Everything You Need to Know About Private Health Insurance for Your Spanish Residency Application

During my journey through Spain’s residency process, I’ve had experience with two major health insurance providers: ASISA and ADESLAS. I initially used ASISA for my non-lucrative visa application and later switched to ADESLAS when establishing my Spanish residency after my time in Croatia.

In this post, I’m going to share my experience dealing with one of the most important requirements: private health insurance.

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out my YouTube video where I talked about health insurance requirements that will get your application approved.

Why Do You Need Private Health Insurance Anyway?

Let’s cut to the chase – Spain wants to make sure you won’t be a burden on their public healthcare system. That’s why they require non-EU citizens (and even some EU folks depending on their situation) to have comprehensive private health insurance when applying for residency.

The Spanish government basically wants proof that you’re covered for any medical expenses that might pop up during your stay. Makes sense, right?

What Your Insurance Policy MUST Include

Not just any insurance policy will do. Here’s what Spain requires:

No co-payments or deductibles: Your policy needs to offer full coverage without requiring you to pay part of the costs.
Coverage throughout all of Spain: Regional-only coverage won’t cut it.
Coverage for the entire duration of your stay: If you’re applying for a one-year visa, your insurance should be valid for at least one year.
Minimum coverage of €30,000: This is the magic number that Spanish authorities look for.
Coverage for all medical necessities: Including emergency care, hospitalization, and repatriation if needed.

Popular Insurance Providers for Expats in Spain

Some companies have made a name for themselves by offering policies specifically designed for residency applications:

Sanitas: One of Spain’s largest providers with English-speaking customer service
DKV: Offers good coverage nationwide with competitive rates
ADESLAS: Another major Spanish provider with extensive networks
Asisa: Known for having plans designed specifically for foreigners

International providers like Cigna and Allianz are also options, but make sure they meet all the Spanish requirements!

My ASISA Experience

I was with ASISA from August through December 2021, paying €61.36 monthly (€306.80 total plus any applicable transaction fees). Fortunately, I never needed to file any medical claims during this coverage period, which means I can’t provide insights on their claim process, customer service, or healthcare network quality.

My ADESLAS Experience

I’ve been with ADESLAS for three years with their basic coverage plan at €600 annually. My usage has been primarily for routine care:

Annual dermatologist visits for eczema management
Regular ophthalmologist check-ups
Annual dental cleanings

I haven’t required any major medical interventions during this time (knock on wood!), which has been fortunate. The routine appointments have been straightforward to schedule and attend within their provider network.

Current Transition

I’m currently transitioning to a company health insurance plan with ADESLAS, which will allow me to classify the expense as a business deduction. The new plan will cost €720 annually but includes enhanced coverage compared to my previous ADESLAS plan.

While I fortunately haven’t needed extensive medical care during my time in Spain, both providers have adequately served their purpose for residency requirements and routine healthcare needs. The ability to now categorize my health insurance as a business expense adds value beyond just the expanded coverage.

How Much Will This Cost Me?

Here’s where things get personal – premiums vary widely based on:

Your age (the older you are, the more you’ll typically pay)
Any pre-existing conditions
The level of coverage you choose
Whether you want just basic coverage or extras like dental

For a healthy person under 50, you might pay anywhere from €50-€120 per month. Over 50? Expect to pay more like €100-€200+ monthly.

Tips From Someone Who’s Been There

Get your policy before submitting your application: You’ll need to include it with your paperwork.
Ask for a certificate in English and Spanish: The certificate should clearly state that it meets all requirements for Spanish residency purposes.
Don’t try to save money by getting travel insurance: Immigration officials can spot the difference, and your application will likely be rejected.
Check if your policy automatically renews: If you’re planning to stay long-term, you don’t want to accidentally let your coverage lapse.
Keep digital and physical copies: Store your policy details somewhere easily accessible.

What Happens After You Get Residency?

Once you’ve been in Spain for a while and established legal residency, you may eventually become eligible to join the public healthcare system, depending on your status. Many expats choose to keep their private insurance anyway because it offers perks like:

Shorter wait times for specialists
Private hospital rooms
English-speaking doctors
Coverage for treatments not included in the public system

Public vs. Private Health Insurance in Spain: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break down how these two systems compare:

Public Health Insurance (Sistema Nacional de Salud)

Cost: Free or low-cost contributions through social security if you’re employed in Spain
Coverage: Comprehensive coverage for most medical needs
Wait times: Can be longer, especially for specialists and non-emergency procedures
Language: Primarily Spanish, with limited translation services in tourist areas
Hospital rooms: Typically shared rooms
Access: You’ll be assigned a primary care doctor in your local area

Private Health Insurance

Cost: Monthly premiums (€50-€200+ depending on age and coverage)
Coverage: Often includes services not covered by public healthcare (like certain dental treatments)
Wait times: Significantly shorter – often same-day appointments
Language: Many providers offer English-speaking doctors and staff
Hospital rooms: Private rooms standard in most plans
Access: Choose your specialists and hospitals throughout the network

The Best of Both Worlds: Advantages of Having Both

Many expats who qualify for public healthcare still choose to maintain private insurance too. Here’s why that might make sense:

Skip the queues: Use private care for non-urgent specialists to avoid waiting weeks or months
Language barriers: Access English-speaking healthcare when needed
Comfort: Enjoy private rooms during hospital stays
Convenience: Schedule appointments at times that work for you
Specialized treatments: Some cosmetic procedures, advanced dental work, and alternative therapies are only covered by private insurance
Travel coverage: Many private plans include coverage when traveling outside Spain

Should You Pay for Private Insurance If You Already Have Public Coverage?

This really comes down to your personal situation:

It might make sense if:

You don’t speak fluent Spanish and would struggle with medical terminology
You have specific health concerns that might require specialist care
You value privacy and comfort during medical treatments
Your budget allows for the extra expense without strain
You travel frequently and want coverage outside Spain

You might skip it if:

You’re comfortable navigating Spanish medical settings
You’re generally healthy with few medical needs
You’re on a tight budget
You don’t mind potentially longer wait times for non-urgent care

Many expats start with both, then decide after experiencing the public system whether they want to continue with private coverage. A popular middle-ground option is a “hospital plan” that covers just emergencies and hospitalizations at private facilities while using public care for day-to-day needs.

Final Thoughts

Getting the right health insurance isn’t just a box to check for your residency application—it’s an investment in your peace of mind while living in a new country. The Spanish healthcare system (both public and private) is excellent, ranking among the best in the world, so you’re in good hands either way.

Have more questions about moving to Spain? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to help!

Expat Life Life in Spain