How to Get Health Insurance in Spain
A simple 5-step guide from choosing a carrier to getting your insurance certificate.
By Bruno Bianchi, Founder of SpainGuru (150K+ members)
Updated April 2026 • 9 min read
How to get health insurance in Spain in 5 steps:
1. Determine your visa type and insurance requirements
2. Choose a Spanish-authorised carrier (Adeslas, ASSSA, Sanitas, or DKV)
3. Select a visa-compliant cuadro médico plan (no copays, no waiting periods)
4. Apply through a broker or directly — provide ID, medical questionnaire, and payment
5. Receive your policy certificate and submit it with your visa application
Determine Your Visa Type and Requirements
Every Spanish residence visa requires private health insurance, but the specific requirements vary slightly. Identify your visa type first:
| Non-Lucrative Visa | For retirees and those not working in Spain |
| Digital Nomad Visa | For remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies |
| Student Visa | For those studying in Spain |
All visas share the same core insurance requirements: the policy must be from a Spanish-authorised carrier, cover full comprehensive care, have no copayments, no waiting periods, and cover nationwide.
Choose a Spanish-Authorised Carrier
Only carriers authorised by Spain’s Dirección General de Seguros (DGS) are accepted for visa applications. International insurance, travel insurance, and global health plans are not accepted — even from well-known companies like Cigna Global or Allianz Worldwide.
The four main carriers accepted for visa applications are:
Not sure which one? See our ranked comparison of all four carriers.
Select a Visa-Compliant Plan
You need a cuadro médico plan (also called seguro de salud sin copagos). This is the plan type that meets visa requirements. It provides:
- Full coverage with no copayments (sin copagos)
- No waiting periods (sin carencias) — immediate coverage
- Hospitalisation, emergency, outpatient, and specialist care
- Nationwide coverage across all Spanish regions
- Repatriation coverage
Do not choose: Copay plans (con copagos), reimbursement plans, dental-only plans, or travel insurance. These will be rejected by the consulate.
Monthly costs range from €50–€90 for under-40s to €150–€350 for over-60s. See our detailed cost guide.
Apply: Documents and Medical Questionnaire
You can apply directly with a carrier or through a broker. A broker is recommended for first-time applicants — they handle the paperwork and can negotiate better terms, especially for older applicants or those with pre-existing conditions.
Documents needed:
- Passport copy
- Spanish address (or intended address)
- Completed medical questionnaire (health declaration)
- Payment method (Spanish bank account or credit card)
Processing typically takes 24–72 hours. Some brokers can issue same-day certificates for urgent visa appointments.
Receive Your Certificate and Submit with Visa
Once approved, you will receive a certificate of insurance (certificado de seguro) that includes your name, policy number, coverage dates, and confirmation that the plan is cuadro médico with no copays. This is the document you submit to the consulate.
Pro tip: Set your policy start date to match your planned arrival or visa application date. Most consulates require the insurance to be active from day one of your stay. If your visa is delayed, most carriers allow you to adjust the start date at no extra charge.
Ready to Get Insured?
Compare carriers side-by-side and find the best plan for your visa type and budget.
Compare Carriers →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy Spanish health insurance from outside Spain?
Yes. All four major carriers allow you to apply from abroad. You will need a Spanish address (even a future one) and a valid passport. Many people arrange their insurance before their visa appointment. A broker can handle the entire process remotely.
How long does it take to get health insurance in Spain?
Most applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. You receive a digital certificate of insurance that you can print for your visa application. For urgent cases, some brokers can arrange same-day issuance.