TL;DR
The Ultimate Guide to Private Medical Insurance and Life Protection for UK Citizens Moving to Spain > Important Notice > Information in this guide about Spanish insurance products is for general awareness only and does not constitute a personal recommendation. > If you require a Spanish-regulated policy, you should speak to a locally authorised intermediary. > WeCovr can help you secure flexible international plans from UK-based insurers that cover you in Spain and beyond.
Key takeaways
- Meeting Spanish visa and residency health insurance requirements.
- Deciding between Spanish private medical insurance (PMI) and international PMI.
- Maintaining or arranging UK-based life insurance that remains valid abroad.
- Considering additional protection policies like critical illness and income protection.
- Understanding public healthcare access through the S1 form or Convenio Especial.
The Ultimate Guide to Private Medical Insurance and Life Protection for UK Citizens Moving to Spain
Important Notice
Information in this guide about Spanish insurance products is for general awareness only and does not constitute a personal recommendation.
If you require a Spanish-regulated policy, you should speak to a locally authorised intermediary.
WeCovr can help you secure flexible international plans from UK-based insurers that cover you in Spain and beyond.
Executive Summary
Relocating to Spain from the UK is an exciting opportunity — whether you are chasing the Mediterranean sunshine, embracing a slower pace of life, starting a new career, or enjoying retirement. But alongside the lifestyle changes comes an important practical question: how will you protect your health, income, and family once you move?
This guide explains everything UK citizens need to know about:
- Meeting Spanish visa and residency health insurance requirements.
- Deciding between Spanish private medical insurance (PMI) and international PMI.
- Maintaining or arranging UK-based life insurance that remains valid abroad.
- Considering additional protection policies like critical illness and income protection.
- Understanding public healthcare access through the S1 form or Convenio Especial.
- Making smart choices before and after you relocate.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know which options you can arrange directly through WeCovr (UK-based and international policies) and where you might need a Spanish-authorised intermediary.
Spain's Healthcare System – What UK Citizens Need to Know
The Dual System
Spain operates a dual healthcare system:
-
Public healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud – SNS)
Funded through general taxation and social security contributions, this system provides universal access for residents and is largely free at the point of use. Care is generally high quality, but waiting times for non-urgent treatment can be long. -
Private healthcare
Offers faster access to specialists and treatment, more hospital choice, and often English-speaking doctors. This is financed through private medical insurance or direct payment.
Many residents use a combination — relying on the public system for emergencies and chronic conditions, and private cover for faster elective care.
Access to Spanish Public Healthcare After Brexit
Brexit has changed the way UK nationals access healthcare in Spain. You may be eligible through:
-
Employment in Spain – If you work for a Spanish employer or are self-employed and pay into the Spanish social security system, you automatically qualify for public healthcare.
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S1 Form – Available to UK state pensioners and some other benefit recipients, allowing access to SNS on the same terms as Spanish citizens.
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Permanent Residency – After five years of continuous legal residence, you may gain the right to public healthcare without extra contributions.
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Convenio Especial – A paid public healthcare scheme for those not otherwise eligible, available after one year of registered residency.
Visa and Residency Health Insurance Requirements
For many visa categories — including the popular Non-Lucrative Visa — Spain requires applicants to provide proof of private medical insurance that:
- Has no co-payments or deductibles.
- Has no waiting periods for essential services.
- Offers unlimited or very high annual coverage limits.
- Includes inpatient and outpatient hospital care.
- Includes emergency and repatriation cover.
- Is issued in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation.
These rules are enforced at the visa application stage and may also apply at residency renewal.
Spanish Private Medical Insurance – Awareness Only
Disclaimer: WeCovr does not arrange Spanish PMI policies. The following information is for general awareness to help you understand local options. If you require a Spanish-regulated plan, we can connect you with a locally authorised intermediary.
When Spanish PMI Might Be Chosen
Spanish PMI is often used by:
- Residents who rely solely on private care.
- People applying for visas requiring a Spain-issued policy.
- Mortgage borrowers whose lender requires local cover.
However, most Spanish PMI plans only cover treatment within Spain and may not be portable if you later move elsewhere.
Typical Benefits in Spanish PMI Plans
Primary Healthcare:
- GP consultations and preventive screenings.
