Healthcare · Decision Guide
Best Expat Health Insurance in Spain (2026)
If you're moving to Spain as a non-EU expat, health insurance isn't optional — it's a legal requirement for most visas and a critical part of protecting yourself once you arrive.
The challenge isn't finding some insurance. It's choosing a plan that actually meets Spanish visa requirements, fits your situation, and doesn't leave you uncovered when you need care.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Decision-support content for research purposes. Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify with official sources.
This guide helps you compare expat health insurance options for Spain and avoid common visa application mistakes.
- Understand which providers meet Spanish visa requirements
- Compare coverage, costs, and tradeoffs across top options
- Avoid the policy gaps that delay visa approvals
- Choose the right plan for your situation (retiree, nomad, family)
Compare provider options
These are examples, not recommendations. Compare options based on your specific needs.
Quick comparison
Overview of the most commonly used international health insurance providers for expats in Spain.
| Cigna Global | Families & long-term expats $$ • Visa-eligible • Premium global coverage |
| Allianz Care | Retirees & EU movers $$ • Visa-eligible • Strong European network |
| SafetyWing | Digital nomads & budget $ • Check eligibility • Flexible, low commitment |
| IMG Global | US expats $ • Check eligibility • Affordable medical plans |
Key tradeoffs
Important considerations that affect most people in this situation.
Premium providers (Cigna, Allianz)
- • Comprehensive inpatient + outpatient coverage
- • Generally accepted for visa applications
- • Strong hospital networks in Spain
- • Better for families and long-term stays
Budget providers (SafetyWing, IMG)
- • Lower monthly costs
- • More flexibility, less commitment
- • May not meet all visa requirements
- • Better for short stays or supplemental coverage
Cigna Global — Best overall for expats in Spain
Cigna Global is often considered the gold standard for international health insurance among expats.
Cigna offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage with strong global and European hospital access. Their plans are commonly accepted for Spanish visa applications, making them a safe choice for anyone concerned about documentation requirements.
The main consideration is cost — Cigna sits at the premium end of the market. For short stays or budget-conscious nomads, this may be more coverage than needed. But for families, professionals, and anyone planning to stay long-term, the peace of mind often justifies the investment.
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Strong global and European hospital network
- Plans commonly accepted for Spanish visa applications
- Good option for families and long-term residents
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Allianz Care — Best for retirees and EU-focused coverage
Allianz Care is a familiar name for Europeans and expats seeking conservative, reliable coverage.
Allianz has a strong presence across Spain and the EU, with clear coverage structures that appeal to risk-averse movers. They're frequently used by retirees applying for non-lucrative visas who want straightforward, comprehensive protection.
Like Cigna, Allianz sits in the premium tier. The tradeoff is less flexibility compared to nomad-focused options — these plans are designed for people who know where they'll be living.
- Strong presence across Spain and the EU
- Clear, conservative coverage structure
- Frequently used by retirees and risk-averse movers
- Good documentation for visa applications
SafetyWing — Best for digital nomads and budget coverage
SafetyWing is popular with digital nomads because of its simplicity, flexibility, and low barrier to entry.
The appeal is clear: affordable monthly pricing, no long-term commitment, and easy sign-up from anywhere in the world. For nomads who move frequently or aren't sure how long they'll stay in Spain, this flexibility matters.
Important caveat: Not all SafetyWing policies meet Spanish visa requirements. Some visa types require no co-pays, full coverage within Spain, and no coverage caps. Before applying for a visa with SafetyWing coverage, confirm your specific policy meets the requirements for your visa category.
This doesn't make SafetyWing "bad" — it makes it situational. For someone who already has residency or is using it as supplemental coverage, it can be excellent value. For first-time visa applicants, verify eligibility carefully.
- Affordable monthly pricing (~$40-80/month)
- No long-term commitment required
- Easy sign-up from abroad
- Best for: digital nomads, short-term stays, budget-focused movers
What Spain requires from expat health insurance
Understanding visa requirements prevents the most common application delays and rejections.
While requirements vary slightly by visa type, Spanish authorities generally expect private health insurance to meet specific criteria. Policies that fail these requirements are one of the most common reasons visa applications are delayed or rejected.
The non-lucrative visa and digital nomad visa both have strict insurance requirements. If you're applying for either, confirm your policy explicitly meets these criteria before submitting your application.
- Full coverage in Spain (not just emergency/travel coverage)
- No co-payments on essential services
- No waiting periods for coverage to begin
- No annual or lifetime coverage limits
- Hospitalization and specialist care included
- Medical repatriation coverage
Which insurance is right for you?
The best choice depends on your situation, not just price.
Retirees (non-lucrative visa): Look for full private coverage with no co-pays and no limits. Premium international plans from Cigna or Allianz are usually the safest choice. The visa requirements are strict, and consulates know these providers.
Digital nomads: Flexibility matters, but visa compliance comes first. If you're applying for Spain's digital nomad visa, confirm your policy meets requirements before applying. SafetyWing may or may not qualify depending on the specific plan.
Families: Coverage breadth, pediatric care, and hospital access matter more than finding the lowest price. Cigna Global's family plans are commonly used for this reason.
Short-term vs long-term: Short stays (under 1 year) can justify more flexible, lower-cost options. Long-term residents should prioritize stability, provider networks, and acceptance for renewals.
Common pitfalls
Issues that frequently catch people off guard in this area.
Common questions
Do I need private insurance if I plan to use Spain's public healthcare later?
Yes. Most visas require private insurance for the initial application, even if you'll eventually qualify for public healthcare through employment or residency. You can typically switch or drop private coverage once you're registered in the Spanish social security system.
Can I switch insurance after getting residency?
Often yes, but timing matters. Many expats maintain their initial coverage through the first renewal, then evaluate options once they're fully established. Switching mid-visa-period can create documentation complications.
Is the cheapest plan acceptable for a Spain visa?
Only if it meets all coverage requirements. Cheap plans are a common source of visa delays and rejections. The cost of re-applying or having an application delayed usually exceeds the savings from a budget policy.
Does my policy need to be in Spanish?
Not always, but clear documentation helps. Some providers offer Spanish-language certificates specifically for visa applications. If your policy is in English, consulates generally accept it, but having a Spanish summary can smooth the process.
What happens if my insurance lapses while I'm in Spain?
This can create problems for residency renewals. Spanish authorities may ask for proof of continuous coverage. Gaps in insurance can complicate the renewal process and, in some cases, affect your legal status.
Examples
These are examples of providers in this space, not endorsements. Options, features, and pricing change. Research current offerings before making decisions.
- Cigna Global — Premium international coverage, commonly visa-accepted
- Allianz Care — Strong EU presence, popular with retirees
- SafetyWing — Nomad-focused, verify visa eligibility
- IMG Global — US expat focus, affordable options
- Bupa Global — UK-based, comprehensive international plans
- AXA Global Healthcare — European provider, multiple plan tiers
Next steps
Continue your research with these related guides.
Sources & references
Official Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Inclusion — Visa Requirements – Official residency and social security information
- Spanish Consulate General – Visa application requirements vary by consulate
Provider Information
- Cigna Global – International health insurance plans
- Allianz Care – International health coverage
- SafetyWing – Nomad insurance products
Information gathered from these sources as of January 2026. Requirements and procedures may change.