When you first arrive in Spain, besides finding a place to live and opening a bank account, the biggest headache might be getting health insurance. A suitable health insurance policy is a mandatory requirement, especially when applying for your residency card. I was completely confused when I first got here, but after doing a lot of online research and asking friends, I finally got it sorted out. Today, I’m sharing my experience, hoping to help those of you who are struggling with this!
Which Insurance Company Should You Choose?
Spain has many private insurance companies, but the market is dominated by a few major players like Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, and DKV. These large companies have extensive service networks and partner with numerous hospitals and clinics, which makes seeing a doctor and [buying medicine in Spain] relatively convenient. While smaller companies might offer slightly cheaper premiums, their service and coverage may not be as comprehensive. My personal advice, especially for newcomers whose Spanish isn’t fluent yet, is to prioritize the major companies to save yourself future headaches with communication and services.
How to Compare Different Plans?
Once you’ve shortlisted a few companies, the next step is to compare their specific plans. Here are a few key points to pay special attention to:
- Sin copago (No co-payment): This is a mandatory requirement for residency applications. ‘Copago’ means that in addition to your premium, you pay an extra fee for each medical visit, typically from a few euros to several tens of euros. For residency purposes, you must choose a ‘Sin copago’ plan. This is a key detail, much like understanding the process for [medical expense reimbursement in Spain].
- Sin carencia (No waiting period): ‘Carencia’ refers to a waiting period after purchasing the insurance before you can use certain medical services. Similarly, insurance for residency should be ‘Sin carencia’, or you should ask the insurance company to provide a certificate waiving the waiting periods.
- Repatriación (Repatriation): This is also an unwritten rule for many immigration offices. It’s best if your insurance policy includes this coverage.
At the time, I compared two plans from Sanitas and Adeslas, and here’s a rough breakdown:
| Feature | Sanitas Más Salud | Adeslas Plena Plus |
|---|
| Co-payment | None | None |
| Waiting Period | Waivable | Waivable |
| Dental | Basic included | Basic included |
| Price | €50-60/month | €50-60/month |
The Purchase Process is Simple
Once you’ve chosen a plan, the purchasing process is actually very straightforward. You can buy it directly online from the insurance company’s website or go through an insurance agent. I used an agent at the time, which I found made communication easier. The agent will help you prepare all the necessary documents; you just need to provide your NIE/passport, bank account details, address, and contact information. The whole process can be completed in about one or two days. Afterward, the insurance company will mail the insurance contract and health card to your home. Upon receiving the contract, be sure to carefully check your personal information and the policy terms, especially the parts about ‘Sin copago’ and ‘Sin carencia’. This contract is one of the key documents you’ll need to submit for your residency application.
When it comes to buying insurance, as long as you clearly understand the two core requirements—‘no co-payment’ (‘Sin copago’) and ‘no waiting period’ (‘Sin carencia’), you generally can’t go wrong. I hope my sharing has been helpful! If you have other questions about topics like [medical refunds], or if you have any insurance companies to recommend, feel free to leave a comment and discuss below!
