Insurance

Health Insurance Companies in Spain for Expats: 2026 Comparison

Spain has a large private health-insurance market, and newcomers can choose among major insurers including Sanitas, SegurCaixa Adeslas, ASISA, DKV, MAPFRE, AXA and Allianz.

But the best company for you depends on something more important than the brand name:

Which exact policy are you buying, and why do you need it?

A retiree applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa has very different insurance requirements from an employee already covered by Spanish Social Security.

A Digital Nomad may not need separate private insurance at all if the correct Social Security and healthcare arrangement applies.

And a Spanish resident who simply wants quicker private specialist appointments can choose from many inexpensive policies that might be completely unsuitable for an immigration application.

The most important rule is therefore:

Do not ask only, “Which insurance company is best?”

Ask:

“Which policy from which company satisfies my healthcare needs and, where relevant, my exact Spanish immigration procedure?”

For the immigration rules themselves, first read our Health Insurance for Spain Visas guide.

Best-Known Health Insurance Companies in Spain: Quick Comparison

Company	Particularly Worth Comparing For	Important Point
Sanitas	Foreign residents, families, digital healthcare	Offers products specifically aimed at international residents
SegurCaixa Adeslas	Large provider network, comprehensive policies	Offers full-coverage policies without copays
ASISA	Foreign residents, families, nationwide private care	Has specific Health Residents and Health Students products
DKV	Digital services, broad medical network, flexible options	Offers both copay and no-copay structures
MAPFRE	Residents wanting broad Spanish insurer support	Offers complete hospitalization/no-copay options
AXA	Flexible network and reimbursement options	Exact product needs careful immigration review
Allianz	Private healthcare and broad insurance ecosystem	Offers network plans with and without copays

There is no universally “best” insurer.

A company can be excellent nationally but have a weaker hospital network near your home.

Another may offer an attractive monthly premium but impose waiting periods that make the product unsuitable for your residence application.

Health Insurance Company vs Health Insurance Policy

This distinction is fundamental.

Suppose Sanitas offers five different health plans.

One might provide:

comprehensive hospitalization
specialists
diagnostics
surgery
no copayments
no applicable waiting periods

while another cheaper plan might provide:

outpatient consultations
copayments
limited hospitalization
waiting periods

They are both:

Sanitas policies.

But they are not necessarily equally suitable for immigration.

The same applies to:

Adeslas
ASISA
DKV
MAPFRE
AXA
Allianz

So avoid advice such as:

“Buy any policy from Company X because immigration accepts that company.”

Spanish immigration authorities examine the coverage you actually have, not simply the logo on your insurance card.

What Makes Health Insurance Suitable for a Spanish Visa?

The exact requirements depend on the immigration procedure and sometimes on the Spanish consulate processing the application.

For residence procedures requiring private insurance, important characteristics commonly include:

Insurer Authorized to Operate in Spain

For procedures such as Non-Lucrative Residence, the policy generally needs to be issued through an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain.

This is particularly important when considering an international insurer headquartered abroad.

A well-known global insurance brand is not automatically sufficient merely because it covers medical treatment in Spain.

Comprehensive Healthcare

The policy may need to provide healthcare broadly comparable with services available through Spain’s National Health System.

That generally means much more than:

emergency treatment
GP visits
travel medicine

Hospitalization, specialists, diagnostic procedures and surgery can all matter.

No Copayments Where Required

A copago means paying an additional amount each time you use certain services.

Example:

€10 specialist visit
€20 diagnostic test
€30 emergency appointment

No-copay insurance instead charges the agreed premium without those per-use charges for covered services.

For immigration procedures requiring insurance without copayments, a cheaper copay plan is therefore inappropriate even when sold by a major Spanish insurer.

No Waiting Periods Where Required

periodo de carencia

is the period after purchasing insurance during which particular services remain unavailable.

For example:

Policy begins January 1.

Hospital surgery has an eight-month waiting period.

Surgery therefore might not become available until September.

