Public Health Insurance (Seguridad Social)
~€60/month
Best for: Students working part-time in Spain (enrolled in Seguridad Social)
Access to Spanish public healthcare. Requires employment contract or student convenio.
Learn more
Health Insurance for Students in Spain
Spain requires international students to have valid health insurance for visa applications and NIE registration.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- Health insurance (Seguro Médico) required for student visa application
- Must cover the full duration of your stay in Spain
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses
- No co-payments or deductibles for emergency care
- Required for NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) registration
Available Insurance Options
Private Health Insurance (Seguro Privado)
From €35/month
Best for: Most international students — accepted for visa and NIE
Faster access, English-speaking doctors, no waitlists. Sanitas, Adeslas, MAPFRE, Cigna.
Learn moreEuropean Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Free (EU/EEA students)
Best for: EU/EEA citizens studying in Spain
Covers emergency and necessary care. May not be sufficient for NIE in all regions.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (Basic) | €35–€60/month | Covers doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency care |
| Private Insurance (Comprehensive) | €60–€120/month | Includes dental, mental health, repatriation |
| Public Healthcare Access | €60/month (convenio) | Available in some regions through a special student agreement |
| University Health Services | Included in tuition | Basic on-campus health services at most universities |
Item
Private Insurance (Basic)
Cost
€35–€60/month
Details
Covers doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency care
Item
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)
Cost
€60–€120/month
Details
Includes dental, mental health, repatriation
Item
Public Healthcare Access
Cost
€60/month (convenio)
Details
Available in some regions through a special student agreement
Item
University Health Services
Cost
Included in tuition
Details
Basic on-campus health services at most universities
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Valid health insurance certificate for visa application at Spanish consulate
- Insurance must have no co-payments for emergency care
- Coverage minimum: €30,000 medical + repatriation
- Policy must be from an insurer operating in Spain
- Required for both initial visa and NIE appointment
How to Get Insured
Research Insurance Options
Compare private insurers (Sanitas, Adeslas, MAPFRE) or check if your EHIC is sufficient for your region.
Purchase Coverage
Buy your policy online or through a broker. Ensure it meets Spanish visa requirements.
Apply for Student Visa
Include your insurance certificate in your visa application at the Spanish consulate.
Register for NIE
Within 30 days of arrival, register at the Oficina de Extranjeros with your insurance proof.
Access Healthcare
Use your insurance card at private clinics or, if eligible, register at your local Centro de Salud.
Studying in Spain: Health Insurance Guide
Spain is a top destination for international students, offering excellent universities, affordable living, and an incredible quality of life. Understanding the health insurance system is essential for a smooth start.
The Spanish Healthcare System
Spain has a universal public healthcare system (Seguridad Social) ranked among the best in Europe. International students can access it under certain conditions, but most rely on private insurance for convenience and visa compliance.
Private vs. Public Insurance
Private insurance is the most common choice for international students because:
- It’s accepted by all Spanish consulates for visa applications
- No waitlists for specialist appointments
- English-speaking doctors available in major cities
- Comprehensive coverage from day one
Public healthcare is available if you have a work contract or through a student convenio especial in some regions (€60/month).
Living and Studying in Spain
- Cost of living is lower than Germany, UK, or France
- Most universities charge €1,000–€3,000/year in tuition
- Part-time work allowed (20 hours/week on student visa)
- Excellent public transport in major cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) enough?
For EU/EEA students, the EHIC covers emergency care. However, some consulates and NIE offices require additional private insurance. Check with your specific consulate.
Which private insurers are best for students?
Popular choices include Sanitas, Adeslas, MAPFRE, and Cigna. Sanitas and Adeslas have the largest networks of English-speaking doctors.
Do I need insurance for a short course (under 90 days)?
Yes, travel insurance with medical coverage is required even for short stays. For stays over 90 days, you need full health insurance.
Can I use Spanish public healthcare?
If you work part-time and are registered with Seguridad Social, yes. Otherwise, most international students use private insurance.
What is the NIE and why do I need insurance for it?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your foreigner ID number. You need it for everything in Spain — bank accounts, phone contracts, university registration. Health insurance is required to obtain it.
Get Insured for Spain
Compare Spanish health insurance plans and get covered for your visa application and NIE.
Compare Plans