Health Insurance for Retirees in Spain: Coverage for Over-60s
Retirees moving to Spain can purchase health insurance coverage from local or international insurance companies. Retirees moving to Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa are required to show proof of private health insurance coverage from insurance companies recognized by Spanish authorities.
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Are you a retiree hoping to spend your golden years in Spain? Are you unsure what health insurance coverage to purchase? This article from the insurance experts at Pacific Prime can act as a guide to help you better understand your health insurance options in Spain.
Read on to learn more about the various health insurance plans available to those over 60 years of age and to find tips on how UK retirees can move post-Brexit. Senior expats who want to compare health insurance plans can also use our free quote tool here!
Retiree Health Insurance for Spain
Retirees moving to Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa are required to have adequate health insurance coverage with full coverage for at least one year. Spain’s healthcare system is comprised of both public and private facilities and providers.
Public Health Insurance for Retirees in Spain
Retirees do not immediately qualify for the Spanish National Health System, Spain’s public health insurance for citizens and permanent residents. They can qualify for the public health insurance after registering as a permanent resident after five years of residence.
Expats can also qualify for the public health insurance if they work for a Spanish employer or are self-employed and make contributions to Spain’s social security system. When retirees first arrive in Spain, they will be required to have their own private health insurance coverage.
Private Health Insurance for Retirees in Spain
Retirees moving to Spain are required to have private health insurance coverage. This private health insurance coverage can be bought from local health insurance providers like Sanitas or international health insurance companies like Cigna Global.
Visa requirements dictate that the private health insurance must meet certain criteria. The health insurance must have the following:
- No copay (or deductible)
- No waiting period
- Contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain
- Validity for at least one year and must have full coverage to meet the standards set by the Spanish public health insurance
- No travel insurance with medical assistance coverage
Recommended International Health Insurance Providers for Retirees in Spain
Some of the top recommended international health insurance providers for retirees in Spain include Cigna Global and AXA. These providers offer comprehensive plans that can meet Spain’s visa requirements.
Cigna Global Plans for Retirees in Spain
Cigna Global is a popular health insurance provider that offers health insurance plans with unlimited age limits for applicants. This makes the provider popular with senior expats looking for comprehensive health insurance for Spain.
Retirees in Spain can choose between Cigna’s Global Health Option plans in Silver, Gold, and Platinum. There is also Close Care plan, a cheaper health insurance plan with a smaller global network, but it may require optional add-ons to fit Spain’s visa requirements.
We have compiled the main core benefits of these plans in the table below.
| Cigna Global Plan Benefits for Spain | ||||
| Platinum | Silver | Gold | Close Care | |
| Annual benefit limit | Unlimited | USD $2,000,000/EUR €1,600,000 | USD $1,000,000/EUR € 800,000 | USD $500,000/around EUR € 422,00 |
| Area of coverage | Worldwide options | Worldwide options | Worldwide options | Spain and home country |
| Hospitalization and surgery | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient care and private room | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered for a semi-private room |
AXA Plans for Retirees in Spain
AXA is a leading international health insurance provider that accepts applicants for new plans up to the age of 80. They still insure senior expats over 80 years old but with some exclusions.
There are five plans to choose from: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.
AXA also provides additional optional upgrades through greater outpatient benefit limits, dental benefits, and health and well-being benefits through preventative screenings. These optional benefits may not be available for all of the five plan options.
We have compiled the main core benefits of these plans in the table below.
| AXA Plan Benefits for Spain | |||||
| Foundation | Standard | Comprehensive | Prestige | Prestige Plus | |
| Annual benefit limit | EUR €312,500/USD $400,000 | EUR €1,275,000/USD $1,600,000 | EUR €1,900,000/USD $2,400,000 | EUR €2,550,000/USD $3,200,000 | EUR €6,375,000/USD $8,000,000 |
| Inpatient treatment fees | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| CT, MRI, and PET scans | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Outpatient surgery | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Cancer treatment | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Health Insurance Challenges for Retirees in Spain
Health insurance challenges for retirees in Spain can include some insurance providers having age limits for their policies and troubles finding coverage for any pre-existing conditions. These unique challenges can slow the process of finding health insurance for retirees in Spain.
- Age Limits: Some insurance providers may have age limits for applicants. Retirees 60–70 years old may have trouble finding insurance plans that still accept applicants their age. Senior expats should do their research or ask an insurance broker for help finding a provider that will insure them.
- Pre-existing Condition Coverage: Some providers do not offer pre-existing condition coverage, which can be a challenge for retirees, as they are more likely to have conditions to manage. Make sure to read through the terms and conditions of the plans to ensure your plan has the right coverage.
What UK Retirees Moving to Spain Need to Know Post-Brexit
Retirees from the UK post-Brexit can purchase health insurance through a private health insurance provider. UK retirees in Spain can no longer automatically access healthcare, meaning they will need to secure their own private health insurance unless they qualify for specific schemes.
UK retirees with an S1 form can access Spain’s public healthcare system by transferring healthcare costs to the UK government. UK retirees are eligible for an S1 form if they are being paid a UK state pension and are moving to Spain or another EU country.
As for the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), retirees can not rely on these for health insurance if moving to Spain long-term. These health insurance cards are only options for those on temporary stays or tourist visas.
Why Spain is a Top Retirement Destination for Retirees
Spain is a top retirement destination for retirees due to its low cost of living, high-quality healthcare, ideal climate, and rich culture. Many retirees flock to this country yearly to seek a new adventure in their golden years. We will explain more about these reasons below.
- Low Cost of Living: Spain is one of the least expensive European countries, allowing retirees to stretch the money they have saved. Living in a more affordable country can help retirees have a greater quality of life.
- High-Quality Healthcare: Spain is known for its high-quality and affordable healthcare system. Retirees in Spain will likely be seeking medical care for various conditions as they age, and having an affordable and accessible healthcare system is priceless.
- Ideal Climate: Spain is known for its warm and sunny climate, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy your retirement. Retirees who settle on the coast can enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean weather and climate.
- Rich Culture: Spain’s culture is rich with history across the different cities, from Madrid to Valencia. Retirees will enjoy learning more about the country’s rich culture while enjoying the laid-back and high-quality lifestyle that most expats live there.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can retirees get health insurance in Spain?
Retirees can get health insurance in Spain by purchasing private coverage from a local or international insurance provider. A health insurance plan can be purchased with the help of an insurance broker. Retirees can get public health insurance in Spain through work or permanent residency.
Are retirees required to have private health insurance in Spain?
Retirees are required to have private health insurance in Spain in order to fulfill visa requirements. Most senior expats retire in Spain through a Non-Lucrative Visa, which specifically mandates that visa applicants show proof of adequate health insurance coverage.
Can retirees in Spain qualify for public health insurance?
Retirees in Spain can qualify for public health insurance when they’ve lived in Spain for five years and apply for permanent residency. They can also qualify for public health insurance if they contribute to Spain’s social security through work.
Conclusion:
Retirees moving to Spain will need to purchase their own private health insurance coverage to fulfill visa requirements. This health insurance coverage can also help retirees navigate the Spanish healthcare system more seamlessly and keep them protected abroad.
Are you ready to find your Spain retiree health insurance plan? Let the insurance experts at Pacific Prime help you find the right fit. As a global health insurance broker who specializes in expat health insurance, Pacific Prime can offer a wealth of professional expertise.
We offer free and unbiased advice to our clients. Contact Pacific Prime to discuss a range of Spain health insurance plans available for you, your loved ones, or your group. To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote, visit our website today!
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Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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