Health Insurance for International Students in Spain 

Health insurance for international students in Spain ensures access to quality medical care during their stay in the country. Spain has a well-established public and private healthcare system that provides affordable and reliable medical services. Holding valid health insurance is mandatory for students applying for a long-term study visa and is essential for their safety and well-being. The coverage includes medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and preventive care.

The blog provides a detailed overview of Spain’s healthcare system, the types of health insurance available, eligibility criteria, and a list of recommended insurance providers for international students. Keep reading to know more.

Overview of the Healthcare System in Spain 

International students planning to study in Spain must understand how the country’s healthcare system works to ensure uninterrupted access to medical services. Spain provides a combination of public and private healthcare, along with university-provided or partner plans, all offering reliable and high-quality care. To understand this system better, let us take a closer look at each option and how it supports international students during their stay.

1. The Public System (Sistema Nacional de Salud – SNS)

The SNS is a decentralised, tax-funded system that delivers near-universal coverage to residents. It provides preventive care, primary care through local health centres (Centros de Salud), specialised treatments, and hospital services, largely free at the point of use. Some international students, particularly those under 26 and enrolled at Spanish universities, may be eligible for public healthcare. Access usually requires registration with Social Security or meeting residency criteria.

2. The Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare operates alongside the public system and is funded through insurance premiums or direct payments. It offers faster access to specialists, shorter waiting times, and a wider choice of hospitals and medical professionals. For most non-EU students, comprehensive private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a long-term student visa. This coverage guarantees hospitalisation, emergency care, and essential medical services from the start of their stay.

3. University-Provided or Partner Plans

Many universities in Spain collaborate with insurance providers to offer health plans specifically designed for their international students. These plans are often convenient, as they are tailored to meet both visa requirements and the students’ healthcare needs. Partner plans may include full coverage for hospitalisation, primary and specialist care, and emergency services. Enrolling in a university-partnered insurance plan can simplify the process, ensuring students comply with legal requirements while receiving comprehensive medical protection during their studies.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for International Students

After considering the public and private healthcare systems, as well as university-provided or partner plans, it is important for EU and EEA students to be aware of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC allows students to access medically necessary care through Spain’s public healthcare system under the same conditions and costs as Spanish residents. This ensures continuity of care during their temporary stay, such as an academic year abroad.

The card is generally valid for the duration of the student’s stay. It covers essential medical services, including treatment for illness or accidents at public hospitals and clinics. EHIC holders are treated like Spanish residents, including any applicable co-payments for state-provided care.

Limitation on EHIC

The EHIC has some limitations; the health insurance card does not cover private healthcare, planned treatments abroad, repatriation, or lost and stolen property. Therefore, EU and EEA students, as well as all non-EU students, are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive private health insurance. University-partnered plans often provide an easy way to meet this requirement, ensuring full coverage for hospitalisation, emergencies, and medical services beyond the EHIC.

Take Action: Before arriving in Spain, ensure you have your EHIC (if eligible) and explore university-partnered or private insurance options for complete peace of mind during your studies.

Is Health Insurance Compulsory for International Students in Spain?

Following the consideration of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU/EEA students, it is important to note that all students, particularly non-EU/EEA nationals, must meet specific health insurance requirements to obtain a Spanish student visa for stays exceeding 90 days. 

The insurance policy must be comprehensive. It must comply with the criteria set by Spanish Consulates and immigration authorities. This ensures full medical protection during the student’s stay.

Minimum Coverage Requirements for a Visa-Compliant Policy

International students applying for a Spanish student visa must ensure that their health insurance meets certain mandatory criteria. The following points summarise the essential requirements for a visa-compliant policy:

• The insurance provider must be formally authorised to operate within Spain to ensure that the policy is recognised by Spanish authorities.
• The policy must cover the entire period of the student’s planned stay in Spain, providing uninterrupted access to medical services throughout their studies.
• The policy should include all services comparable to Spain’s public health system. This includes primary care, specialist consultations, hospitalisation, and surgical procedures.
• Many Spanish Consulates require a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for emergency medical assistance to safeguard students against high medical costs.
• Students should not be required to pay any fee for each medical service received, ensuring full access without financial barriers.
• Full coverage must be available from day one, without any deductibles, so that students are protected immediately upon arrival.
• Coverage must begin immediately, with no waiting periods for medical services to start, guaranteeing access to care whenever it is needed.
• The policy must explicitly cover the repatriation of remains and include medical evacuation to the student’s home country in case of serious illness or injury, ensuring complete protection in emergencies.

