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Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance – What’s the Difference & Which One Do You Need?

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When planning a move or extended stay in Spain, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right insurance. Should you get travel insurance or private health insurance? The answer depends on how long you’re staying, whether you need ongoing medical care, and if your visa requires full coverage.

 

Many expats, digital nomads, and retirees assume that travel insurance is enough, but this can lead to unexpected coverage gaps. In this guide, we’ll explain:

 

  • What travel insurance covers vs. private health insurance
  • Who needs which type of insurance
  • What insurance is required for Spanish visas

What Is Travel Insurance?

 

Short-Term Coverage for Trips & Emergencies

Travel insurance is designed for short-term visitors and focuses on emergency situations. It provides coverage for:

  • Emergency medical expenses due to accidents or sudden illness
  • Trip cancellations, delays, and missed connections
  • Lost luggage and personal belongings
  • Medical repatriation & evacuation in case of serious injury

However, travel insurance is not designed for long-term stays and does not cover routine check-ups, chronic illnesses, or ongoing medical treatment.

💡 Best for: Tourists, short-term visitors, business travelers, and people staying in Spain for less than 90 days.

What Is Private Health Insurance?

Comprehensive Long-Term Medical Coverage

Private health insurance provides full medical coverage for expats and residents. It includes:

  • Doctor visits & specialist consultations
  • Hospital stays & surgical procedures
  • Chronic illness management & prescription medications
  • Preventive healthcare, maternity care & mental health services

This type of insurance ensures that expats in Spain have access to private healthcare facilities, shorter wait times, and English-speaking doctors.

💡 Best for: Expats, retirees, digital nomads, and visa applicants who need full access to Spain’s healthcare system.

Key Differences – Travel vs. Health Insurance in Spain

 

Which One Do You Need?

Feature

Travel Insurance

Private Health Insurance

Medical Coverage

✅ Yes (emergency only)

✅ Yes (full healthcare access)

Routine Check-ups

❌ No

✅ Yes

Pre-existing Conditions

❌ No

✅ Some plans cover

Visa-Compliant?

❌ No

✅ Yes (for NLV, Digital Nomad, Student Visa)

Prescription Medications

❌ No

✅ Yes (Depending on policy)

Emergency Repatriation

✅ Yes

❌ No

Best for

Short-term visitors

Expats, residents & long stays

💡 If you’re staying in Spain for more than 90 days, you will likely need private health insurance instead of travel insurance.

 

📩 Still not sure which insurance you need? Contact us today for expert advice!


Do You Need Health Insurance for a Spanish Visa?

If you’re applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), Digital Nomad Visa, or Student Visa, private health insurance is required. Travel insurance does not qualify because it only covers temporary medical emergencies, not ongoing healthcare.

 

To meet Spanish visa requirements, your health insurance must:

  • Be private, full-coverage insurance
  • Have no co-pays, deductibles, or exclusions
  • Cover all medical needs, including hospitalisation
  • Active policy through a Spanish Insurance Company

💡 Tip: If you’re moving to Spain, choose private health insurance to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

 

📩 Need visa-compliant health insurance? Get a free quote today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Can I use travel insurance for my visa application?

No, Spanish visa applications require private health insurance. Travel insurance does not provide full healthcare access or meet visa requirements.

 

Does health insurance cover medical repatriation?

No, but travel insurance does. If you want repatriation coverage, check if your health insurance plan offers an add-on.

 

What happens if I get sick while traveling?

If you have travel insurance, you’ll be covered only for emergencies. If you have private health insurance, you’ll have full coverage in Spain.

 

What if I plan to live in Spain for 3+ months?

You need private health insurance, as travel insurance only covers short stays.

 

Does private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Some policies do, while others exclude them. It’s important to check before choosing a plan.

 

What if I’m an expat but travel frequently?

Some private health insurance plans offer international coverage for short-term trips—ask your provider.

 

📩 Still unsure? Contact us today for expert insurance guidance!