Health insurance for foreigners in Spain: Peace of mind is assured

Spain is a country that offers a great quality of life and a wide variety of opportunities for foreigners who want to live, work or study in its territory. However, in order to enjoy all the benefits that this country has to offer, it is necessary to have health insurance for foreigners in Spain to cover any possible health contingencies that may arise.

There are different types of health insurance for foreigners in Spain, depending on your legal situation and your specific needs. In this article we will explain the three most common types: health insurance for foreign residents, health insurance for non-residents and health insurance for students.

Importance of health insurance for foreigners in Spain

Despite the existence of public health services in Spain, which offer quality healthcare, health insurance is a necessity for many people, especially foreigners. Here we explain why:

• To comply with legal requirements: For some foreigners, having health insurance is a legal requirement to live in Spain.
• To receive immediate medical attention: In some cases, private medical care may be faster than public care.
• To cover unforeseen health expenses: Health insurance can protect you against unexpected health expenses, which can be especially useful for foreigners who may be unfamiliar with the Spanish health system.
• To receive care in your language: Many insurers offer services in different languages, which can be useful for foreigners who do not speak Spanish.

Don't let worries about your health dampen your sunny days in Spain. Let us show you how easy and affordable it can be to take out health insurance in Meridional.

Medical insurance for residents

Foreign residents are those who have an authorisation to reside in Spain for a period of more than 90 days. To obtain this authorisation, it is necessary to meet a series of requirements, including having medical insurance that guarantees health care in Spain.

Health insurance for foreign residents must comply with the following characteristics:

- It must be contracted with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain.

- Its coverage should be similar to that of the public health service where you live, i.e. it should include primary care, specialised care, emergency care, hospitalisation and surgery.

- Its duration must be equal to or longer than the authorised period of residence.

- It should have no co-payments or co-payments, i.e. it should not require the insured to pay any additional amount for the use of medical services or limit access to medical services for a certain period of time.

There are different types of health insurance for foreign residents, from the most basic to the most comprehensive, which may include additional services such as dental care, international coverage or access to private medical centres. The price of the insurance will depend on the age, sex, state of health and the coverage chosen by the insured.

Benefits of Health Insurance for Foreign Residents in Spain

• Full health coverage: This insurance offers health coverage similar to that of the Spanish National Health System, which includes primary care, specialised care, emergencies, hospitalisations and surgical interventions.
• No co-payments or co-payments: This means that the insured will not have to pay additional amounts for the use of medical services and will not be limited in access to medical services for a certain period of time.
• Optional additional coverage: Depending on the type of insurance chosen, this insurance may offer additional services such as dental care, international coverage and access to private medical centres.
• Validity for legal proceedings: This insurance is valid for applying for and renewing the residence permit in Spain.

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Medical insurance for non-residents

Non-residents are those who are in Spain for a period of less than 90 days, whether for tourism, professional or family reasons. In this case, it is not compulsory to have medical insurance to enter the country, but it is highly recommended.

Medical insurance for non-residents is intended to cover the medical expenses that may arise from an illness or accident during your stay in Spain. These expenses can be very high if private health care is used or if repatriation to the country of origin is required.

Non-resident health insurance must comply with the following characteristics:

- It must be contracted with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain or in the insured's country of origin.

- You must have sufficient cover to meet any medical expenses that may arise in Spain.

- Its duration must be equal to or less than the period of the intended stay in Spain.

- It may have co-payments or exclusions, provided that the insured person is informed of the conditions and limits of the insurance.

As in the previous case, there are different types of health insurance for non-residents, from the most basic to the most complete. The price of the insurance will depend on the age, sex, state of health and the coverage chosen by the insured.

Benefits of Health Insurance for Non-Residents in Spain

• Coverage of medical expenses: This insurance covers medical expenses arising from illness or accidents during the stay in Spain.
• Possibility of medical repatriation: If necessary, the insurance may cover the costs of medical repatriation to the insured person's home country.
• Flexibility in terms of coverage: This insurance may have co-payments or exclusions, provided that the insured person is informed of the conditions and limits of the insurance.
• It ensures a peaceful stay: Although it is not mandatory to enter the country, it is highly recommended to have this insurance to ensure a worry-free stay in case of a health emergency.

Remember, being prepared is the best way to enjoy your days in Spain without worries. Do you have questions about our medical insurance? Don't hesitate to ask.

Student health insurance

Students are those who come to Spain to carry out an academic course or a cultural or educational exchange programme. In this case, it is compulsory to have medical insurance to cover possible health contingencies that may arise during their stay.

Student health insurance must meet the following characteristics:

- It must be contracted with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain or in the student's country of origin.

- It must have coverage similar to that of the Spanish public health services or to that of the health system in the student's country of origin, whichever is more favourable to the student.

- It must have a duration equal to or longer than the planned period of study in Spain.

- There should be no co-payments or co-payments, except for optional or complementary services to the basic insurance.

In addition to health cover, student health insurance may include other services such as legal assistance, civil liability or trip cancellation. The price of the insurance will depend on the student's age, gender, state of health and the coverage chosen by the student.

Benefits of Student Health Insurance in Spain

• Health coverage during studies: This insurance provides health cover during the period of study in Spain, which is compulsory for international students.
• Coverage comparable to the National Health System: The insurance must provide coverage similar to that of the Spanish National Health System or to that of the health system of the student's country of origin, whichever is more favourable to the student.
• Optional additional coverage: Some policies may offer additional services such as legal assistance, liability or trip cancellation.
• Requirement for study programmes: It is a requirement for an academic course or a cultural or educational exchange programme in Spain.

How to choose the best health insurance for foreigners in Spain

Choosing the right health insurance can be a complex process, but there are some key factors that can help you make the right decision:

1. Assess your health needs: Before choosing health insurance, consider your specific health needs. Do you need regular specialist care? Do you have any pre-existing health conditions that require attention?
2. Compare offers: Not all health insurance policies are the same. Make sure you compare different offers and read the fine print.
3. Seek opinions: Seek opinions and recommendations from other expatriates who have had experiences with different insurance companies.
4. Consider the cost: The cost of health insurance can vary significantly depending on the coverage and services offered. Make sure you fully understand what you are paying for.

You can trust Meridional to get the best health insurance in Spain.

We want to thank you for taking the time to read about our health insurance in Spain. We know there are many important decisions to make when moving to a new country, and we are here to make it easier for you when it comes to your health.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to provide you with more information and help you find the insurance option that best suits your needs. Remember, at Meridional we want you to enjoy your stay without worries.

Thank you for trusting us and we look forward to continue "taking care of you" every day!