Health insurance for Spain residency: what actually counts
Spanish residency requires private health insurance with no copays and no exclusions. Here's how British movers pick a policy the consulate will actually accept.
For most Spanish residency visas — Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad in particular — Spain requires full private health insurance equivalent to the public system: no copays, no exclusions, no waiting periods, full repatriation.
GHIC and travel insurance do not qualify. UK private medical insurance generally does not qualify either. You need a Spanish-resident-grade policy underwritten by a Spanish insurer with a Spanish certificate the consulate recognises.
Common providers include Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV and Asisa. Pricing depends on age and pre-existing conditions; expect roughly £50–£170 per person per month for a residency-grade policy.
The trap most British movers hit is buying a cheaper Spanish policy with a copay structure — perfectly fine for normal use, but rejected by the consulate. The certificate must explicitly say sin copagos, sin carencias, con cobertura de repatriación.
We work with brokers who specialise in residency-grade policies, run the paperwork in English, and make sure the certificate matches what the consulate asks for. It is built into Starter Move and Settle in Alicante.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GHIC enough for Spanish residency?
No. The Global Health Insurance Card covers tourists for emergency care. Spanish residency requires a private policy with no copays or exclusions.
How much does residency-grade health insurance cost in Spain?
Roughly £50–£170 per person per month depending on age and pre-existing conditions. Most British movers in their 50s and 60s land in the £80–£140 range.
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