That can conflict with immigration requirements expecting qualifying healthcare coverage from the beginning of the required period.

No Travel Insurance as a Substitute

Travel insurance and residence-level medical insurance are different products.

Travel insurance typically focuses on:

emergencies
accidents
unexpected illness during trips
repatriation
limited duration

It should not automatically be used to satisfy a Spanish residence-healthcare requirement.

Appropriate Coverage Period

The policy needs to cover the period required by the applicable procedure.

Do not buy an attractive three-month policy when your residence procedure requires healthcare protection for a much longer period.

Do Digital Nomads Always Need Private Insurance?

No.

This is one of the most important corrections to the current article.

Spain’s Digital Nomad residence system connects healthcare with the applicant’s Social Security position.

A Digital Nomad might satisfy healthcare requirements through:

Spanish Social Security
qualifying foreign Social Security coordination that includes healthcare
qualifying public healthcare coverage
private healthcare insurance where necessary

If the Digital Nomad will become properly affiliated with Spanish Social Security after authorization, separate private insurance documentation is not automatically required in the same way as for an NLV applicant.

The correct setup also depends on whether the person is:

an employee

a self-employed professional.

For the complete route, see our Spain Digital Nomad Visa guide.

Who Usually Needs Private Health Insurance for Spain?

Private insurance is particularly relevant to several groups.

Non-Lucrative Visa Applicants

NLV applicants commonly need qualifying health insurance because the route is designed for people residing in Spain without relying on Spanish employment.

See our Spain Non-Lucrative Visa guide.

Students

Students can need qualifying health insurance covering the required period of their stay.

The exact conditions can depend on the study authorization and consulate.

Economically Inactive EU Citizens

An EU citizen moving to Spain without working or being self-employed may need to demonstrate comprehensive healthcare coverage as part of establishing residence.

See our guide to moving to Spain as an EU citizen.

Certain Family Members

Healthcare requirements can arise in family immigration depending on the sponsor’s and family member’s healthcare entitlement.

Residents Who Simply Prefer Private Healthcare

Many residents already have public healthcare but voluntarily keep private insurance because they prefer:

faster specialist access
private hospitals
greater doctor choice
direct specialist appointments
convenient diagnostic testing
English-speaking doctors
telemedicine

For this broader question, read our Private Health Insurance in Spain guide.

1. Sanitas

Sanitas is one of the best-known private healthcare brands among international residents in Spain.

It is particularly relevant to newcomers because it offers products specifically designed around foreign residents and students.

Sanitas operates through both its insurance network and its own healthcare infrastructure.

Depending on the plan, services can include:

primary care
specialists
diagnostics
hospitalization
surgery
emergency treatment
video consultations
digital medical services
English-language assistance in parts of its network

Why Newcomers Consider Sanitas

Its foreign-resident orientation can make it easier to explain:

residence requirements
certificates
international-document needs
coverage beginning before relocation

It also has strong digital-health services, which can be convenient for newcomers who have not yet established relationships with local doctors.

What to Check Before Buying Sanitas

Do not buy solely based on the company name.

Confirm:

exact policy
copayments
waiting periods
hospitalization
exclusions
age conditions
your local medical network
immigration certificate where needed

Some Sanitas policies are designed specifically around international residents; others are ordinary health products.

They should not be treated interchangeably.

2. SegurCaixa Adeslas

SegurCaixa Adeslas is another major private-health insurer in Spain.

It offers several levels of medical insurance ranging from lower-cost products to comprehensive plans with hospitalization.

Certain Adeslas plans provide comprehensive healthcare without copayments.

Why Newcomers Consider Adeslas

Adeslas can be particularly attractive for residents prioritizing:

broad medical access
specialists
hospitals
diagnostic services
family coverage
nationwide availability

What to Check With Adeslas

A policy described as:

sin copago

does not automatically answer every immigration question.