Also Read: Education in Spain for International Students

How to Choose the Right Health Insurance Plan in Spain?

Since health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Spain, particularly non-EU/EEA nationals, the next important step is selecting a policy that not only meets visa requirements but also provides comprehensive medical support throughout the student’s stay. Choosing the right plan ensures uninterrupted access to healthcare, peace of mind, and compliance with Spanish Consular regulations.

The table below summarises the key factors to consider when choosing a health insurance plan for international students in Spain, along with short-term and long-term plan options:

Factors of Choosing the Health Insurance Plan in Spain	Important Considerations
Visa Compliance & Full Coverage	Must explicitly meet Spanish Consular requirements: zero co-payments (sin copagos), zero deductibles (sin deducibles), and no waiting periods (carencias). Coverage should be comparable to Spain’s public healthcare system, including primary care, specialist visits, emergency services, hospitalisation, and surgery.
Minimum Financial Limits	Must provide a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses. Coverage should include repatriation of remains and medical evacuation.
Duration and Renewal Policy	Must cover the entire duration of the student’s stay. For programs over one year, ensure easy renewal and documentation for TIE (residency permit) renewals.
Hospital and Medical Network	Choose a provider with a wide network of accredited hospitals, clinics, and specialists, particularly in the city of study. A strong network ensures timely access to care.
Cost and Payment Structure	Compare annual premiums and check for hidden costs. Plans with zero co-payment are generally preferred to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Language and Customer Assistance	Look for multilingual support (English and Spanish) with a 24/7 helpline for emergencies and administrative guidance.
Coverage Extensions	Evaluate benefits like prescription medication coverage, emergency dental care, mental health support, and travel assistance for trips outside Spain or the Schengen Area.
Provider Authorization	The policy must be issued by an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain, either a Spanish insurer or an internationally recognised company with a Spanish-regulated plan.
Short-Term Plan (Travel Insurance)	Duration: Up to 90 Days. Suitable for short programs not requiring a student visa. Must cover medical emergencies and repatriation with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Long-Term Plan (Private Health Insurance)	Duration: More than 90 Days. Mandatory for student visa approval. Must be a comprehensive private health insurance policy from an authorised Spanish provider. Travel insurance is not acceptable. Must meet strict requirements: zero co-payments, zero deductibles, and zero waiting periods.

Cost of Health Insurance for Students in Spain

After understanding how to choose the right health insurance plan, international students should also evaluate the costs associated with different policies. Premiums in Spain are generally affordable, but they vary depending on the provider, coverage level, and the student’s age. 

On average, international student insurance ranges from EUR 300 to EUR 600 per year, approximately EUR 25–EUR 50 per month. To provide a clearer perspective, the following sections break down the key cost factors.

Factors of Cost of Health Insurance for Students in Spain	List of Examples
General Price Range	Basic student plans typically cost EUR 35–EUR 60 per month for younger students. – Sanitas International Students plan: EUR 40–EUR 55 per month  – Asisa student plans: from EUR 40 per month – Swisscare: from EUR 31.90 per month. Comprehensive coverage from major providers generally falls within EUR 35–EUR 60 per month.
Factor of Age and Coverage	Premiums increase with age or higher-tier coverage. – DKV: plans start at EUR 89 per month, can rise depending on coverage or age. – Some student visa policies (e.g., Adeslas) cost EUR 599 per year (~EUR 50/month) for students up to 44 years old; higher for older applicants.
Upfront Payment	Most visa-compliant plans require full annual payment at the time of purchase. – Example: a policy averaging EUR 40/month requires EUR 480 upfront for 12 months. – Some providers may allow semi-annual payments, but annual payment is most common.
Public Health Insurance Costs	EU students using EHIC generally pay no additional cost beyond home-country contributions; some services like private treatments or certain prescriptions may require out-of-pocket payment.Non-EU students usually cannot access the public system immediately. – Convenio Especial (after 1 year, optional): approx. EUR 60/month for under-65 individuals. Most non-EU students rely on private insurance due to visa requirements.

