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:
Travel insurance is designed for short-term visitors and focuses on emergency situations. It provides coverage for:
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.
Private health insurance provides full medical coverage for expats and residents. It includes:
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.
|
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!
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:
💡 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!
No, Spanish visa applications require private health insurance. Travel insurance does not provide full healthcare access or meet visa requirements.
No, but travel insurance does. If you want repatriation coverage, check if your health insurance plan offers an add-on.
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.
You need private health insurance, as travel insurance only covers short stays.
Some policies do, while others exclude them. It’s important to check before choosing a plan.
Some private health insurance plans offer international coverage for short-term trips—ask your provider.
📩 Still unsure? Contact us today for expert insurance guidance!