This is a simple introduction for anyone thinking of relocating to Spain. We will cover the basics in terms of which types of insurance are legally required in Spain and which ones might be useful. Read on to learn more in our Spain Insurance Guide for Expats.
Spain Health Insurance
Spain has an excellent national healthcare system that provides almost universal coverage for all residents of Spain. So if you are a resident, you can rely on the free state-run system. However, many locals and Expats prefer private healthcare insurance to complement the national system. In some regions, there have been waiting lists for specialist appointments, and surgical procedures have increased dramatically in the last few years. So if you want to access healthcare appointments quickly, you would be wise to take out private health insurance.
Spanish Private Health Cover
Private health insurance in Spain is known as “seguro de salud” or “seguro médico privado.” It provides access to private healthcare services, which can offer shorter wait times for appointments and access to more specialized doctors and medical treatments.
The monthly premiums for private health insurance in Spain will vary based on your age, medical history, and the level of coverage you choose.
Expat Health Insurance in Spain
Expat Health Insurance is not specific to Spain. Companies offer regional and global policies, and they’ll cover you in any country. This type of insurance is normally y more expensive than local cover. However, it can be a good investment if you plan to live in multiple countries.
Spanish Dental Insurance
The Spanish state-run healthcare system does not cover dental care unless you are under 15 years of age. Dentistry in Spain is inexpensive compared to the UK and the USA. Taking our dental cover can reduce those costs even more. It could cost you as little as 10 euros per month.
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Social Security
All employees and self-employed people in Spain are required to contribute to the Social Security system. Seguridad Social provides healthcare, pensions, and other benefits to workers and their families. If you are paying into the system, you should be eligible for many of these benefits.
Public Health Insurance in Spain
You can access the public health insurance system if you are registered with the Social Security office and have a Social Security number. You can choose a primary care doctor who will be your first point of contact for all non-emergency healthcare needs. You will be referred to a specialist if necessary.
The level of care is generally high, but there may be some language barriers for non-Spanish speakers. In some areas, there may be shortages of specialist doctors.
Unemployment Insurance
To receive unemployment benefits from the Spanish government, you must have made social security contributions for at least one year. This contribution period allows you to receive the benefit for four months. The amount you will receive depends on a range of factors, such as your previous average salary
Spain Home Insurance
Home insurance provides protection for your home and its contents. Policies will typically cover damage or loss caused by theft, fire, flooding, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events.
Building insurance
Building insurance is not a legal requirement for homeowners in Spain. However, if you are taking out a mortgage in Spain, the bank will usually require that you take out a building insurance policy. You do not have to take out the lender’s insurance, so you are free to shop around. Even if you are not borrowing to buy your property, it is worth taking out a policy to protect what is likely to be your largest investment. For instance, it would allow you to rebuild and repair in the event of a fire or a flood.
Contents Insurance
Again, this is not a legal requirement. It may depend on whether you have many valuables if you deem this to be important. But again, it can be very distressing if your belongings are damaged or stolen, so we recommend you take out the correct insurance to reimburse you in the event of their loss.
Liability Insurance
This will cover you if someone is injured on your property or if their property is damaged while at your home.
Spanish holiday home insurance
This will cover all the same things as normal home insurance listed above. But can also include some useful extras. For example, it can cover lost rental income if your holiday home becomes uninhabitable due to damage. It can also cover legal expenses caused by disputes related to your holiday home.
The Best Home Insurance Companies in Spain
We recommend AXA, Allianz and Luberty Seguros. They all have English-speaking helplines and good reviews for efficiently dealing with claims. But do compare policies and be sure you know what you are looking for.
Life Insurance in Spain
Life insurance in Spain, also known, provides financial protection for your family and dependents when you die. They usually pay out a lump sum to your beneficiaries when you pass away. There are several different types of life insurance. Read all about them in our Guide to Life Insurance in Spain.
Funeral plans in Spain
Funeral Plans in Spain are insurance policies that provide financial assistance to your family in the event of your death. Funeral plans can help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses and ensure that your wishes are carried out. For example, it may include the cost of transporting your body back to your home country if you die while living in Spain.
The Best Life Insurance Companies in Spain
Aviva, Standard Life, and AXA are amongst Spain’s largest and most reputable companies offering life insurance policies.
