How to Choose the Best Health Insurance for Expats in Spain
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Moving to a new country like Spain as an expat comes with the need of doing a lot of bureaucracy including navigating the healthcare system and ensuring you have suitable health insurance.
In this blog post, I'll compare the benefits of private health insurance and public health insurance for expats in Spain, focusing on key factors such as value for money, the flexibility of the insurance period, multilingual customer service, and worldwide coverage.
By the end of this blog post, you will be equipped with the best tips to help you make an informed decision to pick the health insurance tailored to your needs.
Private Health Insurance vs. Public Health Insurance: Which is the Ideal Choice for Expats in Spain?
Understanding Private Health Insurance in Spain
Value for money 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Private health insurance in Spain often offers comprehensive coverage, including a wide range of medical services, quicker access to specialists, and the option to choose your preferred doctors and hospitals. While the cost may be higher, the value for money lies in the extensive coverage and personalized healthcare options tailored to your needs.
The few times I have been sick, I was able to book an appointment with a private heath insurance within minutes, compared to the long wait time at my local CAP (CAP, which stands for Centre d'Atenció Primaria) is the first point of call if you wish to access free medical assistance in Catalunya.
Flexibility of insurance period 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
With private health insurance, expats have the advantage of flexibility in choosing the insurance period that suits their needs. This is particularly beneficial for expats who may have uncertain or short-term plans in Spain, allowing them to select the coverage that aligns with their specific time frame.
Multilingual customer service 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Private health insurance providers often prioritize customer service, including multilingual support. This ensures expats can communicate comfortably in their preferred language when seeking assistance, clarifying coverage details, or making claims.
Worldwide coverage 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Many private health insurance plans for expats offer worldwide coverage, allowing individuals to receive medical treatment not only in Spain but also in their home countries or other parts of the world. This benefit is particularly advantageous for expats who frequently travel or have a global lifestyle.
Understanding Public Health Insurance in Spain
Value for money 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spain's public health insurance, known as Seguridad Social, provides basic healthcare services to residents, including expats. Contributions are based on income, making it affordable for most individuals. While public health insurance offers essential coverage, additional services, such as private rooms or certain treatments, may not be included.
Flexibility of insurance period 🌟
Public health insurance in Spain typically requires long-term residency to access coverage. Expats planning to stay in Spain for an extended period may find public health insurance to be a suitable option. However, it may not be ideal for those with shorter stays or uncertain durations.
Multilingual customer service 🌟
While public health insurance in Spain primarily operates in Spanish, efforts are being made to provide multilingual support. However, availability and accessibility may vary across different regions or healthcare facilities.
Worldwide coverage 🌟
Public health insurance generally provides coverage within Spain's healthcare system. While emergencies may be covered during temporary stays abroad, routine healthcare services outside of Spain may not be included.
Best private health insurance in Spain for expats: Adeslas vs Sanitas
Some of the best medical insurance providers in Spain include:
Adeslas, Sanitas, DKV, Feather and Asisa.
I personally got my private health insurance from work and at the time, they made us pick between Adeslas vs Sanitas as these are 2 of the best health insurance in Spain for expats.
Here is what you need to know about some of the top private health insurance before making your final decision. It´s also worth noting that these insurances are a great fit for anyone coming on a Student Visa, Investment Visa (Golden Visa), Non-lucrative Visa, NIE card (the residence permit), for a renewal of NIE card, or on a Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa.
Whether you have a student visa, non-lucrative visa, golden visa, or are a digital nomad, Adeslas has helped immigrants and international students secure their visas and residence permits in Spain.
Value for money: From 39 euros per month
Flexibility of the insurance period: With their insurance plans, you can choose the coverage period that suits your specific needs. Whether it's for 3 months or 5 years, you can customize your plan accordingly.
Multilingual customer service: Their website is available in English, and we provide pre- and post-purchase support in English to assist their users every step of the way.
No need to have a Spanish bank account/multiple payment methods: They accept payment with any debit/credit card and offer automatic order management.
