What Health Insurance Should You Get When You Live in Spain?

Spain offers great weather and amazing gastronomy. Its people are also friendly. For many, it’s paradise. However, if you are planning to live in Spain as an ex-pat, you are required to have health insurance. Now, you may ask yourself, “What health insurance do I need to live in Spain?”

This post will help you find health insurance that you can use as a foreigner living in Spain.

Read: What Health Insurance Covers?

What Health Insurance Do I Need to Live in Spain? 

Since you’re planning to live in Spain and not just to stay there for a few months, you need a private health insurance contract.

If you’re an EU resident but you wish to live in Spain, you can get free health care in the said country for the first three months. After that, you have to obtain a private health plan.

The Healthcare System in Spain 

It’s one of the best in the world. Most residents here don’t need private insurance just to get access to health services. In fact, out of 89 countries, Spain is the seventh country that offers the best healthcare. The reason for this is that the system is funded by social security.

Read: What Health Insurance Should I Get?

If you live and work in Spain, you will need to pay income tax and social security. In return, you can access state healthcare. However, if you can’t access state healthcare, you can pay for your own private health insurance plan.

Private Health Insurance When Living in Spain

If you need more healthcare services, you can choose to obtain private health insurance. There are a variety of health insurance packages. In that case, you can find something that fits your circumstances.

Before you sign up for health insurance, you need to research thoroughly the options available. And make sure to seek the advice of the experts before you commit to a certain plan.

Read: Will My Health Insurance Require a Covid Vaccine?

Why Getting Private Health Insurance in Spain is Ideal? 

Even though the quality of public healthcare is high, some residents are choosing to obtain private health insurance coverage. The reason for this is that they abhor the lengthy waiting times to obtain state health insurance.

This is a vital factor to consider when you choose between private health care or a state health plan. It’s especially true if you need regular treatment.

By choosing private health insurance, you can choose a doctor who can speak English well.

How to Pick a Health Insurance Company? 

The best way to compare health insurance companies is to obtain as many quotes as you want. But make sure that you know your healthcare needs.

What is Tourist Health Insurance? 

It’s only ideal if you’re entering Spain and you’d stay here in less than 90 days. If your country of origin necessitates a tourist visa to enter Spain, then you must get this type of insurance.

But don’t worry because this type of insurance is applicable throughout the European Union.

In many instances, foreigners couldn’t enter Spain because they don’t have tourist health insurance.

What Health Insurance Do You Need to Get Residency in Spain? 

Some are rejected to get residency in Spain because they have not met the health insurance requirements.

Thus, if you are applying for residency in Spain, you should consider getting health insurance from a private health insurance company.

Then, the policy must match the offers of the Spanish public healthcare system.

However, if you can obtain public healthcare in Spain, then private health insurance may not be necessary for your immigration procedure.

Can Illegal Immigrants Access Basic Healthcare in Spain? 

Yes, illegal immigrants can still access basic healthcare in Spain. It’s possible because they have the right to access the healthcare system for 90 days. They don’t have to show their health insurance.

Before 2021, undocumented migrants could only access basic healthcare in Spain. But With the Sanitary Reform, they could now access full healthcare services for 90 days.

The quality of life in Spain is truly amazing. No wonder many people would want to migrate to this country. In addition to the better healthcare it offers, it also provides hours of sun and a diet that’s full of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion 

What health insurance do I need to live in Spain? It depends on how long you stay in Spain. But you will need comprehensive health insurance if you live there.

Are you planning to work in the UK? Find out how health insurance works in the UK.