- Paediatric and maternity care.
- 24/7 emergency services.
Specialist Care:
- Cardiology, oncology, neurology.
- Orthopaedics, dermatology, psychiatry.
- Gynaecology and urology.
Diagnostics:
- Blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds.
- MRI and CT scans.
- Endoscopic procedures.
Hospital Care:
- Inpatient and outpatient surgery.
- Emergency hospitalisation.
- Intensive care and rehabilitation.
Optional Add-ons:
- Basic dental.
- Limited mental health sessions.
- Some optical benefits.
International PMI – The Flexible Alternative We Arrange
As a UK-regulated broker, WeCovr can arrange international private medical insurance from UK-based insurers that:
- Covers you in Spain and worldwide.
- Allows treatment in the UK and other countries.
- Is portable if you move again.
- Provides English-language support and documents.
Benefits of International PMI for UK Expats
- Portability – Keep your plan if you move to another country.
- Choice of Treatment Location – Access hospitals worldwide.
- Consistent Policy Terms – Avoid restarting waiting periods if you relocate.
- Language Support – English claims processing and customer service.
- Global Network Access – Partnerships with leading hospitals internationally.
Example International PMI Features
| Benefit Category | International PMI | Typical Spanish PMI |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical cover | Worldwide or regional | Spain only |
| Portability | Yes | Usually no |
| Claims language | English + local | Spanish |
| Choice of hospitals | Global network | Spanish network only |
| Multi-country living | Yes | No |
Life Insurance for UK Citizens Moving to Spain
Continuing UK Life Cover
Many UK life policies will remain valid after you move abroad if:
- Taken out while UK resident.
- Premiums paid from a UK bank account.
- Insurer informed of your move.
Arranging New UK Life Cover Before You Move
If you don’t have life cover or need to increase it, it’s often best to arrange it before you become Spanish resident, as underwriting is simpler while you’re UK-based.
International Life Insurance Options
Some UK and global insurers offer life cover tailored to expatriates:
- Worldwide protection.
- Choice of currency (GBP, EUR, USD).
- Terminal illness and accidental death benefits.
Additional Protection to Consider
- Critical Illness Cover – Lump sum on diagnosis of major illnesses.
- Income Protection – Regular payments if illness/injury prevents work.
- Key Person Cover – For business owners or directors.
S1 Form – Public Healthcare for Pensioners
UK state pensioners may qualify for the S1 form, granting access to Spain’s public healthcare.
Application Steps:
- Contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
- Provide NI number and residency details.
- Receive your S1 and register it with INSS.
- Obtain your Spanish health card.
Convenio Especial – Paid Public Healthcare
For those without automatic public healthcare rights, the Convenio Especial offers full SNS access after 1 year’s residency.
Pre-Existing Conditions – Key Differences
- International PMI – Often more flexible if arranged before relocation.
- Spanish PMI – May exclude or load premiums for existing conditions.
Travel and Emergency Cover
Even with PMI in Spain, travel insurance is worth having if you:
- Travel outside Spain.
- Want cover for trip cancellation or disruption.
- Engage in sports or activities.
Working With WeCovr
As an FCA-authorised UK intermediary:
- We can arrange international PMI and UK-based life/protection cover.
- We ensure your cover works for your life in Spain and future moves.
- We introduce you to Spanish intermediaries if a local PMI plan is required.
Pre-Move Timeline
6 Months Before:
- Review existing cover.
- Get international PMI quotes.
- Apply for S1 if eligible.
3 Months Before:
- Finalise policies.
- Notify insurers of move.
After Arrival:
- Register with local healthcare if applicable.
- Keep UK banking for premium payments.
Conclusion
Moving to Spain is a wonderful opportunity, but it’s important to plan your insurance well.
International PMI offers flexibility and portability that Spanish PMI often cannot.
Maintaining or arranging UK life insurance ensures your loved ones are protected worldwide.
With the right advice, you can enjoy your new life in Spain with complete peace of mind.
Sources
- NHS England: Waiting times and referral-to-treatment statistics.
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Health, mortality, and workforce data.
- NICE: Clinical guidance and technology appraisals.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC): Provider quality and inspection reports.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Public health surveillance reports.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Health and protection market publications.