Also check:

waiting periods
hospitalization
exclusions
geographic coverage
certificate wording
policy duration
whether your particular consulate accepts the documentation provided

A general Adeslas policy designed for an ordinary Spanish resident and a policy being used for an immigration application can require different scrutiny.

3. ASISA

ASISA deserves particular attention for foreigners because it offers specific products oriented toward international residents and students.

Depending on the product, ASISA offers:

comprehensive healthcare
specialists
hospital treatment
diagnostic testing
no-copay structures
products designed around foreign residents

ASISA Health Residents

ASISA has a health product specifically oriented toward foreign residents.

That makes it worth comparing when private healthcare is connected with:

Spanish residence
relocation
international families

ASISA Health Students

There is also a student-oriented international product.

Again, do not rely only on the product name.

Make sure your specific immigration authority and application circumstances are compatible with the certificate and policy conditions.

What to Check With ASISA

Check the exact cuadro médico.

A foreign-resident product may use a specific provider network rather than every professional available under every other ASISA policy.

This is especially important if you already know which:

hospital
specialist
pediatrician
clinic

you want to use.

4. DKV

DKV is another large Spanish health-insurance provider with both conventional and no-copay health-insurance options.

It has a strong emphasis on:

digital medicine
medical networks
telemedicine
specialist access
family products

Why Newcomers Consider DKV

DKV can be attractive to people who want a combination of:

traditional healthcare network + digital services.

It also offers policies without copayments.

The Important Immigration Question

Do not assume:

DKV + no copay = automatically visa compliant.

You still need to confirm:

whether any waiting periods apply
hospital coverage
exclusions
certificate wording
whether the product fits your immigration route

This distinction applies to every insurer in this comparison.

5. MAPFRE

MAPFRE is one of Spain’s major general insurance groups and also provides private medical insurance.

Its health range includes:

lower-cost outpatient products
comprehensive medical coverage
hospitalization
no-copay alternatives
reimbursement options

Why MAPFRE Can Be Attractive

Someone already using MAPFRE for:

home insurance
vehicle insurance
other insurance products

may prefer keeping several policies within one insurer.

MAPFRE also has extensive physical representation around Spain, which some newcomers prefer over a purely digital relationship.

What to Check

Do not choose its cheapest medical policy when your residence application requires comprehensive hospital-level insurance.

Some low-cost private medical products are deliberately designed to provide more limited coverage.

That can be perfectly suitable for a resident supplementing public healthcare but inappropriate for a visa application.

6. AXA

AXA offers several health-insurance structures in Spain, including:

medical-network plans
plans with copayments
plans without copayments
more comprehensive medical products
reimbursement-based options

Why AXA May Suit Some Residents

It can suit someone looking for flexibility between:

cuadro médico

and broader reimbursement-type coverage.

Visa Applicants Need Extra Caution

A reimbursement policy can be attractive for someone who wants freedom to choose doctors.

But immigration authorities may reject insurance that is based only on reimbursement of medical costs when the applicable procedure requires direct comprehensive healthcare.

So:

better international flexibility does not necessarily mean better immigration insurance.

Choose based on the purpose.

7. Allianz

Allianz also offers private health insurance in Spain.

Current products include medical-network coverage and options with or without copayments.

It can be worth comparing for someone already using Allianz for other insurance or looking for a broader insurance relationship.

As with MAPFRE and AXA, however, the brand is not the immigration requirement.

Review the exact:

coverage
copayment structure
waiting periods
hospital access
exclusions
residence certificate

before using it in a Spanish immigration application.

What About Cigna, Bupa Global and Other International Insurers?

International health insurance can be excellent.

It can provide:

worldwide specialist access
treatment outside Spain
reimbursement abroad
evacuation
repatriation
international private hospitals

This can be especially attractive for executives or internationally mobile families.

But international insurance creates an important immigration trap:

Worldwide medical coverage does not automatically mean Spanish visa compliance.

When a Spanish immigration procedure requires insurance with an entity authorized to operate in Spain, verify the insurer’s status and the exact legal entity issuing your policy.