Worldwide travel insurance coverage: Unlike other Spanish insurance providers, their health insurance includes coverage for emergency costs, travel delays, baggage loss, and over 30 travel-related services worldwide (excluding Spain and your home country).
2. Sanitas:
Value for money: Prices range from 34€-45€ per month
Flexibility of the insurance period: Flexible, short-term & long-term contracts covering every aspect of your stay in Spain and Europe.
Multilingual customer service: They work with doctors and specialists who speak English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish so that you can choose the best one for you.
No need to have a Spanish bank account/multiple payment methods: No co-payments, no waiting periods, with repatriation.
Worldwide travel insurance coverage: Sanitas worldwide travel insurance is available for their health insurance policies as an added benefit to your coverage for when you are outside Spain.
3. DKV:
DKV's expat insurance is not just a basic health plan; it's a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of expats living in Spain. With its robust coverage, extensive network, and additional benefits, it stands as a top choice for those seeking reliable and extensive health insurance abroad.
Value for Money: No copayments or deductibles. Clients enjoy full coverage without additional out-of-pocket expenses.
Flexibility of the Insurance Period: DKV offers versatile insurance terms to match the length of your stay in Spain, whether short-term or long-term.
Compliance with Visa/NIE Requirements: The insurance meets all the consulate demands for visa applications and renewals, making it a hassle-free choice for expats.
Comprehensive Coverage: Similar to Spain's public health system, it covers emergencies, consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalizations.
Unlimited Coverage Within Spain: There's no cap on the expenses covered within the country.
Immediate Coverage: There's no waiting period; coverage starts as soon as the policy is active.
Repatriation of Remains: This critical aspect is included, providing peace of mind to expats and their families.
4. Asisa:
Asisa's expat insurance is characterized by its excellent value for money, adaptable insurance periods, multilingual support, and extensive global coverage, making it a top-tier choice for expatriates seeking reliable and comprehensive health insurance in Spain.
Value for Money: Asisa's expat insurance offers comprehensive coverage at competitive rates, ensuring that policyholders receive extensive healthcare services without incurring significant costs. The policy covers a wide range of medical services similar to Spain's public health system, including emergencies, consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalizations, offering substantial healthcare coverage for your investment.
Flexibility of the Insurance Period: Asisa's policies are designed to cater to the diverse needs of expats, offering flexible insurance periods. This flexibility is ideal for those who may be in Spain for varying durations, whether for short-term projects or longer residency plans. The insurance can be tailored to match the length of your stay, ensuring that you're covered for exactly the time you need, without unnecessary extensions.
Multilingual Customer Service: Asisa provides multilingual customer service. This feature is particularly beneficial for expats who may not be fluent in Spanish. The availability of assistance in multiple languages ensures that policyholders can receive help and guidance in their preferred language, making the management of healthcare needs more accessible and less stressful.
Worldwide Travel Insurance Coverage: In addition to comprehensive local coverage, Asisa’s expat insurance includes worldwide travel insurance coverage. This aspect is particularly valuable for expatriates who may travel frequently. The worldwide coverage ensures that policyholders are protected not just in Spain but also during their international travels.
5. Feather:
Feather is ideal for expats needing quick insurance coverage for visa or temporary residence permit applications. It offers a comprehensive package that not only meets legal requirements but also provides substantial coverage and support, making it a valuable option for expats in Spain.
Value for Money: Offers affordable health insurance coverage.
Flexibility of the Insurance Period: Coverage extends across all EU countries, beneficial for travel outside Spain. Includes both public and private doctors and hospitals in Spain.
Multilingual Customer Service: Feather provides all services in English, including registration and claims processing.
Extensive Medical Treatment Coverage: Covers unexpected medical treatments and procedures, along with follow-up costs. It includes medications prescribed by a doctor (excluding pre-existing conditions) and includes ambulance transport services.
Special Provisions for Serious Cases: In serious cases, provisions for return to home country for treatment or, in case of fatality, for burial.
Dental Care: Dental pain relief treatments cover up to €500/year. Tooth replacement post-accident covered up to €500.
