Best medical insurance for expats in Spain

Are you looking for the best medical insurance for Spain? If you’re going to spend some time in the country, taking out medical insurance is a peace of mind that pays off. Although Spain has a fairly comprehensive public health system, it isn’t always accessible to all foreigners and waiting times can be long.

In this article, we give you the keys to finding the best medical insurance for foreigners in Spain, so that you can enjoy your stay without worries and with the certainty of having good medical cover. We’ll explore the types of insurance that exist and the services they typically cover. We also tell you which ones are the highest rated and their coverage options. With this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle in Spain.

Which foreigners need medical insurance in Spain?

It’s important to stress that the Organic Law on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain and their Social Integration establishes that foreigners have the right to health care. Immigrants, or people temporarily residing in Spain, are on an equal footing with Spaniards. 

However, certain requirements must be met in order to have free access. These include proof of residence in Spain for more than 90 days (two years for transplants).  

That said, although the Spanish public health system is one of the most highly rated in Europe, it’s likely that during your stay you’ll want to access private clinics or centres. Waiting times at hospitals and health centres in Spain have long waiting lists, with medical insurance you can skip these lists and get tests. This type of insurance is designed for:

• Digital nomads: The number of remote workers choosing Spain as a destination has increased considerably in recent years. It’s a very flexible lifestyle, but health problems can arise anywhere in the world. If you don’t qualify for the Spanish public health system, having medical insurance to cover medical visits or emergencies is key to enjoying a carefree nomadic life. 
• International students: Many young people come to Spain for higher education or exchange programmes. For six months, four months or a whole year, whatever the length of your stay, it’s essential to have medical insurance. Being able to access medical consultations, emergency care or treatment in private centres will allow students to have a safer and more peaceful stay.
• Foreign retirees and pensioners: Spain is a favourite destination for retired foreigners looking to enjoy their retirement in a peaceful environment with a good climate. For those moving permanently or semi-permanently, private medical insurance can ensure access to medical services without relying on public health care.
• Expatriates with residence permits: Many foreigners move to Spain for work or family reasons and obtain residence in the country. If they aren’t covered by the public system, it’s advisable to take out medical insurance that offers full coverage in primary and specialised care.
• Long-stay tourists: Spain has so many interesting places to discover that many travellers allow themselves to explore Spain for months at a time. For those planning longer stays, it is much better to have private medical insurance than other travel insurance with more limited coverage.

What types of medical insurance are suitable for foreigners in Spain?

International, local or student-specific medical insurance? The circumstances and needs of foreigners arriving in Spain are extremely varied. Each profile needs different coverages and each person has in mind the minimum requirements. The range of insurance options is quite broad, and choosing the right one will entirely depend on your needs and how long you plan to stay exploring the country. The first thing you need to do to choose the right insurance for you is to know the differences between the different types that exist. With this information, you’ll be one step closer to finding the one you need.

• International medical insurance
  International medical insurance is an ideal option for people who often move from one country to another, such as digital nomads or expatriates who live in different places for long periods of time. They offer coverage in several countries and provide flexibility to access quality medical services regardless of location. They usually include general medical care, hospitalisation and emergency cover in various destinations. The disadvantage compared to other options is that they tend to be more expensive, especially if they include extensive coverage such as chronic illnesses or specialised treatments.
• Private medical insurance in Spain
  This insurance is designed for foreign residents or people who plan to stay in the country on a long-term basis. As it’s a local insurance, it has the advantage that it usually covers a complete network of private clinics and hospitals in Spain. It’s ideal for international students, expatriates with residence permits and foreign retirees. These insurance plans offer different levels of coverage, from basic care to more comprehensive plans that include diagnostic tests, specialties and hospitalisation. In addition, some of these insurance plans also meet the requirements for applying for visas and residence permits in Spain.
• International student medical insurance
  Some insurers offer specific plans for students that cover basic services such as medical consultations, emergencies and, in some cases, cover for accidents or mental health problems. This type of insurance is usually more affordable. In some cases, universities require this type of coverage as part of the admission requirements.
• Public access medical insurance
  Spain has a public health system accessible to legal residents and some foreigners, although they must meet certain requirements. For those seeking quick coverage or care in the private system, this type of insurance may not be sufficient. Moreover, in some areas, demand on the public system can result in long waiting lists for certain procedures or specialised consultations.

