How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost in Spain in 2024?
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For expats and locals alike, Spain offers a range of private health insurance options that provide comprehensive health coverage. Whether you're just settling in or applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, Non-lucrative Visa, or even a Student Visa understanding the costs and benefits of these plans can help you make an informed decision.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from several popular health insurance companies in Spain.
How Much Does Private Heath Insurance Cost in Spain?
The cost of private medical insurance in Spain varies widely based on the insurer, the level of coverage, and the individual’s age and health. Basic plans can start as low as around €38 per month, offering essential services and access to a broad network of healthcare providers.
Comprehensive plans, which provide extensive medical tests and full coverage of hospitalization and specialized treatments, can cost over €1,000 annually. It's important to carefully assess each plan's benefits relative to its costs, especially considering potential health needs and the desire for peace of mind while living abroad.
Average Cost of Private Health Insurance by Company?
Most health insurance offers a tiered pricing model, where the cost of coverage ranges significantly based on the level of care you choose. Age and pre-existing conditions are usually the main factors impacting the cost of private medical health insurance. So if you have pre-existing conditions the cost of your health insurance will greatly vary.
DKV Insurance cost
DKV's plans for expats range from €89 to €600 per month. It’s worth noting that DKV only accepts upfront payments. This is because the Spanish consulates require that health insurance is paid upfront for at least 12 months depending on the visa.
These plans provide access to an extensive network of over 51,000 professionals and 1,000 centers across Spain.
Coverage includes diagnostic tests, hospitalization, and emergency services, making it a robust choice for comprehensive medical care. The policy offers full coverage with no financial limit.
There are no copayments, no deductibles and no waiting periods.
Asisa cost
Asisa's private medical insurance starts at about €60 to 180 per month. Just like DKV, Asisa only accepts upfront payments. This is because the Spanish consulates require that health insurance is paid upfront for at least 12 months depending on the visa.
Their coverage includes a broad range of medical services and facilities, catering to the needs of both expats and local residents.
There are no copayments, no deductibles and no waiting periods.
ASSSA Insurance cost
Plans start at approximately €640 for the annual premium, which includes access to all specialists and doctors for outpatient services, unlimited operations including medication, and up to 30 sessions of massage or physiotherapy per year. Dental treatments are also covered, which includes check-ups, teeth cleaning, extractions, and X-rays.
For those seeking more extensive coverage, premiums can exceed €1,000 annually. This higher tier includes advanced high-tech tests, comprehensive annual check-ups with full blood tests, hearing and eye exams, ECGs, and abdominal scans. Should you be hospitalized, ASSSA provides a daily allowance of €30 and covers prosthesis expenses up to €3,000, with hospital stays (whether for operations or medical treatment) being unlimited.
Feather Insurance cost
Feather offers a monthly subscription model, which ranges from €45 to €60.
This plan covers consultations and treatments from both public and private doctors and hospitals in Spain. It includes unexpected medical treatments and procedures, prescribed medications (excluding pre-existing conditions), and ambulance services.
In severe cases, the policy covers repatriation to your home country for treatment or burial.
Dental pain relief and accidental tooth replacement are capped at €500 each per year.
Coverage also extends throughout the EU, ensuring protection during travel outside of Spain.
What are the insurance requirements for Spain visas?
A well-rounded private insurance plan for expats living in Spain should ideally cover:
Full operational coverage in Spain including emergencies, consultations, diagnostic tests, both inpatient and outpatient surgeries, and hospitalizations.
Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
No co-payments or deductibles, providing straightforward access to necessary services.
Absence of waiting periods to facilitate immediate coverage from the policy start date.
Repatriation of remains, a crucial aspect for many expats who want the reassurance of connection to their home country in dire circumstances.
How to Compare the Cost of Private Health Insurance for Expats
When applying for a Spanish visa, particularly a long-term visa like a student or non-lucrative visa, you will need to provide proof of health insurance. This insurance must cover all risks within Spain without requiring any co-payment (depending on the visa type). Calculating and comparing health insurance costs for a Spanish visa involves several key steps and considerations.
1. Understand the Requirements
Coverage Level: Ensure that the health insurance plan covers all the basic services in Spain, including emergency services, hospitalization, and primary care. Some visas may require your insurance to have no co-payments and no deductibles.
Validity: The insurance must be valid for the duration of your stay in Spain or as required by the visa application process.
2. Identify Suitable Insurance Providers
Local vs. International: Choose between local Spanish insurance companies and international providers that offer coverage in Spain. International providers might be more expensive but could offer more comprehensive coverage that includes repatriation.
Accredited Providers: Verify that the insurance company is recognized by the Spanish consulate or embassy as part of their list of accepted providers.
3. Compare Plans
Premiums: Compare the monthly or annual cost of each plan.
Inclusions and Exclusions: Check what medical services are included in the coverage and note any significant exclusions that might affect you.
Policy Limits: Look at the maximum coverage amount. Some visas might require unlimited coverage or a specific minimum amount.
4. Calculate Total Costs
Initial Premiums: Total cost of the insurance premiums for the duration of your stay.
Additional Fees: Check if there are any administrative fees, cancellation fees, or other charges.
5. Check for Visa Compliance
Zero Co-payment:Some visa categories may require plans without co-payments. Ensure the plan complies with this stipulation if it applies to your visa type.
Documentation: Ensure that the insurance provider can supply documentation in Spanish, as required by the Spanish consulate.
6. Evaluate Customer Support
Service in English:Ensure that customer service is available in English, which will be crucial for managing your healthcare needs while in Spain.
Assistance Services: Consider if the insurance offers additional support, such as help with finding doctors or scheduling appointments.
7. Read Reviews and Testimonials
Look for feedback from other expats or visa applicants about their experiences with the insurance provider, particularly in terms of claims processing and customer service.