Pet Insurance in Spain
Pet insurance helps to alleviate the financial burden of unexpected veterinary bills and ensure that your pet receives the care it deserves. It should cover the cost of veterinary treatment for illness or injury. This includes consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and hospitalization. And it should also include public liability, which will cover the costs if your pet causes injury to a third party or damage to someone’s property.
The Best Pet Insurance Companies in Spain
Caser Expat and Petplan are highly recommended for their pet insurance plans.
Car Insurance in Spain
Check out our in-depth guide to car insurance in Spain for more information.
Mandatory 3rd party (seguro a terceros)
Third-party car insurance is required by law in Spain. This covers any costs incurred by damage and injury to third parties and also usually for fire and theft of your vehicle.
Optional (seguro a todo riesgo)
This is fully comprehensive insurance and will also cover the cost of damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident.
Car Rental Excess Insurance
When you hire a car in Spain, there is usually an “excess”. This is the amount you will be liable for in the event of damage to the vehicle. You can take out insurance to cover yourself in this event. You can choose from annual excess insurance if you rent multiple times a year or just one-off excess insurance.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Spain
We have found that Qualitas and Liberty Seguros offer very good value and are easy to deal with in the event of a claim.
Travel Insurance
You may require a short-stay visa to travel to Spain from outside the European Union (EU). In that case, you will require proof that you have travel insurance covering the whole Schengen area. Your insurance must have minimal coverage of €30,000. It should also cover any health-related incident, including repatriation in case of death.
If you are a resident of Spain but regularly travel abroad and undertake extreme sports (including skiing or cycling), you might consider specialized travel insurance. Options include single-trip, multi-trip, and annual options. They can cover long trips of up to 120 days. Insurance may also cover problems that arise with your trip, such as canceled flights.
Best Travel Insurance Companies in Spain
Both AXA and Globelink International offer good travel insurance plans to residents of Spain who are traveling abroad.
Commercial Insurance for Business Owners and Freelancers
The Spanish government requires all businesses in Spain to have public liability insurance. This covers your business for accidents, injuries, and damage to third parties due to your business activities or on your premises.
You can also take out professional indemnity cover that will protect you from financial and reputational damage caused by your business activities.
You may require property and contents insurance, much as you would for your home. Some landlords may require this to protect their premises from damages caused by your business activity or by fire, flood, vandalism, theft, etc.
Business Interruption Cover will provide coverage for loss of income and other expenses related to business interruption due to unexpected events, such as natural disasters or other incidents.
Cyber insurance is becoming ever more necessary for businesses with an online presence. It will protect your business from losses associated with cyberattacks, such as data breaches, ransomware, or other forms of cybercrime.
The Best Commerical Business Insurance Companies in Spain
Liberty Seguros and Allianz Trade both offer good value and comprehensive policies.
Spain Insurance Guide For Expats
This article has covered all the different types of insurance that you might need as an Expat living in Spain. When choosing which policy to go for, always compare the small print and check exactly what is included. While low premiums are always tempting, you do not want to find in the event of a disaster that you are not covered. We hope our Spanish Insurance guide for Expats has helped you put your mind at ease.
FAQ – Insurance in Spain
What types of insurance do I need as an expat in Spain?
As an Expat in Spain, you will need to have health insurance, car insurance, home insurance, and liability insurance. Depending on your specific needs, you can also consider other types of insurance, such as travel insurance or pet insurance.
Can I use my home country’s insurance while living in Spain?
It is important to check with your insurance provider to see if they provide coverage in Spain. If they do not, or the coverage is limited, you must purchase insurance in Spain.
How much does health insurance cost in Spain?
The cost of health insurance in Spain will vary depending on your age, health, and the level of coverage you require. However, it is generally affordable and provides access to quality healthcare.
Do I need to have car insurance in Spain?
Yes, it is mandatory to have car insurance in Spain. Third-party liability coverage is the minimum requirement, but you can also consider additional coverage, such as collision or theft insurance.
What should I look for when choosing an insurance provider in Spain?
When choosing an insurance provider in Spain, look for a reputable company with a good track record. You should also consider the level of coverage, cost, and any additional benefits that may be offered. It is also important to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you are fully covered. Pick an insurer with English-language support if your Spanish is a work in progress.
