Moving to Spain attracts many expatriates and retirees every year. Before you leave, it’s vital that you understand the administrative requirements and the role of health insurance in Spain. The latter is often required to obtain a visa, and is essential if you are to be properly covered once in Spain.
Mondassur explains what you need to know to select your health insurance for Spain! From visa requirements, to choosing the right cover, to the differences between Spanish and international insurance. You’ll be able to leave with peace of mind, with the coverage that really suits your needs.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Spanish visa?
Work visa
To obtain a work visa in Spain, you need to submit a complete file. The authorities require :
- Valid passport
- Employment contract signed with a company based in Spain
- Work permit issued by the Spanish authorities (often obtained from the employer)
- Health insurance covering your entire stay in Spain
- Clean police record (last 5 years)
- Medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Spain or intended address
- Passport photos
- Payment of visa fees
- Official visa application form completed and signed
Long-stay visa without gainful employment
To obtain a visa for residence without gainful employment, you must submit a complete file. The authorities require :
- Valid passport
- Recent passport photos
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to live in Spain without working
- Comprehensive health insurance, valid in Spain for the entire duration of the visa (as offered by Mondassur, for example)
- Certificate of clean criminal record (for the last 5 years)
- Official medical certificate attesting to theabsence of diseases that could represent a risk to public health
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Payment of visa fees (consular taxes)
- Completed and signed official application form
Do I need health insurance to live in Spain?
Yes, health insurance is essential for living in Spain. You’ll need it to obtain a visa, but also to be properly covered once you’re here. The Spanish public health system can have long waiting times, and doesn’t always cover your needs as an expatriate. Expatriate insurance in Spain gives you rapid access to private healthcare.
Mondassur already covers a large number of policyholders living in Spain, so our health insurance policies are recognized and accepted to meet the requirements of the Spanish authorities.
Spanish health insurance or international insurance: which to choose?
Local Spanish health insurance may seem attractive at first glance. However, they are very limited for expatriates. They only cover Spain, and often impose restricted medical networks. What’s more, as they are Spanish rather than international, you’ll need to be fluent in Spanish to understand cover, access customer service or manage reimbursements. Their attractive rates also hide limitations: restricted networks, long waiting times for certain specialties, no repatriation.
These limitations are problematic for the health health of seniors and retirees abroad who often require more regular medical check-ups and solid international coverage.
Conversely, international health insurance covers you in Spain and abroad. This is essential if you’re traveling, returning to your home country or needing treatment in another country. A health insurance plan like Mondassur offers greater flexibility, access to all private establishments, multilingual services and more comprehensive cover (repatriation, hospitalization, standard medicine, emergencies, well-being…).
Frequently asked questions about health insurance in Spain
Is the UK EHIC card valid in Spain?
The UK EHIC (or GHIC) card is only valid in Spain for temporary stays, such as vacations or short business trips. It only allows access to public care considered “medically necessary”. It does not cover private care or repatriation.
In addition, many treatments are still subject to local charges, which can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses. The British authorities also point out that EHIC/GHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive health insurance, and is not suitable for moving abroad, particularly to Spain.
Am I covered if I return temporarily to my country of origin?
Yes, with Mondassur you’re covered if you return temporarily to your home country, for up to 60 consecutive days. This coverage allows you to stay protected during occasional stays without having to take out additional insurance.
Does Mondassur insurance meet Spanish visa requirements?
Yes, Mondassur insurance meets Spanish visa requirements. Our contracts offer comprehensive medical coverage, valid in Spain for the duration of your stay. Our contracts include hospitalization, routine medical care, emergency care and access to the private sector, for example.
If you’re wondering how to prepare for your expatriation, take the hassle out of choosing health insurance. Mondassur already covers many expatriates living in Spain. This guarantees that our insurance plans are recognized, accepted and perfectly adapted to your real needs.