Documents Required for Applying For Health Insurance for Students in Spain

After understanding the costs and selecting the right health insurance plan, international students must prepare the necessary documentation to apply for a visa-compliant policy in Spain. The documents ensure identity verification, proof of enrollment, and confirm that the insurance meets all legal and visa requirements.

List of Required Documents for Appliying for Health Insurance in Spain	Purpose of the Documents	Important Requirements
Valid Passport Copy (or ID)	Verify identity	– Submit a clear, legible copy of the passport page with photo and personal details. – Name must match the insurance policy exactly.
Proof of Enrollment / Acceptance Letter	Confirm student status	– Provide an official letter from your university or institution. – Must include program start and end dates. – Insurance coverage must span the entire program duration.
Completed Application Form & Health Questionnaire	Determine eligibility and policy terms	– Fully complete and sign the application form. – Submit a confidential health questionnaire as required by Spanish insurance law.
Proof of Payment	Evidence of insurance coverage	– Provide a receipt showing full payment of the annual premium. – Upfront payment is typically required for visa-compliant plans.
Insurance Certificate (Post-Application Document)	Legal and visa compliance	– Obtain the original and a copy from an authorised insurer in Spain. – Must cover 100% of medical, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses, including preventive, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation services, and urgent transport. – No co-payments or coverage limits allowed.- Insurer must be registered with the Directorate General of Insurance and Pension Funds (Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism).

Explore: Spain Student Visa Process Complete Guide

Popular Health Insurance Providers in Spain

The requirement for a Spanish student visa is a comprehensive health insurance policy that covers the entire period of study, includes repatriation, and operates without co-payments or waiting periods. Several major Spanish and international insurance providers offer plans specifically designed to meet these important visa requirements. The table below highlights some of the key providers and their features:

List of Insurance Providers in Spain	Important Student-Suitable Features	Suitability for Students
Sanitas	– Visa-compliant International Student Plan – No co-payments or waiting periods- Repatriation coverage – Access to Spain’s largest private medical network, including Millennium Dental Centres (basic dental included) – User-friendly digital platform for appointments	Highly recommended for students prioritising maximum visa compliance, extensive medical network access, and digital healthcare services.
Adeslas	– Largest market share in Spain – Comprehensive student plans with competitive premiums – Nationwide healthcare access- No co-payments or waiting periods	Ideal for students who value Spain’s market leader with a wide network coverage at a reasonable cost.
Mapfre	– Globally recognised with student-specific policies – Visa-compliant with no co-payments or waiting periods- Repatriation coverage – Customisable coverage options	Suitable for students preferring a global brand with customizable coverage options.
AXA	– Schengen visa-compliant plans – Long-term student visa coverage via AXA Global Healthcare- Emergency and evacuation coverage – High claim limits and multilingual support	Preferred by students seeking immediate visa approval with recognised Schengen-compliant coverage backed by strong travel assistance.
Allianz	– High coverage limits with global care focus – Allianz Care includes extensive medical benefits – Oncology provisions and worldwide emergency/evacuation services	Recommended for students prioritising premium, long-term comprehensive coverage, especially for multi-year programs.

Important Note: Applicants must ensure that the selected policy is a fully comprehensive private health insurance plan (Seguro Médico Completo or sin copagos). The final policy certificate should explicitly state that there are no co-payments (sin copagos) and no waiting periods (sin carencias). These details are mandatory for the Spanish Consulate or Embassy approval of a long-term student visa application.

University-Specific Insurance Policies for Indian Students

Many Spanish higher education institutions either have agreements with specific insurance providers or offer endorsed insurance schemes for international students. These university-recommended plans are structured to ensure full compliance with institutional policies as well as the health insurance requirements for a Spanish student visa (Type D).

