Quick answer
To get a Spanish residency visa you need private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, with full coverage equivalent to the public system, no co-payments (sin copagos), no waiting periods (sin carencias), and valid for the full year of your visa. Travel insurance does not qualify.
Do you legally need health insurance for your visa?
Yes. Proof of health cover is a mandatory document for Spain's main residency visas. On the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) you cannot access public healthcare through work, so a qualifying private policy is compulsory. On the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) you also need full private cover unless you register with Spanish social security (as an employee or autónomo) and use the public system. In practice, almost every applicant submits a private policy to avoid delays.
What your policy MUST include
This is where applications fail. Your policy has to tick every box:
- ✓Authorised in Spain. The insurer must be licensed to operate in Spain. A foreign policy from home usually won't be accepted.
- ✓Full coverage (cobertura completa). Equivalent to the Spanish public health system — GP, specialists, hospitalisation, surgery, emergencies.
- ✓No co-payments — sin copagos. You must not pay per-visit or per-treatment fees. Cheaper 'co-pay' plans do NOT qualify.
- ✓No waiting periods — sin carencias. Cover must be effective immediately, with no grace period before you can use specialist or hospital care.
- ✓No deductible & repatriation. Most consulates want zero excess; some also ask for repatriation cover and a minimum sum (often €30,000+).
- ✓Valid for the whole visa period. Active before your consular appointment and covering the full year; renewed each year with your TIE.
⚠️ Requirements vary slightly by consulate. Always confirm the exact wording your consulate expects — or let us match you with a broker who does this every day.
How much does it cost?
Premiums depend mainly on your age and any pre-existing conditions. As a 2026 guide:
| Age band | Monthly | Yearly (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40 | €50 – €90 / mo | ≈ €600 – €1,080 / yr |
| 40 – 59 | €90 – €150 / mo | ≈ €1,080 – €1,800 / yr |
| 60+ / pre-existing | €150 – €300+ / mo | ≈ €1,800 – €4,500 / yr |
Indicative ranges — actual quotes vary by insurer, region and cover. Get personalised quotes below.
Which insurers offer visa-compliant policies?
The major Spanish insurers all sell a dedicated visa/residency policy. Ask specifically for the no-copay, no-waiting-period version — their standard plans usually don't qualify.
| Insurer | Visa product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitas | Más Salud / Óptima | Largest private network; dedicated visa policy widely accepted. |
| Adeslas | Plena / Extra | Biggest insurer in Spain; strong clinic network nationwide. |
| DKV | Integral / Mundisalud | Popular with expats; English-speaking support. |
| Asisa | Salud visado | Purpose-built no-copay visa product. |
| Caser / Mapfre | Salud | Broad coverage; good in coastal & smaller cities. |
Common mistakes that get visas rejected
- ✕Submitting travel insurance instead of full private health insurance.
- ✕Choosing a cheaper policy that has co-payments (copagos) or waiting periods (carencias).
- ✕Using a foreign insurer that isn't authorised to operate in Spain.
- ✕A policy that starts after — not before — your consular appointment.
- ✕Cover that lapses partway through the visa year instead of running the full 12 months.
Not sure which policy qualifies?
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Get my free quotesFrequently asked questions
What health insurance is required for the Spanish non-lucrative visa?▼
A private policy from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, with full coverage equivalent to the Spanish public health system, no co-payments (sin copagos), no waiting periods (sin carencias) and valid for the full year of your visa. Travel insurance is not accepted.
What does 'sin copagos, sin carencias' mean?▼
'Sin copagos' means you pay nothing extra per visit or treatment — the policy covers it in full. 'Sin carencias' means there are no waiting periods before you can use any cover, including specialist care, surgery and maternity. Spanish consulates require both for residency visas.
Is Sanitas, Adeslas or DKV accepted for a Spanish visa?▼
Yes. Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, Asisa, Caser and Mapfre all sell dedicated visa-compliant policies (full coverage, no co-pays, no waiting periods) that Spanish consulates accept. Always ask specifically for the 'visa' or 'residency' version — their cheaper day-to-day plans usually include co-pays and won't qualify.
How much does health insurance for a Spanish visa cost?▼
As a rough guide, expect from around €50–90/month if you're under 40, €90–150/month in your 40s–50s, and €150–300+/month for applicants over 60 or with pre-existing conditions. Annual premiums typically range from about €600 to €2,400, and higher for older applicants.
Can I use travel insurance for my Spanish residency visa?▼
No. Travel insurance only covers short Schengen stays and emergencies. Residency visas (NLV, Digital Nomad) require a full private health insurance policy authorised in Spain with no co-pays or waiting periods.
Does the digital nomad visa need the same insurance as the non-lucrative visa?▼
Almost — both require full private health insurance authorised in Spain with no co-pays or waiting periods. Digital nomad applicants who register as employees or autónomo and pay into Spanish social security may instead rely on public healthcare, but most applicants still take a private policy to be safe.
How long does the policy need to last?▼
It must cover the full period of your visa — normally one year — and be active before your consular appointment. You'll renew it each year when you renew your residency card (TIE).
Related guides & services
This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Visa requirements change and vary by consulate — confirm the current rules with an official source or a licensed adviser before applying.