I speak from experience when I say that moving to a new country like Spain as an expat comes with the need of doing a lot of bureaucracy including navigating the healthcare system and ensuring you have suitable health insurance.
In this blog post, I'll compare private health insurance vs public health insurance for expats planning to move to Spain, as well as providing a list of top private health insurance by focusing on key factors such as:
By the end of this blog post, you will be equipped with the best tips to help you make an informed decision to pick the best private health insurance in Spain tailored to your needs.
Key Points
Adeslas is the best health insurance for expats in Spain due to its low average rates and wide range of services
Most expats should choose private health insurance, which offers shorter wait times and a better variety of services than the public system.
Expats working in Spain who contribute to social security may qualify for public health insurance.
Table of Contents:
Some of the best medical insurance providers in Spain include: Adeslas , Sanitas , DKV , Feather and Asisa .
For non-EU expats, securing private health insurance is non-negotiable when applying for a visa. Even for my fellow expats from EU countries, while you're covered under public healthcare, I found having private insurance to be a lifesaver, especially for faster services. This became particularly invaluable when I was pregnant and needed timely medical care.
Insurance Company
Starting Monthly* Cost
Standout Feature
Best Value for Money
Best Provider Network
Reliable Customer Service
Easy Application Process
Flexible Coverage Periods
Whether you have a student visa, non-lucrative visa, or are a digital nomad, Adeslas has helped immigrants and international students secure their visas and residence permits in Spain.
DKV's expat insurance is not just a basic health plan; it's a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of expats living in Spain. With its robust coverage, extensive network, and additional benefits, it stands as a top choice for those seeking reliable and extensive health insurance abroad.
Asisa's expat insurance is characterized by its excellent value for money, adaptable insurance periods, multilingual support, and extensive global coverage, making it a top-tier choice for expatriates seeking reliable and comprehensive health insurance in Spain.
Feather is ideal for expats needing quick insurance coverage for visa or temporary residence permit applications. It offers a comprehensive package that not only meets legal requirements but also provides substantial coverage and support, making it a valuable option for expats in Spain.
ASSSA stands out as a more compact insurance provider, yet it boasts a significant impact, especially among expats. Known for its accommodating policy offerings, ASSSA uniquely caters to expats up to the age of 79, which is notably the highest age limit observed in the industry.
If you're wondering how to choose the best private health care in Spain, here’s what you should double-check before making your final decision:
IMPORTANT NOTE: When selecting private health insurance in Spain, ensuring that it covers you for the entire duration of your stay is critical.
Expats who work in Spain and have a residence visa can qualify for public health insurance through the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). This applies if you make social security contributions to Spain through your salary, freelance earnings or self-employment. SNS insurance is free and doesn’t include a deductible. The only cost is the percentage of income you contribute to the social security system.
However, if you’re a student or you aren’t making money in Spain, you won’t be eligible for the SNS system. In this case, your option is to go through private health insurance companies like Adeslas. Even if you qualify for SNS, you might want private insurance for the benefits. We’ll cover those next.
As an expat, private health insurance is your best option when it comes to value, flexibility, multilingual service, and worldwide coverage.
Private Spain Insurance
Public Spain Insurance
Value for money
Flexibility of insurance period
Multilingual customer service
Worldwide coverage
Value for money 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Private health insurance in Spain often offers comprehensive coverage, including a wide range of medical services, quicker access to specialists, and the option to choose your preferred doctors and hospitals. While the cost may be higher, the value for money lies in the extensive coverage and personalized healthcare options tailored to your needs.
The few times I have been sick, I was able to book an appointment with a private heath insurance within minutes, compared to the long wait time at my local CAP (CAP, which stands for Centre d'Atenció Primaria) is the first point of call if you wish to access free medical assistance in Catalunya.
Flexibility of insurance period 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
With private health insurance, expats have the advantage of flexibility in choosing the insurance period that suits their needs. This is particularly beneficial for expats who may have uncertain or short-term plans in Spain, allowing them to select the coverage that aligns with their specific time frame.
Multilingual customer service 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Private health insurance providers often prioritize customer service, including multilingual support. This ensures expats can communicate comfortably in their preferred language when seeking assistance, clarifying coverage details, or making claims.
