
Moving to Spain is a dream for many Brits, offering sunshine, a relaxed lifestyle, and a rich culture. Here at WeCovr, an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, we know that sorting out your healthcare is a top priority. This guide provides everything you need to know about private medical insurance in Spain for UK expats.
Relocating involves many changes, and navigating a new healthcare system can feel daunting. Whether you're retiring, working, or starting a new life with your family, understanding your options is the first step towards peace of mind. This article will walk you through the Spanish healthcare system, the types of insurance available, and how to choose the perfect cover for your needs.
Since the UK's departure from the European Union, the rules for accessing state healthcare in Spain have changed for many new arrivals. While the Spanish public healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), is renowned for its high standards, access is no longer automatic for every UK national.
For many, private medical insurance isn't just an option; it's a requirement.
Key Reasons You Need Private Cover:
Understanding the local system helps you appreciate what private medical insurance adds. Both the SNS and NHS are excellent, tax-funded systems, but they have key differences.
| Feature | UK National Health Service (NHS) | Spanish Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Primarily from general taxation. | Primarily from social security contributions. |
| Access | Residency-based. Free at the point of use for all UK residents. | Contribution-based. You must be working and paying into the system, or be a state pensioner with an S1 form. |
| GP Access | You register with a local GP surgery. | You register at your local health centre (centro de salud). |
| Prescriptions | A fixed charge per item in England (free in Scotland, Wales, NI). | A co-payment system is used. You pay a percentage of the cost, depending on your income level (typically 10-60%). |
| Dental Care | Limited availability. Subsidised, not free, with set charge bands. | Basic extractions are often covered, but most dental care (fillings, crowns, orthodontics) is private. |
| Choice | Generally limited choice of hospital or specialist. | Limited choice within the state system; you are usually assigned to a specific hospital. |
The main takeaway for a new expat is that you cannot simply walk into a Spanish centro de salud and expect the same automatic access you have to the NHS in the UK. You must either be a legal resident paying into the social security system or hold compliant private medical insurance.
This is the single most important concept to understand about private medical insurance in the UK and abroad. It is a fundamental principle that often causes confusion.
Private medical insurance (PMI) is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
PMI does not cover:
When you apply, an insurer will assess your medical history. This is done in two main ways:
For expats moving to Spain, Full Medical Underwriting is often the most common and practical approach, as it gives you and your visa application clear proof of your coverage.
When comparing policies, especially for visa purposes, certain features are non-negotiable. An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you find a policy that ticks all the right boxes, ensuring your visa application is smooth and you have the right protection.
Here are the key elements to look for:
Your policy must state that it:
sin copagos (no co-payments).sin carencias (no waiting periods for essential services).Sin Copagos (No Co-payments)Many Spanish health plans operate with a copago system, where you pay a small fee (e.g., €5-€15) each time you see a specialist or have a test. While this lowers the monthly premium, these policies are not suitable for residency visas. You need a policy with zero co-payments.
Carencias (Waiting Periods)Carencias are standard waiting periods before you can access certain benefits. For example, a policy might have an 8-month wait for non-emergency surgery or a 10-month wait for maternity cover. For visa purposes, you need a policy where these waiting periods are waived for most services, ensuring you have immediate, comprehensive cover.
Cuadro Médico (Provider Network) vs. ReimbursementCuadro Médico: This is the most common type of plan. The insurer has a network of approved doctors, clinics, and hospitals. You use these providers, and the insurer pays them directly. This is simple and requires no upfront payment from you.Reembolso): This gives you the freedom to see any doctor or visit any hospital in the world, even outside the insurer's network. You pay the bill yourself and then claim a percentage (typically 80-90%) back from the insurer. These policies are more flexible but also more expensive.For most expats, a Cuadro Médico plan with a large, reputable network in their region is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Standard private medical insurance in Spain does not usually include comprehensive dental or optical care, much like in the UK. Basic dental check-ups and cleaning might be included, but major treatments like crowns, implants, or orthodontics require a separate dental add-on.
The cost of your premium is highly individual and depends on several factors. However, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that comprehensive cover in Spain is often more affordable than equivalent private health cover in the UK.
Main Factors Influencing Your Premium:
copagos will have a lower monthly premium than one that is sin copagos.Sample Monthly Premiums for a Comprehensive Sin Copagos Policy:
| Age of Applicant | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| 30-year-old | €50 – €70 |
| 50-year-old | €70 – €110 |
| 65-year-old | €120 – €180 |
| 75-year-old | €200 – €300+ |
Disclaimer: These are illustrative estimates for 2025. Your actual quote will depend on your specific circumstances and the insurer chosen.
You have two main choices: a Spanish domestic insurer or a global international provider.
These companies have vast networks and deep knowledge of the local healthcare landscape.
These providers offer global plans, which are ideal if you travel frequently or may move to another country in the future.
Comparison: Spanish vs. International Plans
| Feature | Spanish Domestic Insurer | International Insurer |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Expats living full-time in Spain, especially for visa purposes. | Frequent travellers, high-net-worth individuals, those who may relocate again. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable. | Significantly more expensive. |
| Network | Excellent, deep network within Spain. | Global network, but may be less dense in some parts of Spain. |
| Portability | Cover is usually limited to Spain (with some emergency EU travel cover). | Fully portable. You can keep your policy if you move countries. |
| Administration | Increasingly good English support, but core documents may be in Spanish. | English is the primary language for all documents and support. |
| Visa Compliance | Excellent. They specialise in policies that meet Spanish visa rules. | Policies must be carefully checked to ensure they meet specific Spanish requirements. |
For most UK expats moving to Spain, a policy from a major Spanish insurer offers the best combination of comprehensive cover, visa compliance, and value for money.
Your health isn't just about insurance; it's about your lifestyle. Spain offers an incredible environment for promoting well-being.
Farmacia): Spanish pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice and over-the-counter treatments for many minor ailments. Look for the green cross symbol.To help you on your wellness journey, all WeCovr clients who purchase a PMI or Life Insurance policy gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's the perfect companion for embracing that healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.
Navigating a foreign insurance market can be complex, especially when a visa is on the line. This is where an expert, independent broker is invaluable.
At WeCovr, we specialise in helping UK expats find the right private medical insurance for their new life in Spain.
copago, carencia, cuadro médico) into plain English, so you know exactly what you're buying.Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to providing clear, friendly, and professional guidance every step of the way.
Securing the right health cover is one of the most important steps in your relocation plan. It provides not only a safety net for your health but also the key to unlocking your Spanish residency.
Don't navigate the complexities alone. Let the friendly experts at WeCovr guide you. We'll compare leading Spanish and international insurers to find you a policy that's perfect for your needs, compliant with your visa, and fits your budget.
[Contact WeCovr today for your free, no-obligation private medical insurance quote and take the first step towards a secure and happy life in Spain.]






