If you’re planning to move to Spain, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at least once. “I already have health insurance in the U.S. Do I really need to buy another policy?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear from Americans preparing their move to Spain.
Imagine Sarah, a recently retired teacher from California. She has Medicare, a supplemental health plan, and has always felt well protected. When she begins preparing her Non-Lucrative Visa application, she assumes her existing insurance will be enough. Then she discovers something unexpected.
For many long-term Spanish visas—such as the Non-Lucrative Visa, and in many situations the Digital Nomad Visa—simply having health insurance in the United States does not necessarily satisfy Spain’s immigration requirements.
As explained by the Government of Spain’s One-Stop Shop for International Relocation (Plataforma One), applicants who are not covered by Spain’s National Health System must have public or private health insurance issued by an insurer authorized to operate in Spain, providing coverage equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system. The guidance also specifies that travel insurance is not accepted for these cases.
So, do you really need another health insurance policy? In many cases, yes. The reason isn’t that your U.S. insurance is inadequate.It’s that it was designed for a different healthcare system.
Your U.S. Health Insurance Was Designed for the U.S. Healthcare System
Having excellent health insurance in the United States doesn’t automatically mean it will work for your move to Spain.
Policies such as Medicare are generally intended for healthcare received within the United States, while many employer-sponsored or private health plans only provide limited international benefits or reimbursement for emergency medical expenses abroad.
Spanish immigration authorities don’t simply verify whether you have insurance. They assess whether your policy complies with the requirements applicable to the visa or residence authorization you’re requesting.
In other words, the question isn’t whether your U.S. insurance is good. It’s whether it’s appropriate for your immigration process in Spain.
What Should You Look for Instead?
Before purchasing any health insurance policy, it’s important to confirm that it’s suitable for your specific visa or residence application.
Depending on your immigration process, authorities may expect a policy that provides:
- Comprehensive medical coverage in Spain.
- Coverage for the required duration of your stay.
- No waiting periods or limitations where immediate access to healthcare is required.
- Documentation suitable for your visa application.
- Compliance with the requirements established for your specific immigration process.
Choosing a policy based only on price can become an expensive mistake. Every year, applicants discover too late that the insurance they purchased doesn’t meet the necessary requirements, forcing them to buy a second policy or delaying their application.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify your coverage before purchasing can save both time and money.
Don’t Buy Health Insurance Twice. Get It Right the First Time
Relocating to another country already comes with enough decisions. Your health insurance shouldn’t be another source of uncertainty.
At Insurance for Expats, we specialize in helping Americans and other international residents understand the health insurance requirements for Spain and choose coverage that’s appropriate for their relocation plans.
Whether you’re applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, a Digital Nomad Visa, or another residence authorization that requires private health insurance, we’re here to help.
As an official DKV partner, we can help you find a policy designed for expats, answer your questions, and guide you through the process with confidence.
Send us an email at carlosblanco@insuranceforexpat.es for personalized advice and a free DKV health insurance quote. We’d be happy to help you find the best option for your move to Spain.