Health Insurance for EU Citizens Moving to Spain
Citizens from the European Union (EU) moving to Spain will need health insurance if staying in the country longer than three months. Some EU citizens may be eligible for public health insurance, while others will need to provide their own private health insurance policy.
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Are you an EU citizen moving to Spain in need of health insurance? Are you unsure what options are available to you? This article from the insurance experts at Pacific Prime will act as a guide to health insurance for Spain.
We will explain the options available to EU citizens, both public and private, and share recommended health insurance providers. Keep reading to learn more, or use our free quote tool to begin comparing health insurance plans on your own.
Health Insurance Options for EU Citizens Staying Long-Term in Spain
EU citizens staying long-term in Spain can either purchase private health insurance or apply for public health insurance if they are eligible. Their eligibility for public health insurance will depend on their employment status and other factors.
Public Health Insurance for EU Citizens
EU citizens can qualify for Spain’s public health insurance, Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), if they are working and contributing to Spain’s social security system. This applies to both traditionally employed and self-employed EU citizens.
The SNS covers most medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care. Most healthcare services are free, though prescription drugs are not free but are subsidized.
They can also access the public healthcare system through other ways, like permanent residency, paying for Convenio Especial, or S1 forms.
- Permanent Residency: EU citizens can become permanent residents in Spain after living in the country for a period of five years.
- S1 Forms: EU citizens who are receiving pensions from other EU countries or the UK who or are posted on temporary work assignment in Spain can access the public health insurance system through an S1 form. This form transfers healthcare costs to the expat’s home country’s government.
- Convenio Especial: EU citizens can apply for this paid, voluntary scheme that is offered by the regional healthcare authorities within the SNS. It’s aimed at people who do not qualify for the SNS, but are still legal residents and have been in Spain for a year.
Private Health Insurance for EU Citizens
EU citizens moving to Spain may need private health insurance for visa requirements. EU citizens applying for Non-Lucrative Visas, Student Visas, and Digital Nomad Visas will need to show proof of adequate health insurance coverage.
This private health insurance must offer comprehensive coverage for inpatient and outpatient services, have no deductibles, no waiting periods, remain valid for the entirety of the stay, and the insurance provider must be recognized by Spanish authorities.
EU citizens can purchase health insurance from local or international health insurance providers in Spain. Local health insurance offers the benefits of strong local access, but international health insurance can provide higher limits and worldwide networks.
Recommended International Health Insurance Providers for Spain
Recommended international health insurance providers for Spain include AXA, Allianz, and Cigna Global. These global insurance providers are experienced in providing insurance solutions for foreigners and offer comprehensive coverage for EU citizens moving to Spain.
AXA Plans for EU Citizens in Spain
AXA is a leading international health insurance provider that insures EU citizens in Spain.
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 |
Allianz Care Plans for EU Citizens in Spain
Allianz Care is a leading international health insurance provider that offers EU citizens comprehensive health insurance coverage in Spain. EU expats can choose between Allianz’s three Core plans: Care Base, Care Enhanced, and Care Signature.
Once you have selected the Core plan you prefer, you can add additional coverage. Additional coverage is available through Allianz Care’s Outpatient plan and Dental plan.
We have listed the core benefits in Allianz Care’s plans below.
| Allianz Care Core Plan Benefits for Spain | |||
| Care Base | Care Enhanced | Care Signature | |
| Annual benefit limit | EUR € 1,000,000/USD $1,350,000 | EUR € 2,000,000/USD $2,700,000 | EUR € 3,703,705/USD $ 5,000,000 |
| Private hospital accommodation | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient surgical fees | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient prescriptions | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient diagnostic tests | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Cigna Global Plans for EU citizens in Spain
Cigna Global is one of the most popular international health insurance providers for EU citizens in Spain due to their high benefit limits and customizable plan options.
Expats 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 |
Using an European Health Insurance Card in Spain
EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Spain only on temporary or tourist visas for up to 90 days. EU citizens can use their EHIC to get medically necessary treatment at any public hospital or clinic in Spain.
The EHIC is not appropriate for EU citizens staying long-term in Spain and will not be enough to fulfill visa requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is healthcare free for EU citizens in Spain?
Healthcare can be free for EU citizens in Spain, depending on whether they qualify for public health insurance or if they are using their EHIC card. Expats who are ineligible for public health insurance and staying long-term will need to buy private health insurance or pay out of pocket.
Are EU citizens required to have health insurance in Spain?
EU citizens are required to have health insurance in Spain if they are staying longer than three months. EU citizens working and contributing to the Spanish social security system may qualify for public health insurance, while others will need to purchase private health insurance.
How can EU citizens get private health insurance in Spain?
EU citizens can get private health insurance by purchasing a policy from a local or international health insurance provider. They can apply for a policy directly or use an insurance broker as a mediator to help them find the best fit.
How much does international health insurance for Spain cost?
The cost of an international health insurance policy depends on different factors, such as the coverage level, your health history, and other factors. In 2024, the average price for an individual international health insurance policy was USD $5,193 (around EUR €4,411).
Conclusion:
EU citizens moving to Spain long-term will need to purchase private health insurance coverage. They may qualify for public health insurance if they are working in the country or after five years of living in Spain.
Are you ready to begin shopping for health insurance in Spain? 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!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other articles on topics other expats in Spain may be interested in below!
- Health Insurance for British Expats in Spain: Post-Brexit Guide
- Health Insurance for Latin American Expats in Spain
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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