Worldwide coverage 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Many private health insurance plans for expats offer worldwide coverage, allowing individuals to receive medical treatment not only in Spain but also in their home countries or other parts of the world. This benefit is particularly advantageous for expats who frequently travel or have a global lifestyle.
Value for money 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spain's public health insurance, known as Seguridad Social, provides basic healthcare services to residents, including expats. Contributions are based on income, making it affordable for most individuals. While public health insurance offers essential coverage, additional services, such as private rooms or certain treatments, may not be included.
Flexibility of insurance period 🌟
Public health insurance in Spain typically requires long-term residency to access coverage. Expats planning to stay in Spain for an extended period may find public health insurance to be a suitable option. However, it may not be ideal for those with shorter stays or uncertain durations.
Multilingual customer service 🌟
While public health insurance in Spain primarily operates in Spanish, efforts are being made to provide multilingual support. However, availability and accessibility may vary across different regions or healthcare facilities.
Worldwide coverage 🌟
Public health insurance generally provides coverage within Spain's healthcare system. While emergencies may be covered during temporary stays abroad, routine healthcare services outside of Spain may not be included.
In conclusion, when choosing health insurance as an expat in Spain, consider private health insurance for its comprehensive coverage, flexibility, multilingual customer service, and worldwide coverage. While public health insurance offers affordability, it may have limitations in terms of additional services and coverage outside of Spain. Assess your needs, budget, and desired level of coverage, and research different providers before making a decision. Invest in the right health insurance to ensure access to quality healthcare and peace of mind.
Below are a few frequently asked questions about health insurance for expats in Spain:
- Yes, health insurance is mandatory for expats in Spain. To meet this legal requirement, you must have health insurance tailored for foreigners in Spain. This insurance ensures that you have access to the necessary healthcare services during your stay.
- Private expat insurance in Spain offers a wide range of benefits, including comprehensive coverage, quicker access to specialists, and the flexibility to choose preferred healthcare providers. It often involves a higher cost, but the value lies in the extensive coverage and personalized care. On the other hand, public health insurance, known as Seguridad Social, provides basic healthcare services to residents, including expats. Contributions are income-based, making it affordable for most individuals. However, additional services such as private rooms or certain treatments may not be included.
- Yes, many expat health insurance plans in Spain provide worldwide coverage. This means that you are not limited to receiving medical treatment only within Spain; you can access healthcare services globally. This feature is particularly beneficial for expats with international lifestyles or frequent travel.
- Absolutely, most reputable expat health insurance providers in Spain prioritize multilingual customer service. This ensures that expatriates can comfortably communicate in their preferred language when seeking assistance, making claims, or clarifying coverage details.
- The average cost of health insurance for expats in Spain varies depending on several factors, including your age, the level of coverage you choose, and the insurance provider. On average, plans can range from €30 to €60 per month. It's essential to consider your budget and healthcare needs when selecting a plan.
- Yes, you can switch expat insurance providers in Spain. However, before making the switch, carefully review the terms and conditions of your current plan. Be aware of any waiting periods, exclusions, or limitations associated with your new provider to ensure a smooth transition.
- While an EHIC provides temporary coverage in Spain, it is advisable to have additional health insurance for expats in Spain, such as Adeslas or Sanitas. EHIC may not cover all medical expenses, and it might not offer the level of service quality you desire. Having comprehensive health insurance ensures access to quality healthcare and peace of mind during your stay.
- Applying for health insurance as an expat in Spain is a straightforward process. Visit the websites of reputable providers like Adeslas or Sanitas, select a plan that aligns with your needs, and follow the application process. Many providers offer online application forms for convenience.
In conclusion, when choosing health insurance as an expat in Spain, consider private health insurance for its comprehensive coverage, flexibility, multilingual customer service, and worldwide coverage. While public health insurance offers affordability, it may have limitations in terms of additional services and coverage outside of Spain. Assess your needs, budget, and desired level of coverage, and research different providers before making a decision. Invest in the right health insurance to ensure access to quality healthcare and peace of mind.