Each of these options has advantages depending on the profile and needs of the foreigner. Choosing between local and international insurance will depend on how long you plan to stay and the type of medical care you may need. In the following sections, we detail the best medical insurance options for Spain and their coverage to help you make an informed decision.

How much do health services cost in Spain?

Tests, operations, emergencies and consultations are free of charge in Spain. However, those who prefer to opt for private health care should be aware that prices in these clinics or hospitals can vary greatly from one to another. These are the approximate costs you’ll incur if you need a consultation or service if you do not have medical insurance:

As we said, the rates are approximate and may vary depending on the clinic you go to, the city or the urgency of the service. In the following section, we’ll explore the medical insurance options in Spain that offer coverage for these and other essential services.

Top 5 best medical insurance plans for foreigners in Spain 

Among so many options, how do you choose the right medical insurance for your stay in Spain? This is a complicated issue, especially if you aren’t familiar with the Spanish health care system and the coverage offered by medical insurance companies. To make it easier for you to choose the best insurance for your stay, we’re going to break down, point by point, everything the five best medical insurance options in Spain have to offer (including their limitations). We’ve chosen these five for their coverage, flexibility and the quality of the services they offer.

Sanitas

Sanitas is one of the most recognised insurance companies in Spain and Europe, especially known for its coverage adapted to the needs of foreigners planning to reside in the country. Its “Sanitas International Residents” plan is designed with foreign residents in mind and offers comprehensive medical cover similar to local insurance, ideal for those staying in Spain for six months or more. Its student plan also offers comprehensive coverage.

Coverage and services

Sanitas International Residents offers coverage that guarantees access to the medical services most in demand by foreigners in Spain:

• General and specialist medical care: Allows unlimited consultations with general practitioners and specialists, including cardiology, paediatrics and gynaecology.
• Diagnostic tests and laboratory examinations: Includes X-rays, MRI and other imaging studies.
• Hospitalisation: Covers the costs of hospitalisation in the event of surgery or a stay due to illness, with individual rooms in many network hospitals.
• Emergency care: Access to emergency care both in private clinics and in state-subsidised hospitals.
• Basic dental care: Sanitas offers a package of basic dental services including cleanings and fillings.
• Coverage for chronic and pre-existing conditions: Covers some chronic conditions from day one, which is a plus, although certain pre-existing conditions may be subject to medical assessment.

Plans and prices

Sanitas offers several plans that are adjusted to the length of stay in the country:

1. Sanitas International Residents: Rates vary depending on the city of residence and also on whether it is an individual or a family plan. They start at €88.40 ($95.28) per month.
2. Sanitas International Students: Designed for students between 14 and 35 years old who’re going to spend a long stay in Spain. It includes medical specialities, primary care, simple and complex diagnostic tests, various therapeutic methods, surgical interventions, hospitalisation and repatriation. Also 24/7 emergencies by video consultation. Prices from €38.95 ($41.98), depending on city of residence and age.

Limitations

Although Sanitas is an excellent option for foreigners, it has some limitations that should be taken into account:

• Coverage of psychological illnesses: This insurance doesn’t include comprehensive mental health coverage, but is limited to occasional consultations with a psychologist.
• Age limit: Sanitas sets an age limit on its plans, so it may not be the best option for people over 65.
• Exclusion of accidents at work and traffic accidents: This insurance doesn’t cover treatment derived from accidents at work or traffic accidents; it would be necessary to take out an additional policy to be protected in these cases.