Also check whether the policy is:

reimbursement-only
subject to large deductibles
subject to waiting periods
limited by country
designed primarily as international travel coverage

A €500-per-month global policy can theoretically be less useful for a particular visa application than a much cheaper Spanish policy structured specifically around Spanish residence requirements.

What Is a Cuadro Médico?

Most Spanish private insurers operate using a:

cuadro médico

or medical-provider network.

You receive access to contracted:

doctors
clinics
diagnostic centres
private hospitals

Depending on the insurer and plan.

Before buying, search the network in your actual city.

This is often more important than national advertising.

Why Your City Matters

Imagine two insurers.

Insurer A

Excellent national reputation but only one convenient private hospital near your home.

Insurer B

Several hospitals, diagnostic centres and English-speaking specialists within 15 minutes.

For you, Insurer B may be considerably better.

Before selecting a company, check the network in places such as:

Madrid
Barcelona
Valencia
Alicante
Benidorm
Málaga
Marbella
Palma
Tenerife
Las Palmas
Bilbao
Seville

Do not assume nationwide coverage means identical local access everywhere.

Check the Hospital Before Choosing the Insurance

If you already know where you intend to live, reverse the normal process.

Instead of:

choose insurer → discover hospitals

try:

identify preferred hospitals → identify insurers accepted there → compare qualifying policies.

This is particularly useful for families who want:

maternity care
pediatrics
oncology
cardiology
orthopedics
specific specialists

A policy is only useful if it gives practical access to the healthcare you actually want.

Copay vs No Copay: Which Is Better?

For ordinary private healthcare, neither structure is automatically better.

Copay Policy

Usually:

lower monthly premium

but you pay additional fees when using services.

Best suited to someone who expects relatively little healthcare use and does not need a visa policy prohibiting copays.

No-Copay Policy

Usually:

higher monthly premium

but covered services do not generate the same per-use charges.

This can be attractive to:

frequent users
families
older residents
people who prefer predictable costs

And it may be essential where the applicable immigration procedure requires no copayments.

What Are Waiting Periods?

A waiting period delays access to certain benefits after the policy begins.

Common private-insurance waiting periods can involve:

hospitalization
surgery
childbirth
advanced diagnostics
particular treatments

For an ordinary resident, accepting a waiting period may reduce premiums.

For a visa applicant whose procedure requires immediate comprehensive coverage, it can cause a problem.

Ask specifically:

“Does this exact policy have any carencias?”

Do not accept:

“Don’t worry, it’s comprehensive.”

Comprehensive and immediate are not necessarily the same thing.

What About Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?

Private insurers commonly ask about medical history.

Depending on:

insurer
age
condition
severity
treatment history
policy

the company may:

accept normally
increase the premium
impose an exclusion
impose particular conditions
decline coverage

This becomes particularly important where an immigration authority expects broad insurance without exclusions.

Do not hide medical information on an insurance application.

An undisclosed pre-existing condition can create major problems later when a claim is made.

Health Insurance for People Over 60 or 65

Age has a significant effect on private-health-insurance pricing and underwriting.

Older applicants may encounter:

higher premiums
medical questionnaires
entry-age restrictions
pre-existing-condition issues
fewer qualifying plans

Do not assume the cheapest online quote available to a 30-year-old applies to someone aged 67.

For older NLV applicants in particular, begin comparing insurance before preparing the final visa file, not several days before the consular appointment.

Should Couples Buy One Policy?

Insurers often allow several family members to be insured under one contract.

That can include:

spouse
partner
children

This can simplify administration and sometimes pricing.

For immigration, however, the key point is that the documentation clearly establishes coverage for every person who needs it.

Check that the insurance certificate lists all applicants correctly.

Are Children Covered Automatically?

Do not assume so.

A child included in a Spanish residence application requiring healthcare coverage must have the appropriate healthcare arrangement.

The insurance certificate should make the child’s coverage clear.

