Libbie Stevens, Spanish Visa Advisor @ Wilmer Health | 8th February 2025 | hello@wilmerhealth.com
A health insurance policy is an essential and mandatory requirement for anyone applying for a long-stay Spanish visa, such as the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) or Spanish Student Visa. The Spanish authorities enforce this requirement to ensure that all foreign residents have access to medical care without becoming a burden on the national healthcare system.
In this guide we will discuss the specifics of what is required, how to obtain the right policy, and the different options available for a successful visa application.
Spain has a robust public healthcare system, but access to it is generally restricted to Spanish citizens, legal residents, and those who qualify through special agreements, such as pensioners with an S1 form for Spain. Foreigners applying for a visa must demonstrate that they have comprehensive private health insurance to cover their medical needs while residing in Spain. Without adequate insurance, Spanish visa applications will be denied.
To be accepted by the Spanish consulate, your health insurance policy must meet strict criteria. Specifically, your insurance should:
Failure to meet these requirements can result in rejection at the visa application stage, leading to costly delays.
Most expats opt for private health insurance from providers that offer policies designed to comply with visa requirements. These policies ensure complete coverage, including access to English-speaking doctors and private hospitals.
For retirees moving to Spain, the S1 form is a vital document that allows UK pensioners to register with Spain’s public healthcare system at no additional cost. However, this is only available to those who receive a UK state pension or certain other benefits. If you qualify for the S1 scheme, you can access Spain’s national healthcare system for free by registering the form with Spanish authorities.
UK health insurance policies typically do not meet Spanish visa requirements. They often have limitations on overseas coverage, include co-payments, or do not provide full medical coverage in Spain. Therefore, you will likely need a new policy that is fully compliant with Spanish immigration rules.
No, travel insurance is not accepted as it is designed for short-term stays and does not provide the full range of medical services required for residency in Spain.
No, the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is not sufficient for long-term stays. These cards are only intended for temporary visitors and emergency treatment and do not fulfill the requirement for full medical coverage.
If you intend to apply for Spanish residency, you must maintain private health insurance until you become eligible for public healthcare.
At Wilmer Health, we understand that securing the right health insurance can be complicated, especially with the different visa requirements involved. That’s why we have partnered with ASSSA Health Insurance, a leading provider specialising in expat health insurance in Spain. Through our partnership, we can offer you:
Ensuring you have the right health insurance is essential to a successful Spanish visa application. Let us take the stress out of the process by helping you find the perfect policy. By choosing Wilmer Health and ASSSA, you can rest assured that your health insurance will meet all visa requirements, giving you peace of mind as you embark on your journey to Spain.
Get a Free Quote Now and one of our healthcare advisors will be in touch to discuss your needs.
At Wilmer Health, we make the Spanish visa application process as easy as possible by providing all the essential documents you need. Whether you’re applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, Student Visa, or any other long-stay visa, we offer a one-stop solution for all the paperwork you need, including apostille services and sworn translations.
We can help you obtain a fully compliant Spanish Visa Medical Certificate, secure an ACRO Certificate for Spanish Visas, arrange Updated Marriage and Birth Certificates and help obtain Visa Compliant Spanish Health Insurance for your application. No matter what stage of the process you’re at, we’re here to ensure your documents meet Spanish consulate requirements.
Same-day medical certificates and doctor’s letters, all from the comfort of your home — quick, easy, and hassle-free.
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All certificate requests submitted before 9pm (BST) are issued the same day.