Adeslas

Adeslas is a leading insurer in Spain, especially valued for the quality of its coverage and its network of clinics and hospitals. It has a special Adeslas Extranjeros plan, with rates starting at €49 ($52.81) per month. This policy is ideal for digital nomads or students. Also to apply for the Investment Visa (Golden Visa), the non-profit Visa or the NIE card. On the other hand, the rates for its Adeslas Plena Plus plan start at €58 ($62.51) per month and include a wide range of medical specialties and health services.

Coverage and services

Adeslas Plena Plus offers coverage that includes a wide range of medical services:

• General and specialised medical consultations: Unlimited access to consultations in different specialities, including gynaecology, paediatrics and traumatology.
• Diagnostic tests: Including laboratory tests, X-rays, ultrasound scans and MRI scans.
• Hospitalisation and surgery: Covers hospitalisation, both in individual rooms and in scheduled surgeries.
• Emergency service: Access to emergencies in hospitals and clinics contracted with Adeslas.
• Dental coverage: Includes a basic plan of dental services.
• Preventive medicine: Preventive programmes such as annual check-ups and early detection of diseases.

Adeslas Foreigners:

•  Repatriation to place of origin in case of death
•  Diagnostic tests
• Full coverage
• All medical specialties
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
• Clinical analyses

Plans and prices

Adeslas offers flexibility in its plans, adjusting costs according to permanence needs:

1. Adeslas Foreigners Plan: From €49 ($52.81)
2. Adeslas Plena Plus Plan: €58 ($62.51) 
3. Senior Plan Over 65: From €62 ($66.82) per month

Limitations

Both Adeslas Plena Plus and Adeslas Extranjeros are quite complete plans, but they have some important exclusions:

• Pre-existing conditions: Some pre-existing conditions require a qualifying period.
• Doesn’t include mental health: Psychology coverages are limited and may require additional payment.
• Age limit for some plans: Adeslas imposes age restrictions on some of its plans, especially for the over 70s (they have a specific plan for senior clients).

Asisa

Asisa is known for its value-for-money medical insurance and a wide network of private hospitals and clinics in Spain. Its Asisa International plan is especially designed for foreigners who are looking for comprehensive coverage without a high monthly cost. Within this, they have several plans: Basic and extended. This insurer also has an interesting insurance for students in Spain.

Coverage and services

Asisa International provides key medical services:

• General medical consultations and specialists: Unlimited number of consultations, including paediatrics, dermatology, and cardiology.
• Hospitalisation and surgery: Covers hospitalisation in individual rooms and in surgeries.
• Emergency cover: Includes access to emergency care in clinics and hospitals.
• Basic dental cover: Includes dental cleaning and extraction in your basic package.
• Rehabilitation services: Covers rehabilitation in some cases of injury and post-operative rehabilitation.

Plans and prices

Asisa offers several options, depending on the length of stay and the needs of the user:

1. Asisa International: From €100.67/month ($108.50). It covers general medicine, specialists and paediatrics; emergencies, hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, specialised treatments, outpatient surgery, prostheses and transplants, among others.
2. Asisa International Extended: €134.21 ($144.65)
3. Asisa Internacional Integral: €176.03 ($189.73)
4. Senior Plan Over 65: From €39.5 ($42.57) per month. It offers full coverage with no co-payments, complete health care, hospitalisation, Dental Plus, transplants and repatriation due to illness.
   

Limitations

The Asisa International Basic and Asisa International Students Basic insurance policies have some exclusions that should be taken into account:

• Exclusions for mental health and accidents at work: Psychological care and treatment related to accidents at work aren’t covered.
• It doesn’t cover pregnancy and childbirth care, prostheses or implants.
• Basic dental cover: Provides cover for basic dentistry, but some advanced treatments may incur an additional cost.
• Age limit: As with many insurance plans, there are age restrictions, especially for older people.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global is an outstanding option for those seeking coverage both in Spain and abroad, especially if they’re expatriates or remote workers. With more than 230 years of experience in healthcare, this insurance offers flexibility and adaptable coverage for different countries, ideal for those who need to travel constantly. Your Cigna Close Care policy offers coverage in Spain and your home country (up to 180 days), access to a global network of 2.2 million hospitals and healthcare professionals, emergency medical coverage outside your coverage area for short trips, and 24/7 care through the Cigna Wellbeing® app. Pricing depends on many variables, with plans starting at $32.69 per month.