Visa and Residence Permit Compliance: The Policy meets legal requirements for Spanish visas or residence permits, serving as proof of health insurance.
6. ASSA:
ASSSA stands out as a more compact insurance provider, yet it boasts a significant impact, especially among expats. Known for its accommodating policy offerings, ASSSA uniquely caters to expats up to the age of 79, which is notably the highest age limit observed in the industry.
Value for Money: No copayments or premium increase due to age. The age you join is the age you stay.
Flexibility of the Insurance Period: A unique and professional service, including excellent clinics and doctors, competitive products, and post-sale support.
Multilingual Customer Service: Personalized customer service in the client's native language, is provided through our offices along the Spanish coast.
Worldwide Travel Insurance Coverage:
Visa and Residence Permit Compliance: Assistance in obtaining the necessary documents and certificates for a Non-Lucrative visa, Digital Nomand Visa, Golden Visa or student visa, and Spanish Residency. Flexibility in adapting certificates to meet evolving embassy requirements.
Here is the answer to some frequently asked questions about health insurance for expats in Spain:
Is Health Insurance Mandatory for Expats in Spain?
- Yes, health insurance is mandatory for expats in Spain. To meet this legal requirement, you must have health insurance tailored for foreigners in Spain. This insurance ensures that you have access to the necessary healthcare services during your stay.
What's the Difference Between Private and Public Expat Insurance in Spain?
- Private expat insurance in Spain offers a wide range of benefits, including comprehensive coverage, quicker access to specialists, and the flexibility to choose preferred healthcare providers. It often involves a higher cost, but the value lies in the extensive coverage and personalized care.
- Public health insurance, known as Seguridad Social, provides basic healthcare services to residents, including expats. Contributions are income-based, making it affordable for most individuals. However, additional services such as private rooms or certain treatments may not be included.
Does Expat Insurance in Spain Include Worldwide Coverage?
- Yes, many expat health insurance plans in Spain provide worldwide coverage. This means that you are not limited to receiving medical treatment only within Spain; you can access healthcare services globally. This feature is particularly beneficial for expats with international lifestyles or frequent travel.
Is Multilingual Customer Service Available with Expat Insurance Providers in Spain?
- Absolutely, most reputable expat health insurance providers in Spain prioritize multilingual customer service. This ensures that expatriates can comfortably communicate in their preferred language when seeking assistance, making claims, or clarifying coverage details.
What's the Average Cost of Health Insurance for Expats in Spain?
- The average cost of health insurance for expats in Spain varies depending on several factors, including your age, the level of coverage you choose, and the insurance provider. On average, plans can range from €30 to €60 per month. It's essential to consider your budget and healthcare needs when selecting a plan.
Can I Switch Expat Insurance Providers in Spain If I'm Not Satisfied?
- Yes, you can switch expat insurance providers in Spain. However, before making the switch, carefully review the terms and conditions of your current plan. Be aware of any waiting periods, exclusions, or limitations associated with your new provider to ensure a smooth transition.
Do I Need Health Insurance if I Have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
- While an EHIC provides temporary coverage in Spain, it is advisable to have additional health insurance for expats in Spain, such as Adeslas or Sanitas. EHIC may not cover all medical expenses, and it might not offer the level of service quality you desire. Having comprehensive health insurance ensures access to quality healthcare and peace of mind during your stay.
How Do I Apply for Health Insurance in Spain as an Expat?
- Applying for health insurance as an expat in Spain is a straightforward process. Visit the websites of reputable providers like Adeslas or Sanitas, select a plan that aligns with your needs, and follow the application process. Many providers offer online application forms for convenience.
In conclusion, when choosing health insurance as an expat in Spain, consider private health insurance for its comprehensive coverage, flexibility, multilingual customer service, and worldwide coverage. While public health insurance offers affordability, it may have limitations in terms of additional services and coverage outside of Spain. Assess your needs, budget, and desired level of coverage, and research different providers before making a decision. Invest in the right health insurance to ensure access to quality healthcare and peace of mind.
