{"id":29216,"date":"2026-03-03T04:17:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T20:17:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/?p=29216"},"modified":"2026-03-27T14:16:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T06:16:49","slug":"how-to-get-health-insurance-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/how-to-get-health-insurance-spain.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Expat Health Insurance in Spain: Step-by-Step"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get health insurance in Spain as an expat, the first step is to secure a NIE card, or Foreigner Identity Number. This will be crucial for applying for the medical coverage plan of your choice, whether you choose public insurance, a local private plan, or an international insurance plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you an expat moving to Spain who needs to learn how to get health insurance? Not sure what the steps are or how long it\u2019ll take to complete the process and for your coverage to begin?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will outline those steps for you and answer your basic questions. By the end, you\u2019ll be ready to begin searching for the best plan for your health needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll always want to check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/country\/europe\/spain-health-insurance-pacific-prime-international\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ultimate guide to Spain health insurance for expats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also learn more about your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/health-insurance-spain-expats-guide.html\">public, private, and international health insurance Spain options<\/a> on our post about them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-73' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<link rel='stylesheet' href='https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/css\/compare-73-new.css?v1.67' type='text\/css' media='all'\/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/?campSource=PP-Blog&utm_campaign=Blog\" class=\"inserter-73-link CompareNowbutton\">\n  <div class=\"inserter-73-new\">\n    <div class=\"inserter-left-box\">\n        <h3>Kickstart Your Search for the Perfect Insurer<\/h3>        \n        <div class=\"inserter-compare-box\">\n            <p>Compare over <br>50,000 Plans <br>from Top Insurers<\/p>\n            <button >Compare NOW<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    \n    <div class=\"inserter-img-box\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/img\/mobile.png\" alt=\" \" class=\"banner-img-mobile\">            \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/a>\n\n<style>\n\n.inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {right: -31%;}\n@media (max-width: 1199px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    right: -20px;\n  }\n@media (max-width: 991px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    right: -10px;\n  }\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    height: auto;\n    width: 30%;\n  }\n}\n@media (max-width: 512px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    height: 200px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overview of Health Insurance Options for Spain Expats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-29219 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alhambra-palace-overlooking-granada-with-snow-capped-sierra-nevada-peaks-in-springtime.webp\" alt=\"Image of Alhambra Palace Overlooking Granada With Snow-capped Sierra Nevada Peaks In Springtime with text overlay of &quot;Overview of Health Insurance Options for Spain Expats&quot;\" width=\"1244\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alhambra-palace-overlooking-granada-with-snow-capped-sierra-nevada-peaks-in-springtime.webp 1244w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alhambra-palace-overlooking-granada-with-snow-capped-sierra-nevada-peaks-in-springtime-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alhambra-palace-overlooking-granada-with-snow-capped-sierra-nevada-peaks-in-springtime-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alhambra-palace-overlooking-granada-with-snow-capped-sierra-nevada-peaks-in-springtime-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/alhambra-palace-overlooking-granada-with-snow-capped-sierra-nevada-peaks-in-springtime-150x84.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1244px) 100vw, 1244px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats in Spain can choose between public healthcare, private Spanish health insurance, or international health insurance, depending on residency status, visa type, budget, and coverage needs. Each option varies significantly in eligibility, cost, and speed of enrollment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private and international insurance are the most common solutions for newly arrived expats because they provide immediate coverage and meet Spanish visa requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public Healthcare (SNS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/health-insurance-spain-expats-guide.html#spain-public-healthcare-system\">Spain\u2019s public system<\/a> offers comprehensive care at low cost but is only available after registering as a resident or employee.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Private Spanish Insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Local private plans provide fast access to doctors and hospitals and are often required for visas.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>International Health Insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/health-insurance-plans\/international-health-insurance-plan\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Global plans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer flexible coverage across multiple countries and continuity for highly mobile expats.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Documents Needed To Buy Health Insurance in Spain<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To purchase health insurance in Spain, expats generally need proof of identity, residency status, and basic personal details, with requirements varying slightly between public, private, and international insurers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having documents prepared in advance significantly speeds up the application and avoids delays during visa or residency processing.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Passport<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A valid passport is required to verify identity and nationality for all insurance applications.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>NIE Number<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exteriores.gob.es\/Embajadas\/ottawa\/en\/ServiciosConsulares\/Paginas\/Consular\/NIE.aspx#:~:text=September%2010%2C%202024.%20%E2%80%8BImportant%20information%20about%20the,reside%20in%20Spain%20or%20prove%20residence%20there.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foreigner Identity Number<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is commonly requested by Spanish insurers and public authorities.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Proof of Address<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A rental contract, padr\u00f3n certificate, or utility bill may be required for local policies.