You have finally started preparing your move to Spain. Your visa appointment is getting closer, your documents are slowly coming together, and then you reach the health insurance requirement.
There is just one problem: you do not have a Spanish NIE yet. You have not opened a Spanish bank account either. You are still living abroad, and the idea of arranging a Spanish insurance policy before even arriving in the country feels slightly backward.
This is one of the most common concerns we hear from future expats. Fortunately, obtaining suitable health insurance does not always have to wait until you are already living in Spain.
Spanish Health Insurance Before You Arrive
Through our partnership with DKV Seguros, international applicants can access a health insurance option specifically designed for people preparing to live in Spain.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable contracting conditions, the policy can be arranged using passport details before a Spanish NIE has been issued. Payment by card is also available, which means you do not necessarily need to open a Spanish bank account before completing the process.
For someone managing a visa application from the United States, or another country, these details can make a significant difference. Instead of adding another administrative obstacle, the insurance can be organized as part of the relocation process—before departure.
Did you know?
According to Rankia’s 2026 Health Insurance Ranking, DKV is recognized among the highest-rated private health insurance providers in Spain, thanks to its comprehensive coverage and strong customer ratings.
That’s why many expats choose DKV not just for their visa application, but for long-term peace of mind after arriving in Spain.
More Than a Certificate for Your Visa File
A common mistake is choosing health insurance based only on whether it produces a certificate for the visa application.
That certificate is important, but your insurance should also work once you arrive in Spain and genuinely need medical care.
DKV Visado provides access to healthcare through DKV’s medical network in Spain, including primary care, specialists, diagnostic testing, emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, oncology, preventive medicine, mental health services, telemedicine, and certain dental services. The policy allows access to the included medical coverage without copayments, although specific conditions, authorizations, limits, and exclusions still apply.
Policyholders can also use DKV’s digital services to access virtual consultations, manage appointments, review health documentation, and receive electronic prescriptions. For expats who are still becoming familiar with the Spanish healthcare system, having these services available digitally can make everyday medical care feel much easier to navigate.
What Happens If Your Visa Is Denied?
Paying for a full year of insurance before receiving a visa decision can understandably make applicants nervous.
Under the applicable commercial conditions, clients whose visa application is officially denied may be eligible to request a refund by providing the formal denial decision and the required supporting documentation.
Because refund eligibility, deadlines, documentation requirements, and any applicable deductions may vary, it is important to confirm the current terms before purchasing the policy. A responsible adviser should explain those conditions clearly rather than simply promising that every payment will automatically be returned.
Choose the Right Insurance Before You Apply
Not every health insurance policy is suitable for every Spanish visa. The cheapest option is not always the best, and even an excellent medical policy may not meet the specific requirements of a Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Student Visa, or another residency route. Choosing the right coverage from the beginning can help you avoid unnecessary delays, extra costs, and added stress.
At Insurance for Expats, powered by BR Protektia, we help our clients choose immigration-compliant health insurance that meets the legal requirements for their specific visa. From selecting the right policy to explaining coverage, payment options, and documentation, our goal is to give you one less thing to worry about before your move to Spain.
Not sure if your policy qualifies? Send us an email, and one of our specialists will be happy to guide you through the process: carlosblanco@insuranceforexpat.es