Coverage and services

Cigna Global provides comprehensive international coverage:

• General medical consultations and specialties: Wide range of medical specialties, including preventive medicine. Up to $500,000.
• Hospitalisation and emergency cover: Covers medical emergencies in partner hospitals and clinics worldwide.
• Diagnostic tests (MRI, etc.): Up to $2,500.
• Dental coverage: Up to $750. 
• Mental health care: Includes psychology and psychiatry services with some limits. Up to $3000.
• Medical evacuation: Up to $50,000
• Maternity cover: Optional in certain plans and subject to a qualifying period.

Limitations

Cigna is a solid option for those who require international coverage, but it has some limitations:

• High cost: Their plans are generally more expensive compared to other options.
• Waiting periods: For maternity cover and certain pre-existing conditions.

Mapfre 

Mapfre is a medical insurance with a good reputation in Spain, especially for foreigners looking for comprehensive medical services at a good price. With an extensive network of medical centres, Mapfre is ideal for those planning long stays and needing insurance with good local cover.

Coverage and services

Mapfre Salud offers medical services similar to those of a local insurance in Spain:

• Medical consultations and specialities: Unlimited consultations with specialists in various areas.
• Diagnostic tests: Covers X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound scans and laboratory tests.
• Hospitalisation and surgery: Covers the cost of hospitalisation and surgery in its network of hospitals.
• Dental cover: Provides basic services such as cleanings and fillings.
• Emergency care: Access to emergency care both in private clinics and in state-subsidised hospitals.

Limitations

Although Mapfre offers full local cover, there are some exclusions:

• Exclusion of psychology and accidents at work: These services are not covered unless a supplement is paid.
• Age limit: Age-restricted schemes for those aged 65 and over.
• Basic dental coverage: Includes only basic dental care.

Which is the best medical insurance for foreigners in Spain?

Too much information? If, with all this information broken down, you still can’t make up your mind, let us tell you that after studying it and taking into account the experiences of foreigners in Spain, we can say that there’s a medical insurance for foreigners in Spain that stands out from the rest: Sanitas

Why’s that?

1. Extensive medical coverage: Sanitas offers a specific plan called “Sanitas International Residents”, which provides access to a wide range of medical services. This includes unlimited consultations with general practitioners and specialists, diagnostic tests, hospitalisation and emergency care. This comprehensive coverage is especially valuable for foreigners who want quick and uncomplicated access to medical care.
2. Network of clinics and hospitals: The insurer has an extensive network of hospitals and private clinics throughout Spain. This means that policyholders can choose from a wide variety of medical centres, which is essential to ensure that they receive quality care when they need it.
3. Coverage for pre-existing illnesses: Unlike other insurance plans, Sanitas covers some chronic illnesses from day one, although with certain conditions. This is especially relevant for expatriates or retirees who may have pre-existing health conditions and require ongoing medical care.
4. Basic dental care included: Sanitas not only focuses on general medical care, but also offers a package of basic dental services. This adds additional value, as many insurance plans don’t cover this type of care and this can result in unexpected expenses for the insured.
5. Flexibility in plans and prices: It offers different plans adjusted to the needs of users, from students to expatriates and retirees. Prices are competitive, starting from 88.40 euros per month.
6. Emergency care: Access to emergency care in both private clinics and in contracted hospitals is an essential feature that gives policyholders peace of mind, allowing them to act quickly in the event of medical emergencies.

Do you need more information for your move to Spain? Be sure to check out our guides on visas for remote workers in Spain or the taxes that foreigners moving to cities like Madrid have to pay Ah! Before you arrive, don’t forget to sign up for Holafly’s eSIM to stay connected at all times.

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