This is particularly important when one parent is covered through work while the rest of the family is using another healthcare mechanism.

What Documents Should a Visa Applicant Request From the Insurer?

Do not submit only:

an insurance card.

Ask for a formal insurance certificate suitable for immigration purposes.

Depending on the procedure, useful information includes:

full name of insured person
passport/NIE where applicable
insurer
policy number
start date
coverage period
confirmation of medical coverage
hospitalization
absence of copayments where required
absence of waiting periods where required
confirmation regarding other relevant restrictions
proof of premium payment where requested

For a family application, make sure everyone is properly identified.

Should the Certificate Be in Spanish?

A Spanish certificate is generally the safest option for a Spanish immigration procedure.

Many insurers accustomed to foreign residents already know how to produce residence/visa certificates.

Do not assume an English marketing brochure explaining the policy is equivalent to an official certificate.

Should You Pay the Whole Year in Advance?

This depends on the immigration procedure, insurer and consulate.

Some authorities want clear evidence that qualifying healthcare is secured for the required period.

A policy that can disappear the next month because only the first monthly payment has been made may produce more questions than a fully documented annual arrangement.

Check the exact consular requirement before deciding how to structure payment.

Health Insurance vs Public Healthcare

Private healthcare and Spanish public healthcare should not be treated as competitors where you must permanently choose one.

Many residents use both.

You might obtain public healthcare through:

Spanish employment
self-employment
Social Security
qualifying family entitlement
international coordination
another recognized route

and still retain private insurance because you want quicker specialist access.

For the public system, see our Public Healthcare in Spain guide.

Does Paying Social Security Give You Private Insurance?

No.

Spanish Social Security and private health insurance are different systems.

Social Security can establish access to public healthcare under the applicable rules.

It does not automatically give you:

Sanitas
Adeslas
ASISA
DKV
MAPFRE

Private insurance is a separate contract.

For the administrative side, see our guide to getting a Social Security number in Spain.

Does Having a TIE Give You Free Healthcare?

Not automatically.

A TIE proves your immigration status.

Healthcare entitlement is a separate question.

Someone can have a perfectly valid Spanish TIE while needing:

private insurance
Social Security healthcare
S1 coverage
another healthcare-entitlement route

Do not confuse immigration documentation with healthcare enrollment.

Is Reimbursement Insurance Better?

A reimbursement plan allows you to visit certain doctors outside the insurer’s normal network and claim back an agreed percentage of the cost.

That can be excellent for someone prioritizing freedom of choice.

Example:

Specialist charges €200.

Your plan reimburses 80%.

You submit the claim and potentially receive €160 according to the policy.

But reimbursement structures require extra caution for immigration.

Where authorities specifically reject reimbursement-only insurance, this structure may not satisfy the healthcare requirement.

Again:

excellent private insurance ≠ automatically excellent visa insurance.

Is Repatriation Required?

Do not buy an expensive product solely because a salesperson says every Spanish residence visa requires repatriation.

Medical repatriation is common in:

travel insurance
international insurance

and can be genuinely useful.

But it should not be confused with the central Spanish residence requirement for comprehensive healthcare.

Check your particular immigration route.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in Spain?

There is no useful universal price.

Premiums can depend on:

age
postcode/province
number of family members
medical history
copay level
hospitalization
reimbursement
deductible
network
additional benefits
promotions
underwriting

Online advertisements such as:

“from €30/month”

should therefore not be interpreted as the price of visa-compliant comprehensive insurance for every applicant.

A 28-year-old student and a 68-year-old retiree can receive dramatically different quotations.

How to Compare Quotes Correctly

Do not compare only:

Company A: €85

versus

Company B: €105.

