Conclusion about Private Health Care
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In Spain, the European Health Insurance Card also applies. The downside is that it only covers emergencies in public hospitals or with public doctors – but no private doctors.
And often the doctors don't know how to handle it, so you have to pay in front with your credit card.
By the way: If you are already privately insured, just contact your health insurance company to clarify the coverage for your stay abroad. Usually, the insurance also applies abroad.
Many credit cards, as well as memberships in organizations like ÖMTC/ADAC or diving insurances, offer a so-called "travel international health insurance." This is sufficient if you do not plan to stay abroad for more than 60-90 days (depending on the insurance). It's best to call your insurance if you already have such coverage.
However, if you plan to stay abroad for longer than 60 or 90 days, such travel international health insurance is no longer sufficient. Therefore, you should deal with the topic of "private international health insurance."
There are lots of providers available around the globe. In case of "not getting a resident" the coverage is up to you :)
Private health care in conclusion with residency
To apply for a Student Visa, Investment Visa (Golden Visa), Non-lucrative Visa, NIE card (the residence permit), Renewal of NIE card or similar residency permits in Spain, the Spanish embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs require proof of medical insurance with specific features, according to the Organic Law 4/2000 (as amended by Royal Decree 557/2011) and Law 14/2013. The medical insurance must meet the following criteria:
- Coverage in Spain: The insurance must be valid and operational within Spain.
- Comprehensive Coverage: It must include full coverage for emergencies, consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries (both inpatient and outpatient), hospitalizations, etc.
- Unlimited Financial Coverage: The policy should not have any financial limits on the coverage provided.
- No Co-payments or Deductibles: The insurance should cover all expenses without requiring the insured person to pay additional costs out of pocket.
- No Waiting Periods: The insurance must provide immediate coverage from the start of the policy without any waiting periods.
- Repatriation of Remains: The policy must include coverage for the repatriation of the insured person's remains in case of death.
- Coverage for the Entire Stay: The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of the applicant's stay in Spain.
These requirements ensure that the applicant is fully protected and can access necessary healthcare services during their time in Spain.
Typically, insurance companies issue certificates, though not all are accepted during appointments. Possessing a permanent contract, as opposed to a short-term one, might raise issues due to concerns from officials about whether the insurance has been consistently paid for at least a year.
Example
Suppose you have private health insurance with monthly payments (e.g., 700 euros) and the certificate indicates "automatically renews annually," and you procured this insurance in January but are applying for "Residencia" in August. To the official, it may appear your insurance is only valid for 6 months. In such scenarios, consider these 3 tips:
Tip 1: Provide a bank statement verifying timely insurance payments, assuring the official of the policy's automatic renewal.
Tip 2: Request your insurance company issue a certificate confirming all premiums have been paid to date and affirming the policy's immediate renewal.
Tip 3: Consider acquiring a cost-effective Spanish private health insurance plan, available for under 150 euros annually. This can be a strategic move for the application if your current insurance certificate seems inadequate or if your policy does not fully satisfy the official's requirements.
Here are some plans as example for your search. Non of them is a recommendation, because health insurance is very individual and we don't know your requirements.
https://www.sanitas.es/seguros/seguro-de-salud-sanitas-international-residents
https://www.bbva.es/personas/productos/seguros/seguro-medico-para-extranjeros.html
https://www.caser.es/seguros-de-salud/articulos/seguro-medico-para-extranjeros-en-espana
https://www.feather-insurance.com/en-es/expat-health-insurance
https://eng.dkv.es/particulares/seguros-de-reembolso/dkv-residentes
When selecting medical insurance for Spanish residency, be aware that many policies focused on Spain might offer limited coverage abroad, typically under "travel insurance." This can result in reduced benefits when you're outside of Spain.
If you frequently travel or need broader protection, consider an international health insurance plan. Such plans ensure full coverage both in Spain and globally, making them a better fit for those with international lifestyles.
Always review the policy details carefully to ensure it meets your needs, especially regarding coverage while abroad. This ensures that your healthcare protection remains consistent, whether you're in Spain or traveling elsewhere.
I'm employed do I need additional private health care?
You have to know, the public health insurance system does not cover everything e.g. your teeth (except removing them).
It's highly recommended to have an additional private health care that meets your requirements - but in this case it is not a requirement for your residency.