Are you thinking of moving to Spain and would like to find out about health insurance for Spanish residency?
Maybe you’re wondering when and if you will need to take out private health insurance. Or if you are eligible to access the Spanish Healthcare, known locally as Seguridad Social?
If so, keep reading, as this post will give you some useful information to help you understand how the system works for expats moving to Spain.
Finding out whether you need medical insurance to live in Spain is one of the key things you need to know when planning your move to Spain. The correct answer can be confusing to find. This is because it depends on some different factors. But fear not, as we can give you the right answer, and with it, the confidence that you will have the exact cover you need. The main factors that dictate what medical insurance you need to live in Spain are as follows:
– Are you an EU or non-EU citizen?
– How long are you planning to live in Spain?
– Are you a Brit retiring to Spain after Brexit?
What health insurance do you need to live in Spain for less than three months?
– EU citizens
You can have free access to the Spanish public healthcare (Seguridad Social). This will last for the first 3 months of your stay with an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card).
– Non-EU citizens
In this case, travel insurance covering the period of your stay should be all you need.
What health insurance do you need to live in Spain for more than three months?
– EU citizens planning to live in Spain for more than 3 months are required to take out private health insurance unless they are employed by a Spanish company or self-employed and paying tax in Spain (Autónomos).
– Non-EU citizens that are unemployed or self-employed in Spain are required to contract private health insurance to obtain residency (and this includes post-Brexit applicants as well).
For many years, any British citizen could retire in Spain as the UK was part of the EU, but after Brexit finally came into effect in 2021 it marked a big change for British citizens wanting to retire to Spain.
So, the simple question is…
The good news is that yes, it is still possible to retire to Spain after Brexit. But after 2021 a residency permit such as Non-Lucrative or Golden Visa is required.
If you want more information about residency permits and health insurance in Spain, keep reading! We’ve got you covered.
The good news is that the relationship between Spain and the UK allows British pensioners to access UK-funded healthcare while living in Spain.
Once you become entitled to a UK state pension you will then be able to apply for a UK S1. After receiving your S1 form, you must register it with the INSS (National Institute of Social Security).
If everything is in order and your UK S1 is accepted you and your dependants will be entitled to state healthcare on the same basis as a Spanish citizen. But note that if the UK does pay for your healthcare through an S1 form, you can’t register for Spanish healthcare as a permanent resident.
You’ll get a health insurance card once you’re fully registered for healthcare. You can just take this with you whenever you visit a doctor, hospital or pharmacy and the basic state services are free.
If you do receive healthcare in Spain through the UK S1, please remember that when visiting the UK you will not receive free NHS services, so it may be wise to have travel insurance for your trips home.
If you are currently receiving a UK state pension that means you’ll be able to get an S1 form. To get this form you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Services by phone to request an application form.
NHS Overseas Healthcare Services
Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 3pm
If you want to find out more about what a UK S1 is and how to get one take a look here.
If you are not planning to work in Spain but would like to live there for more than 3 months a year, you will be required to take out a health insurance plan.
You will need a health insurance plan that offers the same coverage that the Spanish public healthcare system provides to nationals and citizens paying tax in Spain. This will include:
– Full coverage throughout Spanish territory for basic healthcare, all medical specialities, ER, hospitalization and surgical interventions.
– Without copayments
– No waiting periods
– No limit on medical expenses in Spain
So, now you know what medical insurance you need for Spanish residency depending on what your plans are. But now you might be wondering ‘great, but where can I find the health insurance I need?’. Well, I have good news for you, because if you’re looking to get your hands on health insurance for Spanish residency, you’re in the right place!
Adeslas, the Nº1 health insurance company in Spain, has designed a medical insurance plan for expatriates applying for residency in Spain that, in addition to all the above, also includes:
– Repatriation Cover to your country of origin in case of death or fatal illness
– Trip assistance worldwide (for trips outside of Spain)
Adesalzi, is an exclusive Adeslas agent with a direct Adeslas office. With a team of professionals who speak fluent English and are experts in health insurance for residency purposes.
We understand the, sometimes complex, process of applying for Spanish residency. And yes, we are fluent in English too. Therefore, we give you the confidence that this important part of your residency process is in very safe hands.
We know getting the right health insurance is a vital part of your visa application in Spain and we will be there with you all the way. We’re always just a WhatsApp message away. Still not sure if you are the right fit? Take a look at Why Adesalzi is the Best Insurance Broker for Expat Health Insurance.
We can send you a free quote, without obligation, in less than 24 hours. In addition, we can quickly answer all the questions that you might have about health insurance for Spanish residency via email, WhatsApp or if you prefer to talk on the phone, that’s fine too.
Our English speaking insurance experts will be there for you. We offer a complete 1-1 personalized and reliable service.
In addition, if you have any further non-insurance related questions relating to residency in Spain we can put you in contact with trustworthy residency lawyers who also offer legal advice in English. We are ready to help you obtain the correct health insurance for Spanish residency that you need.
Contact us and we will be happy to assist you! Or check out all the insurance policies we offer HERE
Don’t just believe our words, our client testimonials speak for us about what we can do, and how we really do offer a fully personalized service.
So whether you’re just starting to plan your new life in Spain or if you need urgent assistance. Contact us now and we will help you with any questions about medical insurance in Spain. We’re the experts.
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