Moving to Spain is an exciting new chapter. You may already be thinking about where you will live, what your daily routine will look like, and how quickly you can settle into your new community.
But before booking flights and packing your belongings, it is worth taking time to prepare for something even more important: your health.
International Self-Care Day, observed every July 24, is a reminder that taking care of yourself goes beyond exercise, healthy food, or taking time to rest. Self-care also means planning ahead, reducing avoidable stress, and making sure you have the right support in place before a major life change.
Did you know?
International Self-Care Day, celebrated every July 24, encourages people to take proactive care of their physical and mental wellbeing. The date itself reflects the idea that self-care should be practiced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s not just about healthy habits—it’s also about planning ahead and making informed decisions that protect your health.
For expats, self-care starts long before arriving in Spain. A little preparation now can make your relocation much smoother.
If you are preparing to relocate, these five essential health tips before moving to Spain can help you arrive feeling more organized, protected, and confident.
1. Schedule Important Medical Check-Ups Before You Leave
Before moving to Spain, it’s a good idea to schedule any routine medical appointments you may need, such as a general check-up, dental visit, eye exam, or vaccination updates. If you manage a chronic condition, ask your doctor for a summary of your medical history and recommendations for continuing your treatment abroad.
Taking care of these appointments before you relocate can help you avoid unnecessary stress during your first weeks in Spain and give you peace of mind as you settle into your new home.
2. Organize Your Medical Records and Prescriptions
Having your medical information readily available can make a big difference if you need healthcare shortly after arriving in Spain. Keep digital or printed copies of important documents, including your medical history, vaccination records, current prescriptions, allergy information, and any recent specialist reports.
If you take prescription medication, check whether it is available in Spain and bring enough to cover your first weeks while you establish care with a local doctor.
3. Understand How Healthcare Works in Spain
Spain offers both public and private healthcare, but access to the public system depends on your residency and employment status. Because of this, many expats rely on private health insurance when they first arrive, especially if they are applying for a visa.
Before your move, take a few minutes to learn about the healthcare options available in your destination, identify nearby hospitals and pharmacies, and save the emergency number 112. Understanding how the system works will help you feel more confident if you ever need medical assistance.
4. Make Sure You Have the Right Private Health Insurance
Choosing the right private health insurance is one of the most important steps when preparing to move to Spain. Many visa and residence applications require applicants to have comprehensive medical coverage, although the exact requirements may vary depending on the visa type, consulate, or immigration office.
In general, a visa-compliant policy should provide benefits such as:
- Comprehensive medical assistance in Spain
- Hospitalization and emergency care
- Specialist consultations and diagnostic tests
- No copayments
- No waiting periods for essential coverage
- Coverage for the full required period
Travel insurance is not always accepted for long-term visa applications, so it’s important to confirm that your policy meets the specific immigration requirements before purchasing it.
You should also review the insurer’s medical network, nearby hospitals and clinics, policy exclusions, coverage limits, renewal conditions, and the documentation provided for your visa application. Remember that the cheapest policy isn’t always the best—having the right coverage can make all the difference during both your visa process and your first months in Spain.
5. Protect Your Mental Wellbeing During the Move
Moving to Spain is an exciting experience, but it can also bring stress, homesickness, culture shock, and uncertainty as you adjust to a new language, culture, and daily routine. Giving yourself time to adapt is an important part of a successful relocation.
Simple habits can make the transition much easier, including:
- Maintaining regular sleep and meal routines
- Staying physically active
- Learning basic Spanish before arriving
- Joining local or expat communities
- Keeping in touch with family and friends
- Exploring your new neighborhood gradually
- Asking for professional help if needed
Even learning a few healthcare-related Spanish words—such as cita médica (medical appointment), receta (prescription), farmacia (pharmacy), and urgencias (emergency care)—can help you feel more confident during your first weeks in Spain. Remember that settling into a new country takes time, and being patient with yourself is one of the best forms of self-care.
A Simple Health Checklist Before Moving to Spain
Before departure, confirm that you have completed the following:
- Scheduled essential medical and dental check-ups
- Requested copies of your medical records
- Organized prescriptions and medication information
- Checked whether your medication is available in Spain
- Researched healthcare services near your destination
- Confirmed your eligibility for public healthcare
- Arranged appropriate private health insurance
- Verified that your policy meets your visa requirements
- Saved emergency and medical contact information
- Created a plan to support your mental wellbeing
Completing these steps can help prevent unnecessary problems after your arrival.
Make Health Part of Your Relocation Plan
International Self-Care Day reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t just about today’s habits—it’s also about preparing for the future. By organizing your medical records, understanding Spain’s healthcare system, and choosing the right private health insurance, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy a smoother, less stressful relocation.
Need Help Choosing the Right Health Insurance? At Insurance for Expats, we work with DKV, one of Spain’s leading private health insurance providers, helping expats find visa-compliant coverage tailored to their relocation plans and healthcare needs.
Whether you’re applying for a visa or simply looking for reliable private medical insurance after arriving in Spain, we’re here to help you choose the policy that’s right for you.
Contact us here or send us an email at carlosblanco@insuranceforexpats.es for personalized advice and a free DKV health insurance quote. We’d be happy to help you find the best policy for your move to Spain.