
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
S1 Form – Available to UK state pensioners and some other benefit recipients, allowing access to SNS on the same terms as Spanish citizens.
Permanent Residency – After five years of continuous legal residence, you may gain the right to public healthcare without extra contributions.
Convenio Especial – A paid public healthcare scheme for those not otherwise eligible, available after one year of registered residency.
For many visa categories — including the popular Non-Lucrative Visa — Spain requires applicants to provide proof of private medical insurance that:
These rules are enforced at the visa application stage and may also apply at residency renewal.
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.
Spanish PMI is often used by:
However, most Spanish PMI plans only cover treatment within Spain and may not be portable if you later move elsewhere.
Primary Healthcare:
Specialist Care:
Diagnostics:
Hospital Care:
Optional Add-ons:
As a UK-regulated broker, WeCovr can arrange international private medical insurance from UK-based insurers that:
| 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 |
Many UK life policies will remain valid after you move abroad if:
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.
Some UK and global insurers offer life cover tailored to expatriates:
UK state pensioners may qualify for the S1 form, granting access to Spain’s public healthcare.
Application Steps:
For those without automatic public healthcare rights, the Convenio Especial offers full SNS access after 1 year’s residency.
Even with PMI in Spain, travel insurance is worth having if you:
As an FCA-authorised UK intermediary:
6 Months Before:
3 Months Before:
After Arrival:
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.






