How to Find the Best Insurance Company: All About Medical Insurance in Spain

Spain attracts many people with its mild climate, high standard of living, and quality healthcare. However, to truly take advantage of all the benefits of local healthcare, it is important to understand the specifics of obtaining health insurance. Below, we will analyze the key aspects: what types of insurance are there, what to pay attention to when choosing, and what pitfalls may await foreigners.

Main "pains" when choosing insurance

Before looking for an insurance company, many people ask themselves: "How much will I have to pay? Which insurance to choose - private or public? What risks does the policy cover, and which ones does it not? And most importantly - will this insurance be suitable for a residence permit?"

To alleviate these "pains", it is necessary to understand in detail what services you need and what conditions are dictated by Spanish law. For example, if you plan to apply for a residence permit without the right to work or a student visa, public insurance will not be enough - you will need private insurance.

The public health system: how it works

Spain has a public health system that is funded by mandatory contributions from official salaries. When a person receives income legally, a portion of the funds is transferred monthly to the Social Security (Seguridad Social), and in return, they can count on free medical care in public clinics.

To use public healthcare, you need to apply for a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual (TSI - Individual Health Card). This requires:

• NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) - Foreigner's Identification Number;
• Registration at the place of residence in Spain (empadronamiento);
• Social Security number (obtained from the Social Security (Seguridad Social) offices).

The main disadvantage of the public sector is the long waiting lists for specialists, especially if it is not an emergency. Before seeing a specialist, you usually need to get a referral from a general practitioner and wait from a few days to several weeks.

Private health insurance

To avoid long waits, many people choose private insurance. The main advantage is that you do not need to go to a general practitioner first, but you can make an appointment directly with the specialist you need. In most cases, both the service and diagnostic procedures are faster. However, all these conveniences will be more expensive than the public system.

In Spain, there are several large and reputable companies that offer health insurance for foreigners. These include DKV, ADESLAS, SANITAS, ASISA, and AXA. When choosing, pay attention to:

• The availability of a policy without co-payments, if you need to cover all services in full;
• The list of clinics that cooperate with the insurance company;
• Age restrictions (some companies do not insure people over 75 years old);
• The existence of a waiting period (when the policy comes into full effect).

For example, a "con copago" (with co-payments) insurance type will allow you to pay a lower monthly premium, but you will have to pay an additional amount each time you visit a doctor. This is beneficial for those who rarely get sick. For families with children or the elderly, a "sin copago" (without co-payments) policy is better, so as not to limit themselves in the number of visits to specialists.

For residence permits and student visas

If you want to obtain a residence permit or a student visa in Spain, the most important requirement is to have private insurance with full coverage that:

• Is valid throughout Spain;
• Includes hospitalization and emergency care;
• Has a zero waiting period or the shortest possible;
• Extends for the entire duration of your visa or residence permit card.

In addition, insurance companies often do not cover pre-existing chronic diseases or "pre-existing conditions." When applying for a policy, the client fills out a questionnaire, after which the company decides whether to insure this person and under what conditions.

Main costs and price range

The cost of insurance in Spain depends on age, health status, the presence of chronic diseases, and the choice of a specific tariff. In general, prices can vary:

• Around 50-60 euros per month for a basic tariff with a limited list of clinics;
• 80-100 euros per month for a policy with wider coverage and the ability to go to popular private hospitals;
• From 150 euros per month and above for older people or for policies that cover the maximum possible risks.

The geographical factor should also be taken into account: in large cities (Barcelona, Madrid), private medical services may be more expensive than in the regions. Age also affects the basic rate - the older the client, the higher the cost of the policy.

Access to emergency care

In Spain, emergency care (Urgencia) is provided in most hospitals. If you have a TSI (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual), you can go to a public clinic in case of an emergency. If you have a private policy, check which clinic your company cooperates with. In case of urgent need, call the single number 112 or go to the nearest Red Cross center, but keep in mind that the ambulance team in Spain does not treat on the spot - the main task of the paramedic and driver is to get the patient to the hospital as quickly as possible.

Frequently asked questions by foreigners

1. Can I use free healthcare in Spain if I don't have an official job?

Only if you have a residence permit with the right to work, or if you pay contributions to the Social Security (Seguridad Social). In other cases, public clinics either charge the full price or only provide services in emergency situations. Exceptions are made for children under 18 and pregnant women, who have access to free care even in an irregular situation.

2. What to do in case of chronic diseases?

If you have chronic diseases, their insurance is a delicate matter. Most private companies refuse to cover "pre-existing conditions" or charge an additional fee. Before signing the contract, carefully read the conditions related to these diseases.

3. Does it make sense to take out both public and private insurance?

Yes, this option is often considered by Spaniards who need to quickly see a specialist, but at the same time maintain access to a number of free services. The public system is good for long-term medical care and serious operations, while the private system is good for quick access to specialists and the absence of queues. It all depends on your budget and your health condition.

How to choose the best option

When choosing an insurance company in Spain, it is recommended to:

1. Define the objectives. Whether you need insurance for a residence permit, scheduled hospitalization, emergencies, or regular visits to different specialists.
2. Check the list of services. Make sure that the insurance company covers all the medical areas you need: dentistry, ophthalmology, surgery, etc.
3. Compare several offers. Find out if there is a waiting period, age restrictions, what documents will be needed, and whether repatriation is included (in case of an emergency).
4. Take into account the place of residence. Some policies offer a wide selection of clinics throughout Spain, while others may be "tied" to certain regions.
5. Analyze the reviews. The experience of real clients often helps to understand how quickly the company responds to requests and how well it works in extreme situations.

Conclusion

Health insurance in Spain is one of the key factors that determine your comfort and safety. For foreign citizens, the choice of an insurance company should be based not only on price, but also on the actual coverage of risks, the speed of service, and the ability to use the policy in different clinics.

If you are applying for a residence permit, pay special attention to ensuring that the insurance includes hospitalization and emergency care without restrictions. Do not forget about the presence or absence of co-payments at each visit to the doctor and the condition of "pre-existing diseases".

Ultimately, the right choice of insurance reduces financial risks, provides access to the necessary specialists, and gives confidence that you will not be left without medical care in any situation. A structured approach to choosing insurance and an analysis of your own needs will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary expenses.