Insurance

Health cover for your visa that the consulate accepts is required for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). Travel policies are typically rejected, and errors in this step can jeopardize your visa application.

What to check

• Not every policy counts as cover: The NLV requires private health insurance from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain. You cannot rely on the public system.
• Sufficient means no gaps: Consulates generally require full coverage matching the Spanish public system, meaning no co-payments, no excess, and no waiting periods. Partial coverage is often rejected.
• Travel insurance is a different product: Travel policies cover trips, exclude routine care, and often handle only emergencies or repatriation. These do not meet consulate requirements, even with high limits.

Before you apply

What gets a policy turned down: Most rejections stem from the following issues. Verify these before purchasing coverage:

• Co-payments on treatment
• A yearly excess
• Waiting periods before cover starts
• Emergency and repatriation only
• An insurer not authorized in Spain
• A term shorter than your visa

Key areas

An insurance broker can assist with these common concerns for English speakers:

• NLV-compliant health plans: Coverage from an insurer authorized in Spain, with no co-payments, no excess, and no waiting periods.
• Non-Lucrative Visa Family coverage: Everyone on the application (spouse and children) needs coverage. Some insurers offer a single family policy, while others issue separate policies per person.
• Spouse & children: Ensure all dependents are covered, either under one policy or individual ones.
• Pre-existing conditions: Insurers may cover, exclude, or charge more for pre-existing conditions. Declare these early to avoid complications.
• Renewals and residency: Your coverage must remain valid when renewing residency. Your policy may need adjustments after the first year.

Common questions

Requirements vary between consulates, so confirm specifics with yours.

• Why won't travel insurance work? Travel policies are designed for short trips, not residency. They often exclude routine care, have end dates, and focus on emergencies or repatriation, which do not meet consulate requirements.
• What does sufficient coverage actually mean? While there is no universal checklist, consulates typically require a policy from an insurer authorized in Spain, with full coverage, no co-payments, no excess, and no waiting periods. Verify with your consulate before purchasing.
• Do I need this for the Digital Nomad Visa too? It depends. If you are registered with Spanish social security (as an employee or self-employed), that may suffice. Otherwise, you need private coverage from an insurer authorized in Spain.
• Does my family each need a policy? Yes, everyone included in the application (spouse and children) must be covered. Some insurers offer a single family policy, while others issue separate policies.
• What happens with a pre-existing condition? Insurers may cover, exclude, or charge more for pre-existing conditions. Exclusions can cause issues if the consulate requires full coverage, so disclose these upfront.
• How long does the policy need to run? It must be valid for the entire visa period, typically paid upfront for a full year. You must also show valid coverage when renewing residency.

Final advice

A policy that does not meet consulate requirements can delay your entire application. Verify all details before purchasing to avoid complications.