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Visa or Residency Permit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Non-EU citizens usually need proof of legal stay to activate coverage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-30' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><button class=\"mo-modal-open\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Europe_1.jpg\" alt=\"Blog Banner Europe 1\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/button><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4 Easy Steps to Get Health Insurance in Spain for Expats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting health insurance in Spain follows a predictable process that starts with legal registration and collecting your NIE card, and ends with selecting the right coverage based on eligibility and lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While not every expat must complete every step, following them in order ensures compliance with Spanish regulations and visa requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Getting Your NIE (Foreigner Identity Number)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b>The NIE is the essential identification number required for nearly all administrative processes in Spain<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including purchasing health insurance and registering for public healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most expats apply for their NIE through a Spanish consulate abroad or at a local police station after arrival.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Application Location<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: NIEs can be issued in Spain or at Spanish consulates before relocation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Processing Time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Appointments are often required and can take one to four weeks to secure.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Required Forms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Applicants must submit form EX-15, passport copies, and justification for the request.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Registering for Public Healthcare (If Eligible)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligible expats can access Spain\u2019s public healthcare system by registering with Social Security or enrolling through the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanidad.gob.es\/en\/servCiudadanos\/internacional\/convenioEspecial.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Convenio Especial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> scheme. This step is typically available to employed residents, self-employed workers, or long-term residents who meet contribution requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Employee Registration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Workers are automatically registered through employer social security contributions.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Self-Employed Enrollment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Self-employed individuals register directly with Social Security and pay monthly contributions.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Convenio Especial<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Residents without employment can pay a monthly fee, typically USD $70\u2013$185 (\u20ac60\u2013\u20ac157), depending on age.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-31' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><button class=\"mo-modal-open\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Europe_2.jpg\" alt=\"Blog Banner Europe 2\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/button><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Buying Private Spanish Insurance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private Spanish health insurance is the fastest and most popular option for expats who need immediate coverage or must meet visa requirements. These policies provide access to private hospitals, English-speaking doctors, and shorter wait times than the public system.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Visa Compliance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Non-lucrative and digital nomad visas usually require full private coverage without copayments.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cost Range<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Monthly premiums typically range from USD $60 to $240 (\u20ac50 to \u20ac200) depending on age and benefits.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Underwriting Rules<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Many Spanish insurers exclude pre-existing conditions or apply waiting periods.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private, local Spanish insurance is one option for expats, but they can also choose international insurance, as we discuss in step 4.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 4: Buying International Insurance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International health insurance is ideal for expats who want <\/span><b>portable coverage or plan to live in multiple countries.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These plans provide broader geographic protection and often include evacuation, repatriation, and global provider networks.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Worldwide Coverage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Policies can include Spain-only, Europe, or global coverage zones.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Higher Limits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Annual benefit limits often exceed 1 million USD, depending on the plan.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Continuity Advantage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Coverage remains active even if you relocate outside Spain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most common coverage type for expatriates and families who travel internationally often, know they\u2019ll be moving countries in the near future, and want the most comprehensive benefits available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/top-spain-insurance-companies-expats.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top Spanish health insurance companies for expats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> here!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-32' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><button class=\"mo-modal-open\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Europe_3.jpg\" alt=\"Blog Banner Europe 3\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/button><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Long It Takes to Get Health Insurance in Spain<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private and international plans offer the <\/span><b>fastest activation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, either becoming effective immediately or within 24 to 72 hours. The time required to obtain health insurance in Spain and for those benefits to start depends on the chosen plan type.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding timelines is crucial for expats applying for visas or residency permits with strict insurance deadlines.