
Private medical insurance in Spain
What you need to know
Spain offers a variety of private medical insurance options, such as Sanitas, Adeslas Seguros, ASSA, and Mapfre, among others. These insurances can be beneficial not only for accessing quality healthcare but also for obtaining residency in the country. Let's take a closer look at what aspects to consider when choosing insurance.
Insurance for residency application
If you plan to obtain a residence permit in Spain, it is necessary to have medical insurance. Insurance companies typically offer various packages, and it is important to choose one that meets the requirements set by the Spanish authorities.
Requirements for insurance for VISA (Residence Permit)
To apply for a residence permit in Spain, the insurance company must be licensed by the Spanish government and recognized as a private health insurance provider. Additionally, you need to select insurance that offers full coverage (cobertura total), which means:
- Full coverage (cobertura total) from a health insurance company in Spain means that the insurance provides you access to all necessary medical services without significant limitations and without extra costs. For obtaining residency in Spain, health insurance must meet specific requirements, and full coverage plays a crucial role in this.
- Hospitalization (Internación) without restrictions on the number of days spent in the hospital.
- Emergency assistance (Emergencia) available 24/7, both at home and in emergency situations.
- Repatriation (Reubicación) in case it is necessary to transport a sick person back to their home country or to another medical facility abroad.
- Outpatient and inpatient treatment – access to all necessary medical services without limitations on the number of visits.
- Laboratory tests and diagnostics – tests, ultrasounds, and MRIs without additional costs.
- Vaccinations and preventive measures – not only treatment but also prevention of diseases.
! Waiting period (carencias)
Some insurance companies have waiting period restrictions (carencias) when seeking medical assistance. For example:
- Sanitas: 12 months waiting for surgeries related to the replacement of prosthetics or artificial teeth.
- Adeslas Seguros: 30 days waiting for surgical interventions not related to emergencies, and 60 days waiting for hospitalization.
- ASSA: 90 days waiting for urgent care.
It is important to pay attention to the absence of waiting periods (carencias) and the waiting periods (espera) for certain services and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Access to private clinics and hospitals
With private health insurance, you can access both private clinics and hospitals. Typically, insurance companies have a network of partners where you can seek services without upfront payment. - How to cancel or renew insurance
If you need to cancel or renew your insurance, you should review the terms of your contract. Generally, you can submit a cancellation request 30-60 days before the policy expires. Renewal is also done through the insurance company, and you should inform them in advance of your intention to extend coverage.
Choose your insurance carefully, taking all nuances into account, and don’t forget about the possibility of consulting our specialists to find the most suitable option for you and your family when applying for residency.