Create a comparison like this:

Question	Company A	Company B
Monthly/annual premium
No copay
No waiting periods
Hospitalization
Surgery
Diagnostics
Pre-existing exclusions
Preferred hospital included
English support
Telemedicine
Travel coverage
Visa certificate
Cancellation conditions

A €20 difference becomes irrelevant if the cheaper insurer excludes the hospital you actually want.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Health Insurance in Spain

Ask the insurer or broker:

Is the issuing insurer authorized to operate in Spain?
Does this exact policy include hospitalization?
Are there any copayments?
Are there any waiting periods?
Are there coverage limits?
Are there deductibles?
Are there reimbursement-only elements?
What pre-existing conditions are excluded?
Which hospitals near my home are included?
Which English-speaking doctors are in the network?
Is emergency care included?
Is mental healthcare included?
Is physiotherapy included?
What dental coverage exists?
Is travel coverage included?
Is telemedicine included?
Can you issue an immigration/residence certificate?
Does that certificate state the required coverage conditions?
Will every family member appear on the certificate?
What happens when the policy renews?

If an immigration application depends on the policy, obtain clear answers before paying.

Using an Insurance Broker vs Buying Directly

Either approach can work.

Buying Direct

Advantages can include:

dealing directly with the insurer
easy online access
fewer intermediaries
direct policy management

Broker or Specialist Agent

A good broker can be useful when:

you are older
you have medical conditions
several family members need coverage
you need a visa certificate
you do not speak Spanish
you want several insurers compared

But never accept:

“I guarantee immigration will approve this.”

The broker does not decide your Spanish visa.

The correct standard is:

Does the policy documentation satisfy the actual requirements of the authority handling your application?

Which Health Insurance Company Should You Choose?

A practical shortlist is:

Compare Sanitas if:

You prioritize:

foreign-resident products
digital healthcare
private facilities
international-user experience

Compare Adeslas if:

You prioritize:

broad Spanish healthcare availability
comprehensive network plans
strong family options

Compare ASISA if:

You prioritize:

foreign-resident/student products
Spanish provider network
straightforward no-copay options

Compare DKV if:

You prioritize:

digital healthcare
network flexibility
no-copay options

Compare MAPFRE if:

You prioritize:

nationwide insurer infrastructure
combining health with other insurance
physical agency support

Compare AXA if:

You prioritize:

flexible insurance structures
network/reimbursement choices

Then compare the exact policies, not the brand reputation.

Common Health Insurance Mistakes Newcomers Make

Mistake 1: Buying the Cheapest Policy

A cheap outpatient policy may not include hospitalization and may be useless for your immigration purpose.

Mistake 2: Thinking the Insurance Company Is “Visa Approved”

Policies are assessed based on their actual coverage and documentation.

Mistake 3: Buying a Policy With Copays

This can conflict with procedures requiring no-copay insurance.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Waiting Periods

A comprehensive-looking policy can still restrict major treatments for months.

Mistake 5: Buying Travel Insurance

Residence-level healthcare and travel insurance are not the same.

Mistake 6: Assuming Worldwide Coverage Is Automatically Better

An expensive international reimbursement product can still be unsuitable for a particular Spanish immigration procedure.

Mistake 7: Not Checking Local Hospitals

National network size means little if the nearest useful hospital is an hour away.

Mistake 8: Hiding Pre-Existing Conditions

Incorrect health declarations can cause later claim or coverage problems.

Mistake 9: Assuming Every Digital Nomad Needs Private Insurance

Social Security and international coordination can change the answer.

Mistake 10: Assuming a TIE Automatically Provides Public Healthcare

Immigration status and healthcare entitlement are separate.

Mistake 11: Submitting Only an Insurance Card

Immigration authorities can require a proper insurance certificate.

Mistake 12: Buying Before Checking Your Visa Route

Determine the healthcare requirement first.

Then choose the policy.