List of Universities Providing Insurance to International Students in Spain	Name of Policy Provider	Important Features	Notes for Students
IE University	Sanitas	Policies is structured to meet the university’s compliance standards. Includes full coverage, repatriation, and emergency medical support.	Facilitates smoother enrollment and visa documentation verification.
Technical University of Catalonia (UPC),  University Pompeu Fabra (UPF),  Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)	OnCampus Estudia / OnCampus Healthcare	Designed for students; covers repatriation, civil liability, and other key requirements.	Recommended for students in Catalonia to ensure compliance with visa and university requirements.
Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)	University-suggested providers (general guidance provided)	Must meet full coverage requirements, zero co-payments (sin copagos), and no waiting periods (sin carencias).	Non-EU students are advised to choose recommended providers to ensure visa eligibility.

Important Note for International Students

• Before purchasing any health insurance independently, prospective students must consult their university’s International Office or Admissions Department. This ensures that any externally acquired policy meets both the institution’s standards and the Spanish visa requirements.
• Confirm if the university mandates a minimum coverage limit or specific medical services beyond the general visa requirements.
• Check whether the university endorses certain insurance providers. Choosing an endorsed plan can streamline enrollment and visa verification.
• Determine if the university accepts externally purchased insurance and understand the process to waive enrollment in any university-endorsed group plan.

Explore: List of Colleges in Madrid, Spain for International Students

How to Use Health Insurance in Spain

Once international students have chosen a university-endorsed or externally purchased health insurance plan, it is essential to understand how to use it effectively throughout their stay in Spain. The following steps can guide students:

• Students should identify hospitals, clinics, and specialists that accept their health insurance by checking the insurer’s website, mobile app, or contacting customer support.
• Before visiting any medical facility, students must confirm that it accepts their insurance plan to avoid unexpected expenses.
• Appointments can be scheduled online, through the insurer’s app, or by calling the 24/7 helpline provided by the insurance company.
• Students should retain all medical receipts and relevant documents, as these may be required for claim submissions; some providers also offer direct billing with selected hospitals.
• In case of emergencies, students should dial 112 for immediate assistance, as their policy typically covers ambulance transport, urgent care, and hospitalisation.
• Most insurance providers offer multilingual customer support, including English and Spanish, to help international students navigate medical appointments, claims, and emergencies efficiently.

Policy Renewal and Cancellation for Student Health Insurance in Spain

After understanding the costs and selecting the right health insurance plan, international students must be aware of renewal and cancellation procedures to maintain continuous coverage and comply with visa requirements. Proper management of policy renewal and cancellation ensures uninterrupted healthcare access and avoids unnecessary charges.

Points to Consider for Policy Renewal and Cancellation	Important Details	Required Action
Policy Renewal Before Expiry	Insurance must cover the full duration of the extended stay to comply with Spanish visa (TIE) requirements.	Confirm the policy covers the new period and retain the updated certificate for visa renewal.
Automatic Renewal	Major providers (example, Sanitas, Adeslas) automatically renew annual policies; new documentation is sent ~60 days before expiry.	Review renewal notice and ensure coverage details are correct. Contact the insurer for changes if needed.
Mandatory Notification	Students must notify the insurer if they wish to oppose renewal or make changes.	Send a written notification (email or certified letter) at least 1 month before expiry to avoid automatic renewal.
Cancellation Due to Visa Denial	Full refund possible if visa is denied, provided official documentation is submitted within ~30 days before policy starts.	Submit the consulate’s official denial letter promptly to the insurer.
Cancellation Due to Early Departure  or Transfer	Policies are usually fixed-term (minimum 1 year); pro-rata refunds are rarely guaranteed.	Submit a formal cancellation with proof of early departure or transfer via certified letter.
Cancellation for Transfer to Another Provider (Non-Renewal)	Prevents automatic renewal and additional premium charges.	Notify current insurer in writing at least 1 month before expiry to switch to a new provider.

Health insurance is an important part of studying in Spain for international students. Choosing the right plan ensures that students are protected from unexpected medical expenses while meeting visa requirements. By understanding costs, required documents, how to use the insurance, and rules around renewal or cancellation, students can avoid stress and focus on their studies. Whether opting for a university-endorsed plan or an independent provider, having comprehensive coverage brings peace of mind and makes life in Spain smoother and safer. 

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