Start with your healthcare entitlement
Moving to Spain does not give every newcomer the same public healthcare entitlement. Before paying for private cover, establish how you will access care: through work, a recognised entitlement such as an eligible S1, or private insurance. For British movers, GOV.UK provides a practical starting point.
Reference: GOV.UK · Living in Spain ↗
What can private medical insurance include?
Benefits depend on the policy. Comprehensive medical plans may include primary care, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, emergency care and inpatient treatment. Check each item in the actual contract; a benefit mentioned in a brochure may have conditions.
| Area of care | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Doctors and specialists | Which local doctors are in the network? Are referrals required? |
| Tests and treatment | Does the test need prior authorisation? Is there a limit? |
| Hospital care | Are surgery, inpatient stays and day procedures included? |
| Other benefits | What are the limits for mental health, physiotherapy or dental care? |
Four terms that change how a policy works
A copayment is an amount paid when using a covered service. A waiting period delays access to a specified benefit. An exclusion removes a risk or treatment from cover. A reimbursement arrangement may require you to pay a provider first and claim eligible costs back. Ask for concrete examples, especially if you will use healthcare regularly.
Check the contract, not only the headline price
Ask for the policy wording and individual terms before accepting an offer. Disclose information requested in the health questionnaire accurately and ask for written clarification of exclusions. Cancellation and renewal rules are contractual matters; do not assume a visa refusal automatically produces a refund.
- Confirm hospitals near the city where you will live.
- Compare the full annual cost and payment schedule.
- Check the starting date, renewal terms and any age conditions.
- If you need a visa, compare the policy with the requirements for that specific route.
Reference: BOE · Insurance Contract Act ↗
Your questions, answered
Does every private policy work for a visa?
No. A policy for day-to-day healthcare can have conditions that do not match a particular visa application. Check the visa-specific requirements before buying.
Are medicines and dental treatment always included?
No. Outpatient prescriptions and dental treatment can have separate limits, discounts or exclusions. Read the benefit schedule.
Can I ask about more than one insurer?
Yes. Start with your needs and ask for the relevant options and policy documents. This website does not rank or endorse insurers.
Your next step
Turn the questions into a plan.
Tell us about your move. We can help you identify the next conversation and the information you need to prepare.
Request a personalised consultationSources and review status
The editorial team checked the following primary sources on 9 September 2026. Professional review is identified separately when completed. Check the current instructions of the office handling your application before making a commitment.
Our editorial approach