in the plan description
- Confirmation that it meets consular requirements
- English or bilingual policy documents
Common providers include DKV, ASISA, Adeslas, Sanitas, and Axa.
Not sure how much it’ll cost? See What It Costs for current premiums by age.
Final Word
Health insurance isn’t just a formality — it’s a legal requirement for most residency and visa applicants in Spain. Choosing the wrong type of policy could delay or derail your application.
Always ensure your policy is no co-pay, Spanish-based, and valid for the full period. Still unsure what you need? Start with What Is Private Health Insurance in Spain? or explore plan options now.