If you are planning to live, study or spend a long period of time in the country, you may have wondered whether health insurance is mandatory for foreigners in Spain. The short answer is yes. In most cases, having health insurance is mandatory in order to obtain visas and access health services while you regularize your situation.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about this topic, what is and what does health insurance include, why health insurance is mandatory for foreigners in Spain and why we recommend Adeslas health insurance for foreigners as one of the most complete and recommended alternatives in 2025.
What is health insurance and what does it include?
A health insurance is an insurance policy, which guarantees health care to the person who contracts it in exchange for a monthly or annual premium. A health insurance for foreigners in Spain is the policy that guarantees health care in Spanish territory to foreigners residing or visiting the country. This insurance replaces access to the public system (when you are not entitled to it) and offers private coverage for consultations, treatments, tests and hospitalization.
Health insurance policies for foreigners such as those offered by Adeslas:
- Consultations with general practitioners and specialists.
- Emergency and hospitalization 24/7.
- Diagnostic tests such as analysis, ultrasound scans, MRIs.
- Complex surgeries and medical treatments.
- Basic dental coverage (in some modalities).
- Access to a private network of centers and professionals, with no waiting lists.
Although the services may vary according to the plan contracted, the most important thing is that the insurance meets the requirements of “full coverage, no co-payments and no deficiencies” demanded by the Foreigners’ Office for certain procedures.
Remember that if you need insurance to obtain residency in Spain, Adeslas has products specifically designed for this purpose.
Is it mandatory to have health insurance as a foreigner?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for foreigners in Spain. In addition, it is an essential requirement in many immigration processes. For example, for:
- Persons applying for non-profit residency visas.
- Study visa applicants.
- Applicants for residency visas for family reunification.
In these cases, the insurance must guarantee:
- Complete coverage in Spain.
- No co-payments (you pay nothing for using it).
- Maintain its validity throughout your stay.
- Be an authorized insurer in Spain.
Please note that not just any travel policy or international insurance that is not endorsed by the Spanish Government will do. The authorities check that the contract complies with all the requirements.
Health insurance Spain: Key requirement for visas
A good health insurance in Spain for foreigners must be adapted to the type of procedure you wish to carry out. If you are going to apply for a NIE, renew your residency or apply for a visa, you will be asked for a copy of your health insurance.
This document must clearly state:
- The coverage period.
- Including hospitalization, emergencies and complete assistance.
- It has no co-payments or co-payments.
Types of health insurance in Spain
In Spain, foreigners can access different types of health insurance depending on their status: tourists, students or residents. Each has specific requirements and different levels of coverage. Below are the three main categories.
1. Travel medical insurance (for tourists)
This insurance is mandatory for tourists who need a Schengen visa to enter Spain (stays of less than 90 days). It must cover at least 30,000 euros in medical expenses, including emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation, as well as being valid throughout the European Union.
Although travelers from countries without visa requirements (such as the U.S. or Canada) are not required to obtain a visa, it is recommended to do so to avoid problems at immigration control. Some airlines and border authorities may require it as a condition of entry.
Important note: Travel insurance is not valid for residency procedures, and irregular immigrants only have limited access to emergency and temporary basic care.
Student health insurance
Foreign students applying for a student visa must take out health insurance that offers the same coverage as the Spanish public system. The policy must be active during their entire stay and be issued by a company authorized in Spain.
This requirement applies to both university studies and language courses. If the student renews his or her visa, he or she must also extend the validity of the insurance. Some universities require additional coverage, such as psychological or dental assistance.
3. Private medical insurance for residency procedures
Foreigners applying for residence permits (non-profit, Golden visa, entrepreneur, etc.) must present a private insurance with no co-payments, no waiting periods and full coverage (hospitalization, specialists and emergencies).
This insurance must:
- Be valid throughout Spain with no geographical restrictions.
- Cover all pre-existing and emerging diseases.
- Remain in effect during the entire time of residency.
Those who work and pay Social Security contributions (self-employed or employees) have access to public health care, without the need for private insurance.
It is not necessary to take out insurance to obtain residency in Spain.
Why choose Adeslas insurance for foreigners?
Adeslas is the number one private health insurer in Spain. Its medical insurance for foreigners is specially designed to meet the requirements of Foreigners and facilitate access to medical care from day one.
Key advantages of Adeslas insurance for foreigners, in addition to being the most reliable insurance for obtaining residency in Spain..:
- Immediate coverage, no waiting periods.
- No co-payments, you access without paying for each consultation.
- Guaranteed legal validity for visas and NIE.
- Access to more than 50,000 professionals and 1,200 centers.
- Digital procedures: video consultations, electronic prescriptions, reimbursement requests.
Taking out health insurance for foreigners with Adeslas is a safe way to start your life in Spain without unforeseen events.
Choose the peace of mind of being insured by Adeslas
Compulsory health insurance for foreigners in Spain is much more than an administrative requirement. It is the guarantee that you will be able to take care of your health from the first day, without any financial barriers.
In Adeslas SegurCaixa you have a safe, legal and affordable option, adapted to the requirements of Foreigners and the pace of life of those who come to the country to study, work or start a new stage of life.
Apply now for your insurance to obtain residency in Spain with Adeslas and start your life in the country with the peace of mind of being covered.
