I’ve been a lurker on the forums for a while now and have seen many discussions about Spain’s non-lucrative residency. I’m personally torn between the Greek Golden Visa and the Spanish non-lucrative option. Both countries offer great sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle, but for people our age, healthcare conditions are a top priority in making a decision. After nearly a month of research and consulting with friends who’ve gone through the process, I’m starting this thread to share what I’ve learned. I hope to get the ball rolling and encourage experienced members to add their insights and corrections.
First Impressions of the Two Healthcare Systems
Both Spain and Greece are Mediterranean countries with universal public healthcare systems that rank quite highly in Europe. However, the situation is a bit different for foreigners like us who have just moved. For Spain’s non-lucrative residency, it’s mandatory to purchase comprehensive private health insurance with no co-payments for the first year. The Greek Golden Visa also requires private health insurance, but the requirements seem slightly more relaxed than in Spain, with many people opting for a basic plan. In terms of coverage and strict requirements, it feels like Spain takes the healthcare security of new immigrants more seriously from the very beginning.
Detailed Comparison: Insurance and Medical Care
To make things clearer, I’ve created a simple table to compare the initial healthcare situation for new immigrants in both countries. This primarily covers the period right after obtaining the residency card, before one starts working and contributing to social security locally.
| Comparison Point | Spain | Greece |
|---|
| Insurance Requirement | Mandatory comprehensive plan with no co-payments | Mandatory private insurance, flexible options |
| Insurance Cost | Higher, around €1,500-€2,500/year for a family | Lower, a basic plan can be just a few hundred euros/year |
| Private Resources | Very developed, many options in big cities | Also good, but top resources are concentrated in Athens |
| Public System | Can register after getting residency card & registering address (padrón) | Can register after getting residency card, but efficiency can be low |
| Emergency Care | Public emergency rooms are open to everyone | Public emergency rooms are open to everyone |
As the table shows, the initial investment in Spain is indeed higher, with insurance costs being significantly more expensive. However, in return, you get access to fast appointments and excellent facilities in the private healthcare system from day one, with virtually no waiting times. A friend of mine in Madrid had a child with a fever in the middle of the night and went straight to a private hospital’s emergency room; the whole experience was excellent. In Greece, on the other hand, if you opt for a basic insurance plan, many services might not be covered, or you might have to endure long queues in the public system, which can detract from the experience. The quality can vary significantly compared to a comprehensive [Spanish health insurance] plan.
Which is a better deal in the long run?
In the short term, Greece has a clear cost advantage. But in the long run, considering the [healthcare in Spain], after living in the country for a year, you can switch to a work permit or find other ways to contribute to social security, which grants you access to the same public healthcare benefits as locals. Spain’s public healthcare system is highly rated by the World Health Organization, offering broad coverage and subsidized medication. This becomes very cost-effective for those with chronic illnesses or in need of long-term care. While Greece also has a public system, it’s generally reported to be less efficient and not as well-resourced as Spain’s. So, my feeling is that if you just want a second residency and don’t plan to live there much, Greece might be the more hassle-free option. However, if you are truly considering the quality of [Spanish healthcare] and plan to retire and live there long-term, then Spain’s higher initial investment buys you a more comprehensive and reliable long-term safety net.
The choice between countries ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. Are you looking for low initial costs, or do you prioritize the quality of long-term healthcare security? There’s no single right answer. Personally, I’m leaning towards Spain because I feel that with something as important as healthcare, it’s better to ‘get it right from the start’ for peace of mind. What are your thoughts? Are there any friends living in Greece who can share their actual experiences?
