Spain is considered one of the healthiest and most favorable countries to live in due to its inherent sunny and warm climate and Mediterranean health cuisine as well as its effective healthcare system. These factors taken together make the country attractive for elderly people to spend their retirement here. More so, many people who have chronic diseases, especially of the respiratory system, claim that they were able to improve their state and thus the quality of life after moving to Spain.
The healthcare system in Spain is advanced and ranks high on the global level. Namely, the healthcare system was ranked #7 out of 89 countries on the global rank from the Health Care Index in 2019, and it was #3 rank in Europe behind Austria and Denmark. While the Spanish social security system allows access to all healthcare services for locals at no cost, it is recommended that non-residents and ex-pats acquire private health insurance. More so, private health insurance will be beneficial to those who need special medical care or want to get premium medical services without having to wait in lines for scheduling appointments. In addition, private healthcare coverage makes it easier for ex-pats and visitors to arrange an appointment with an English-speaking doctor.
Do you need to buy healthcare coverage?
Residents who live and work in Spain pay official income and social security taxes to cover public healthcare services. However, in case you are ineligible for public healthcare insurance, you can either apply for private health insurance coverage or pay for each visit and treatment separately on the occasion you need it. Also, you can apply for convenio especial, a state-run scheme that provides basic social security and healthcare coverage on a paid basis.
Getting private healthcare coverage in Spain
If you are visiting Spain, you are obliged to have basic health insurance even in the stage of applying for a Spanish visa. In this case, you can either buy travel health insurance or apply for Spanish private health insurance online. If you are a citizen of any EU country, you can enter Spain with having EHIC card that grants health coverage within the European Union. Still, foreigners have to check whether their health insurance package covers the same risks and offers equal health protection in Spain as in their home country.
When you apply for private health insurance in Spain, keep in mind that local providers know the healthcare system and how it works; thus, they will be able to advise you on what your insurance covers and what package you may consider buying additionally. For example, you may want to have dental services covered, while they are not covered under most public and travel insurance – you may consider buying a package that will allow you to get dental services when needed at no additional cost.
Private health insurance providers in Spain
There is a wide selection of healthcare coverage plans that range from low-cost insurance that covers basic services to more extended health insurance plans. The health insurance plan and its price may vary depending on the health insurance provider. You can check which plans are offered by different providers online on their websites. Also, the price of a health insurance plan will vary and depend not only on the company but also on the person’s age, gender, health condition, and requirements for coverage.
You can expect the price to vary from €50 to €200 a month for one person. However, the cost per person will be lower if you buy a bundle insurance package for the whole family.
The most popular and trusted providers of health insurance coverage are:
- Adeslas
- Asia
- Sanitas
If you have any questions or require any assistance with dealing with health insurance registration, finding a suitable health insurance provider, or registering for public or private insurance, you can always contact us. For more information, please, visit our website https://happylife.es
We will help you with any questions and advise on all steps you need to take to get your healthcare coverage in Spain.