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public Healthcare (SNS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Registration can take one to three months after residency and social security enrollment.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Convenio Especial<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Approval typically takes one to two months after application.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Private Spanish Insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Coverage often activates within 24 to 72 hours after approval.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>International Insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Many plans activate immediately or on a selected start date.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Spain Insurance<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t buy an insurance plan that doesn\u2019t meet the mandatory requirements of a Spanish visa or residency permit. This is one of the most common mistakes expats should avoid. You can encounter delays or visa rejections due to avoidable mistakes like this one when selecting health insurance in Spain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being aware of common pitfalls helps ensure compliance, adequate coverage, and long-term satisfaction with your policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Buying Non-Compliant Plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Some low-cost policies do not meet Spanish visa or residency requirements.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Ignoring Waiting Periods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Certain treatments may not be covered immediately after policy activation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Underestimating Coverage Needs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Basic plans may exclude <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/health-insurance-plans\/maternity\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maternity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mental health, or specialist care.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Delaying Purchase<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Waiting too long can disrupt visa timelines or leave coverage gaps.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do expats need private health insurance to live in Spain?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most expats need private health insurance in Spain when applying for visas or residency, especially non-EU citizens without employment. Spanish authorities require full coverage with no copayments to ensure applicants do not rely on public healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can foreigners use Spain\u2019s public healthcare system?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foreigners can use Spain\u2019s public healthcare system once they are legally registered as residents and enrolled in Social Security or the Convenio Especial. Access is not immediate and typically depends on employment status or long-term residency compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-72' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<link rel='stylesheet' href='https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/css\/compare-72-new.css?v1.47' type='text\/css' media='all'\/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/?campSource=PP-Blog&utm_campaign=Blog\" class=\"inserter-72-link CompareNowbutton\">\n        <div class=\"inserter-72-new\">\n            <h3>Start by Comparing <br>Insurance Plans Online<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"inserter-img-box\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/img\/desktop.png\" alt=\" \">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"inserter-compare-box\">\n                <p>Browse and Compare 50,000+ <br>International Health Plans<\/p>\n                <button>Compare NOW<\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you understand the steps to securing health insurance in Spain as an expat, you\u2019re prepared to compare the plans and quotes themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s when Pacific Prime steps in! We are an international health insurance brokerage with over 20 years of experience helping over a million and a half expatriates just like you secure healthcare coverage globally.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Utilize our exceptional <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online database<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that features<\/span><b> over 50,000 expat-focused health insurance plans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to begin comparing benefits, plans, quotes, and more! It\u2019s a free resource anyone can use, and you won\u2019t want to miss it!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re ready to speak to an international insurance expert, you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact our team online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or call +852-3113-1331.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recommend expats and foreign citizens living in Spain reference the following links:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/pre-existing-conditions-health-insurance-spain.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pre-Existing Conditions and Health Insurance in Spain<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/maternity-insurance-spain-expats-html.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maternity Insurance in Spain for Expats: Coverage Options<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/health-insurance-for-americans-in-spain.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health Insurance for Americans in Spain<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/health-insurance-cost-in-spain.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Spain?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/how-to-apply-for-spain-digital-nomad-visa.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Apply for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-33' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><button class=\"mo-modal-open\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Europe_4.jpg\" alt=\"Blog Banner Europe 4\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/button><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To get health insurance in Spain as an expat, the first step is to secure a NIE card, or Foreigner Identity Number. This will be crucial for applying for the medical coverage plan of your choice, whether you choose public insurance, a local private plan, or an international insurance plan. Are you an expat moving &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":29218,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1713,570],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29216","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expat-insurance","category-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Get Health Insurance in Spain: Steps for Expats<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the simple step-by-step process expats should take to buy health insurance in Spain and how long coverage takes to begin.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, 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