Health Insurance Checklist Before Moving to Spain

Before buying:

Identify your exact visa/residence route
Determine whether private insurance is actually necessary
Check whether Spanish Social Security will cover you
Check international Social Security/healthcare coordination
Confirm the insurer is suitable for the immigration procedure
Compare at least three insurers
Check the medical network in your city
Check preferred hospitals
Check copayments
Check waiting periods
Check hospitalization
Check surgery
Check diagnostic coverage
Check exclusions
Disclose medical history accurately
Check family coverage
Confirm coverage dates
Request a Spanish insurance certificate
Confirm every applicant appears correctly
Keep proof of payment
Save the complete policy conditions

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance Companies in Spain

Which are the main private health insurance companies in Spain?

Major providers worth comparing include Sanitas, SegurCaixa Adeslas, ASISA, DKV, MAPFRE, AXA and Allianz.

Which health insurance is best for expats?

There is no single best company. Compare the policy based on your immigration status, age, city, hospital network, coverage and budget.

Is Sanitas good for foreigners?

Sanitas offers products specifically designed for international residents and students, making it one of the companies worth comparing.

Is Adeslas suitable for foreigners?

Potentially. Adeslas offers comprehensive no-copay medical policies, but the exact policy should be checked against your immigration requirements where applicable.

Does ASISA have insurance for foreign residents?

Yes. ASISA offers products specifically oriented toward international residents and students.

Does DKV offer insurance without copays?

Yes, DKV offers no-copay options. Always check the exact product for waiting periods and other conditions.

Does MAPFRE offer complete private healthcare?

MAPFRE offers health plans that include comprehensive medical care and hospitalization, including no-copay structures.

Is AXA health insurance accepted for visas?

Do not decide based on the AXA brand alone. Check the exact policy, issuing entity, copayments, waiting periods, coverage structure and certificate against your immigration procedure.

Does every Spanish visa require private insurance?

No.

The answer depends on the visa, residence type, Social Security position and other healthcare entitlement.

Does a Digital Nomad need Sanitas or another private insurer?

Not automatically. A Digital Nomad entering Spanish Social Security or qualifying through an international healthcare coordination arrangement can have a different healthcare requirement.

Does the NLV require private insurance?

NLV applicants generally need qualifying public or private health insurance; in practice, comprehensive private insurance from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain is commonly used.

Can I use travel insurance for the NLV?

Travel insurance should not be used as a substitute for the required residence-level healthcare coverage.

What does sin copago mean?

It means there is no additional payment each time you use covered medical services under the policy’s terms.

What does sin carencias mean?

It means the relevant services are not subject to waiting periods before they become available.

Is a no-copay policy automatically visa compliant?

No.

Hospitalization, waiting periods, exclusions, insurer authorization, policy duration and other requirements can still matter.

Can I use Cigna or another international insurer?

Potentially, but verify the exact legal insurer, authorization to operate in Spain where required and whether the policy meets the immigration procedure. International coverage alone is not sufficient proof.

How much does private insurance cost?

It varies considerably according to age, location, health history, family size and level of coverage.

Can people over 65 obtain insurance?

Yes, but choices can become narrower and premiums higher. Compare early, particularly when insurance is required for immigration.

Can I keep private insurance after getting public healthcare?

Yes. Many Spanish residents use private healthcare alongside the public system.

Does an NIE or TIE give me health insurance?

No. Immigration identification and healthcare entitlement are separate.

Choose Healthcare First, Brand Second

The safest sequence is:

Identify your immigration status

↓

determine whether private insurance is required

↓

identify the exact insurance conditions

↓

check hospitals near your home

↓

compare Sanitas, Adeslas, ASISA, DKV, MAPFRE and other suitable providers

↓

compare exact policies

↓

obtain the correct certificate

↓

then submit your immigration application

The question is not:

“Which insurance company does Spain accept?”

It is:

“Which policy gives me the healthcare I want while also satisfying the legal requirements that apply to me?”

For immigration-specific rules, continue with our Health Insurance for Spain Visas guide.

For a broader explanation of private healthcare itself, see Private Health Insurance in Spain.

And if you already qualify for the public system, read our Public Healthcare in Spain guide.

For help coordinating insurance with your residence application and relocation, contact Newcomer Spain.