Understanding the Health System in Spain

When planning your move to Spain as an expat or digital nomad, one of the crucial aspects to consider is health insurance. Spain requires visitors who intend to stay longer than 90 days to have health insurance coverage that meets specific requirements for obtaining residency. The minimum coverage amount should be equivalent to €30,000, with no copayments or deductibles, and must cover emergency medical and hospitalization services. Additionally, the insurance policy should provide coverage for the entire duration of your stay in Spain.

Does Expat Health Insurance Meet the Requirements?

Yes, expat health insurance plans typically meet the requirements for Spanish residency, provided they include the necessary coverage mentioned above. It is essential to ensure that your policy covers emergency medical and hospitalization services and that the coverage limits meet the minimum requirement of €30,000. Additionally, make sure that the policy does not include copayments or deductibles, as these are not acceptable under the Spanish residency requirements.

Which Local Health Insurers Offer This Type of Insurance?

Several local health insurers in Spain offer insurance plans that meet the requirements for expats and digital nomads. Some of the most popular local insurers include Sanitas, Adeslas, and Asisa. These companies provide a range of health insurance plans designed to meet the needs of expats, including coverage for emergency medical and hospitalization services. It is recommended to compare the different plans and choose one that best suits your needs and budget.

Advice from Expats in Spain about Health Insurance

Expats in Spain share valuable advice regarding health insurance. They recommend choosing a policy with comprehensive coverage that includes not only emergency medical and hospitalization services but also preventive care, specialist consultations, and prescription medications. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the policy covers you in other European countries if you plan to travel. Lastly, consider selecting an insurance provider with a strong reputation and positive reviews from other expats, as this can indicate reliable service and support.

Insider Tips from Expats in Spain: How to Navigate the Health System

"Healthcare services in Spain are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Spanish citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Foreign residents in Spain are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, provided they have a valid residence permit. Expats in Spain can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Spanish citizens, including free or discounted medical care," commented one member living in Spain.

"I like health care here. I had a surgery, one that was formerly botched in Sweden (of all countries with reputedly good health care) and sooner or later am likely to need a heart surgery as well (yes, I had a second opinion on that). As an EU citizen I was never asked to pay for any treatment and as a retiree get all medications dirt cheap, even insulin, which makes me remember with horror prices I had to pay when I lived in the US, despite being fully insured..," mentioned one expat living in Spain.

"I would say medical care is excellent. For chronic medical conditions, it may be difficult to get an insurance and they will have to pay more. there are other expats with chronic condtions who are able to get private insurance," said an expat in Spain.

"Although the primary care from physicians and the local hospital/clinic are generally adequate, I recommend getting a second opinion before accepting a recommendation for major treatment like surgery, even though you will likely have to pay that out of pocket. Doctors, treatments, medications are dramatically less expensive here. Custom orthotics would have cost me approximately $300 in the US, but are $45 here. ," remarked one expat in Spain.

"On my plan, there are two large private clinics/hospitals in Benidorm which is about a 45 minute bus ride or 20 minute car ride. I have heard and experienced both good treatment at these facilities, and also poor treatment, like a man I know who had surgery for a broken leg after being struck by a car. They botched it and he had to have multiple surgeries to correct it. I had to make multiple trips for assessment and feedback. ," commented one expat living in Altea, Spain.

"We are about one kilometer from our hospital “Vithas”. It is a very good private hospital. We received excellent care during our emergency visit last year. We were in and out under two hours, which is unheard of in the US. We would call our insurance Sanitas emergency line or dial 112 for emergency," mentioned one expat living in Spain.

"Emergency services in Spain are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call 112 to request an ambulance. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch an ambulance to your location. In some cases, the operator may also provide medical advice over the phone," said an expat in Spain.