Health Insurance for International Students in Spain
Spain is one of Europe’s most popular study abroad destinations, attracting over 125,000 international students each year. With world-class universities, affordable living costs, and an incredible culture, it’s easy to see why. But before you pack your bags for Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, you need to sort out your health insurance.
Student health insurance in Spain is a mandatory requirement for most international students, especially those from outside the EU/EEA. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting insured as an international student in Spain.
Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Spain?
Yes, for most international students. Here’s the breakdown:
EU/EEA Students
If you’re from an EU or EEA country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new Global Health Insurance Card gives you access to Spain’s public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud). You’ll receive the same care as Spanish citizens at public hospitals and clinics.
However, the EHIC only covers necessary medical treatment, not everything. Many EU students opt for supplementary private insurance for faster access and broader coverage.
Non-EU/EEA Students
If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, health insurance is required for your student visa application. The Spanish consulate will not process your visa without proof of adequate health insurance.
Your insurance must meet specific requirements:
- No co-payments or deductibles (many consulates reject plans with co-pays)
- Full coverage in Spain: not just emergency care
- Minimum coverage period matching your study duration
- Repatriation coverage included
- Coverage from a company operating in Spain or with agreements in Spain
Spain’s Public Healthcare System
Spain has an excellent public healthcare system ranked among the best in Europe. Key facts:
- Universal coverage for residents registered with Social Security
- Free or low-cost hospital care, doctor visits, and emergency treatment
- Prescription medications subsidized (typically 40-50% co-payment)
- Quality of care is generally very high
Can International Students Access Public Healthcare?
It depends:
- EU/EEA students with EHIC: Yes, full access to public healthcare.
- Non-EU students registered for 12+ months: You may be able to register with Social Security (“convenio especial”) for about €60/month. This was introduced in 2018 and gives access to the public system.
- Short-term students (<12 months): Private insurance is typically your only option.
Private Health Insurance Options in Spain
For most international students, private health insurance is the practical choice. Popular providers include:
Spanish Insurance Companies
- Sanitas: Largest private health insurer in Spain, excellent network
- Adeslas: Wide network of clinics and hospitals
- MAPFRE: Well-known international insurer
- Asisa: Good value plans for students
- DKV: Known for good customer service
International Student Insurance
- Plans from international providers specifically designed for students studying in Spain
- Often more affordable than Spanish domestic plans
- Make sure they meet visa requirements before purchasing
Costs
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic private plan | €30–€50 | €360–€600 |
| Mid-range plan | €50–€80 | €600–€960 |
| Full plan | €80–€120 | €960–€1,440 |
| Convenio especial (public) | ~€60 | ~€720 |
Visa Insurance Requirements: What Consulates Want
Spanish consulates are notoriously specific about insurance requirements. Here’s what most consulates require:
- Full coverage: Not just emergency or travel insurance
- No co-payments: Many consulates reject plans with deductibles or co-pays
- Coverage in Spain: The insurer must operate in or have coverage agreements in Spain
- Repatriation: Coverage for return of remains
- Coverage period: Must match the duration of your stay
- Original policy document: Not just a confirmation email
Pro tip: Contact your specific Spanish consulate before purchasing insurance. Requirements can vary slightly between consulates in different countries.
What Should Your Insurance Cover?
Key coverage for studying in Spain:
- ✅ Doctor visits (GP and specialist): Regular checkups and specialist referrals
- ✅ Hospital stays: Inpatient treatment
- ✅ Emergency care: Including ambulance transport
- ✅ Prescription medications: Ongoing and new prescriptions
- ✅ Mental health: Therapy and psychiatric care (more on mental health coverage)
- ✅ Dental (basic): At least emergency dental (dental insurance options)
- ✅ Repatriation: Medical evacuation and return of remains
- ✅ Pre-existing conditions: Check carefully, as some plans exclude them (pre-existing conditions guide)
How to Get Health Insurance for Spain
Step 1: Check Your Status
Are you EU/EEA or non-EU? This determines your options.
Step 2: Check Consulate Requirements
If you need a visa, confirm the exact insurance requirements with your local Spanish consulate.
Step 3: Compare Plans
Use our insurance comparison tool to find plans that meet Spanish visa requirements.
Step 4: Purchase Before Your Visa Appointment
Buy your insurance well before your visa appointment. You’ll need the original policy document.
Step 5: Register Locally
Once in Spain, register with your local health center (centro de salud) if you have access to the public system. If private, familiarize yourself with your insurer’s network of doctors and hospitals.
Healthcare in Spain: What to Expect
Doctor Visits
- Public system: Go to your assigned centro de salud (health center)
- Private insurance: Choose from network providers, often with shorter wait times
- Many doctors in tourist/student areas speak English
Emergencies
- Call 112 for emergencies (works across the EU)
- Go to Urgencias at any hospital
- Both public and private hospitals handle emergencies
- Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status
Pharmacies
- Spanish pharmacies (farmacias) are easily recognizable by the green cross
- Pharmacists can advise on minor health issues
- Some medications available over-the-counter in other countries require prescriptions in Spain
Language
- In major cities and university towns, many healthcare providers speak English
- In smaller towns, Spanish is key
- Consider learning basic medical vocabulary in Spanish
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying travel insurance instead of health insurance. Travel insurance won’t meet visa requirements.
- Choosing a plan with co-payments. Many consulates reject these.
- Waiting until the last minute. Insurance policies and visa appointments take time.
- Not checking the provider network. Ensure your insurer has doctors near your university.
- Forgetting to bring original documents to your visa appointment.
Take Action: Get Insured for Spain
Don’t let insurance be the reason your Spanish study adventure gets delayed. Get the right coverage early.
👉 Compare health insurance plans for Spain and find the perfect plan for your study abroad experience. Our tool filters for plans that meet Spanish visa requirements.