Question 1

Is private health insurance mandatory for moving to Spain?

Accepted Answer

For most non-EU citizens applying for residency, including the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and Student Visa, yes, private health insurance is mandatory. Key exceptions include UK pensioners with a valid S1 certificate, EU and EEA citizens who can access public healthcare through social security, and DNV applicants who register as autónomos.

Question 2

How much does private health insurance cost in Spain in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Visa-compliant private health insurance in Spain costs between €600 and €4,500 per person per year in 2026. Age is by far the biggest factor. A healthy 35-year-old pays around €700 per year, while a 65-year-old without conditions pays around €2,000 per year. Over-75s can expect €3,500 or more from the small number of insurers that accept new applicants in that age band. See the full cost table in Cost by age and household type.

Question 3

Can I use Medicare or my US insurance in Spain?

Accepted Answer

No, on both counts. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage do not provide coverage outside the US and are not accepted for Spanish visa applications. ACA Marketplace plans are US-only and do not transfer. If you are moving to Spain, you need a policy from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain, regardless of what you currently hold.

Question 4

Can I get health insurance in Spain with a pre-existing condition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Around 80% of Moving to Spain clients who buy health insurance in Spain disclose at least one pre-existing condition, and most find suitable cover. When you disclose, three things can happen: the insurer accepts you with no exclusion, accepts you with an exclusion for that specific condition, or declines. The first two outcomes are far more common than the third. Full disclosure is mandatory; be aware that the consequences of concealment are severe.

Question 5

What's the maximum age to get private health insurance in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Most major insurers, including Asisa, stop accepting new applicants between 65 and 74. Sanitas goes up to 75, while DKV accepts up to 74. ASSSA has the highest age limit of any mainstream Spanish insurer, accepting new applicants up to 74 as standard and up to 79 on a case-by-case basis. It is often the best, or only option for applicants over 75. Premiums rise steeply after 70, so it is worth getting quotes early, ideally six months before your move.

Question 6

What does "visa-compliant" mean for Spanish health insurance?

Accepted Answer

A visa-compliant policy must meet seven specific requirements: it must be issued by an insurer authorized to operate in Spain; provide full comprehensive coverage; offer unlimited or minimum €500,000 financial cover; have no co-payments or deductibles; have no waiting periods; cover all of Spain, including the Balearics and Canary Islands; and include a repatriation provision. The compliance check applies to your insurance certificate, not just the underlying policy document. See the full checklist in The compliance checklist (what your certificate must say)

Question 7

How early should I buy my Spanish health insurance before the consulate appointment?

Accepted Answer

For most applicants, four to six weeks before your consulate appointment is sufficient. If you are over 65 or have conditions to disclose, allow eight weeks as the underwriting process takes longer. Most reputable insurers offer future-dated start dates, so you can purchase now and begin cover from your arrival date without paying for unused months.

Question 8

Can I switch health insurance providers in Spain after I move?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with four risks to manage. First, the new insurer re-underwrites from scratch — conditions developed since your original policy may become new exclusions. Second, medical history is not shared between insurers, so you must disclose everything again honestly. Third, ongoing treatments may not transfer immediately. Fourth, never switch in the weeks before a visa renewal. A gap in cover, however brief, can complicate the application. Switch at your annual renewal date.

Question 9

Which is the best Spanish health insurance company?

Accepted Answer

There is no single best answer. It depends on key factors such as your age, where in Spain you are living, and your health history. Sanitas is the premium option with the strongest English-language support, best suited to urban applicants under 70. ASSSA has the highest age limit of any mainstream Spanish insurer, accepting new applicants up to 74 as standard, and up to 79 on a case-by-case basis. It is typically the recommended route for applicants over 65 or with complex conditions. Asisa offers the best value for families and those under 60. DKV is a strong middle ground, particularly for applicants aged 65 to 74 or in rural areas.

Question 10

What happens if I don't disclose a pre-existing condition?

Accepted Answer

The consequences are severe and go well beyond the original claim. As the John case study in section 4 illustrates, when non-disclosure is identified, the insurer can void the entire policy — not just the claim related to the concealed condition. Cover for unrelated conditions developed during the policy year can also be withdrawn. The applicant then faces re-applying as a now-known case, at a higher premium.

← Back to all posts

Insurance in Spain

← All Finances posts

Banking

INSURANCES

Tax

Money Management

Health Insurance in Spain >> The Complete Guide for International Movers (2026)

Home Insurance in Spain Explained >> The Easy Way To Get Cover

Spanish Health Insurance for Residency & Visas >> 2026 Requirements + How to Get Approved

Health Insurance in Spain for Over 75s >> Options, Limits, & What Actually Works

Health Insurance In Spain With Pre-Existing Conditions >> Full 2026 Guide

Private Health Insurance Spain >> 2026 Costs, Benefits, & Coverage

Connect With Us

Directories

Services

Tools & Resources

Guides

Customers

Get our FREE Moving to Spain Roadmap!

Moving to Spain Roadmap

Details For a Tailored Roadmap