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Which health insurance should expats in Spain choose?

We help you choose the right health insurance in Spain, whether you're new, working, or need extra coverage.

Reyes avatar
Written by Reyes
Updated today

If you’re new to Spain, one of the first things to figure out is your healthcare coverage. Here’s a clear comparison between our expat health insurance, a standard private insurance and Spain’s public healthcare system (Seguridad Social), so you can choose what’s best for your situation.

1. Expat Health Insurance - Best for expats

Feather’s expat health insurance is specifically designed for visa and residence permit applicants. The insurance can also be used for renewals and is valid for up to 5 years from the date you arrive in Spain. It’s fully digital, 100% in English, and meets all Spanish visa requirements, making it the best option for:

  • Non-lucrative visa applicants (NLV)

  • Remote workers and digital nomads

  • Students and temporary residents

  • People who are not yet registered (empadronado) or working in Spain

  • People who need to renew their residence permit or visa and have been in Spain for less than 5 years

What’s included:

  • Hospital visits, surgeries, and emergency care

  • Doctor appointments and specialist treatments

  • Pregnancy care and childbirth

  • Repatriation, medical transport, and more

  • Urgent dental care (up to €500/year)

Expat health insurance includes EU-wide coverage. Limited coverage in your home country is available once your policy has been active for one year.

Note: it's not meant for long-term residents already using Spain’s public healthcare system.

2. Traditional Private Insurance

The standard private health insurance usually offers greater coverage at a higher price. It’s suitable for people already living, working, or self-employed in Spain.

What’s included:

  • Fast access to private clinics and specialists

  • Maximum length of policy is unlimited

Traditional private insurance in Spain is not valid for visa applications. This type of insurance is better suited for those who have been living in Spain for several years and already hold a NIE.

3. Public Healthcare (Seguridad Social)

Spain’s public system is well-regarded and free if you’re contributing to Social Security (through employment or self-employment).

What’s included:

  • Primary care, specialists, and emergency care

  • Hospitalization and maternity services

  • Vaccinations and mental health care

Spain’s public healthcare system offers comprehensive care, but it often involves longer wait times for non-urgent treatments. To access it, you must be registered and contributing to Social Security, and it’s not valid for visa applications.

If you’ve just arrived in Spain and need health insurance for your visa or residence permit, expat health insurance is the best choice. It’s fully compliant with visa requirements, easy to purchase online in English, and covers everything you need.

If you have any doubts about the requirements or want to know if our policy works for your visa, book a call here.

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