When I first came to Spain, I randomly bought an insurance policy just to get my residency permit, only to find out later that it had quite a few pitfalls. When it was time for renewal, I took a closer look at the major insurance companies on the market and discovered that the prices and coverage vary significantly. Here’s some information I’ve gathered, and I hope it can help those of you struggling to choose the right insurance.
Overview of Major Insurance Company Prices
First, it’s important to understand that the price of health insurance in Spain is influenced by many factors, mainly age and the type of policy. Generally, the older you are, the more expensive it gets, and a comprehensive plan without co-payments (sin copago) is more expensive than one with co-payments (con copago). The table below is a rough guide I’ve put together based on information from friends and online sources, primarily for young people under 30, to give you a general idea.
| Insurance Company | Monthly Fee (No Co-payment) | Monthly Fee (With Co-payment) | Features |
|---|
| Adeslas | 50-60 Euros | 30-40 Euros | Many clinics, wide coverage |
| Sanitas | 50-65 Euros | 35-45 Euros | Good reputation for service quality, strong on dental |
| Asisa | 45-55 Euros | 25-35 Euros | Relatively competitive prices |
| DKV | 50-60 Euros | 30-40 Euros | Focuses on prevention and wellness management |
Note: The prices above are estimates. Please refer to the official quotes from the insurance companies for actual pricing.
Sin Copago or Con Copago?
This is probably the most debated question. To put it simply:
- Sin Copago (No Co-payment): You pay a fixed monthly premium, and most visits and tests won’t cost you extra. It’s suitable for people who need to see a doctor frequently or prefer the peace of mind of not having to worry about extra costs.
- Con Copago (With Co-payment): The monthly premium is cheaper, but you have to pay a small fee (from a few to over ten euros) each time you use a medical service. This is ideal for young, healthy individuals who rarely visit the hospital, as it can save a significant amount on premiums.
Personally, I used a Sin Copago plan for my first year, which gave me a lot of peace of mind. However, I later realized I didn’t even go to the hospital twice a year, so I switched to a Con Copago plan upon renewal and did save money. It really depends on your personal needs.
Recommendations for Different Groups
- Students: Applying for a student residency permit usually requires a Sin Copago plan with no waiting periods (sin carencias). Although it’s a bit more expensive, this is a mandatory requirement with no way around it. It’s advisable to consult an insurance broker directly, as they often have package deals specifically for students.
- Working Professionals: If you’re healthy and rarely get sick, a basic Con Copago plan from a major provider is a very cost-effective choice for your Spanish health insurance. If you have a family or are planning a pregnancy, it’s better to opt for a Sin Copago plan and pay close attention to its coverage for pregnancy and childbirth, as well as any waiting periods.
- Seniors: Premiums for this group are much higher, and many companies have an age limit for new enrollments. When choosing, you should pay special attention to the coverage for chronic diseases and common age-related illnesses; price is no longer the primary consideration.
There’s no such thing as the ‘best’ insurance, only the one that’s ‘most suitable’ for you. I recommend comparing several companies and carefully reading the policy terms, especially the parts written in small print, such as what’s excluded, the length of waiting periods, and so on. I hope everyone finds the right insurance and stays healthy and well in Spain!
