Do expats need private health insurance in Spain?

It depends on your situation. (1) EU citizens who contribute to Spanish Social Security (work, self-employment) can access the public healthcare system (Seguridad Social). (2) EU retirees receiving a pension may qualify for the S1 form, giving access to public healthcare. (3) Non-EU nationals applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa MUST have private health insurance (mandatory requirement). (4) Anyone outside the above categories will need private insurance for full healthcare coverage. Even for those with public healthcare access, private insurance is popular for faster specialist access, English-speaking doctors and dental cover.

What health insurance is accepted for the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The NLV requires comprehensive private health insurance with: full medical coverage (hospitalisation, outpatient, emergency), NO copayments (franquicias or copagos), NO coverage exclusions for pre-existing conditions (or explicit inclusion), valid in Spain for the full duration of the visa, and documentation in Spanish or with certified translation. Accepted insurers include Sanitas, Adeslas, AXA, Cigna, DKV, Allianz, and Generali. International policies (Cigna Global, GeoBlue, Bupa International) are also accepted if they meet the above criteria.

How much does private health insurance cost in Spain for expats?

Costs vary significantly by age, insurer and coverage level. Approximate monthly premiums for a single adult: Ages 30–40: €60–90/month (basic); €90–130/month (comprehensive). Ages 45–55: €90–130/month (basic); €130–180/month (comprehensive). Ages 55–65: €130–200/month (basic); €180–250/month (comprehensive). Ages 65+: €180–300+/month. Dental cover adds approximately €20–40/month. Spanish insurers (Sanitas, Adeslas) are generally cheaper than international insurers (Cigna Global, Bupa) but may have more restrictions.

Which health insurer has the most English-speaking doctors on Costa del Sol?

Sanitas has the widest network of English-speaking doctors on Costa del Sol, with dedicated international patient services at Sanitas La Moraleja and affiliated clinics in Marbella, Fuengirola and Málaga. AXA also has a strong English-speaking network. For American expats specifically, Cigna Global has the best network of US-trained or English-speaking specialists. Hospital Quirón Marbella and USP Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella) both have comprehensive international patient departments with translators and English-speaking staff.

Can I keep my UK, US or German health insurance when moving to Spain?

UK NHS entitlement ends when you permanently leave the UK. You may be able to use EHIC/GHIC for temporary visits to Spain, but it does not cover you as a Spanish resident. US health insurance (employer-provided or Marketplace plans) generally does not cover care outside the US. German statutory insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) can sometimes be maintained for the first year abroad, but typically you must arrange Spanish insurance. The safest approach is to purchase Spanish or international expat health insurance upon arrival and cancel any non-applicable home country coverage.

Extranjería5 de junio de 202611 min de lectura

Seguro Médico Privado en España para Expatriados [2026] — Sanitas vs Adeslas vs Cigna Comparados

Guía completa sobre seguro médico privado en España para expatriados en 2026. Comparativa de Sanitas, Adeslas, AXA, Cigna y DKV — costes, cobertura, médicos en inglés y requisitos para la Visa No Lucrativa.

#health insurance Spain expats#private health insurance Spain#Sanitas expats#Adeslas Spain#Cigna Spain

En este artículo

¿Quién necesita seguro médico privado?Comparativa principales aseguradoras (2026)Requisitos para la Visa No Lucrativa Hospitales principales en Costa del Sol Formulario S1 para jubilados UE

Seguro Médico Privado en España para Expatriados [2026]

¿Quién necesita seguro médico privado?

✓Titulares de Visa No Lucrativa: Obligatorio (sin copago, cobertura total)
✓Golden Visa: Obligatorio para la solicitud
✓Ciudadanos UE sin S1: Necesario para acceso completo
✓Teletrabajadores: Necesario si no cotizan a la Seguridad Social

Comparativa principales aseguradoras (2026)

Aseguradora	Precio aprox. (adulto 45 años)	Red médica	Inglés
Sanitas	€120/mes	1.000+ clínicas	Excelente
Adeslas	€100/mes	800+ clínicas	Limitado
AXA Spain	€135/mes	Nacional + intl.	Bueno
Cigna Spain	€120/mes	Nacional + 90 países	Excelente
DKV	€115/mes	Nacional + Europa	Alemán/Español

Requisitos para la Visa No Lucrativa

El seguro debe:

✓✅ Sin copago ni franquicias
✓✅ Cobertura de hospitalización completa
✓✅ Urgencias 24/7
✓✅ Sin exclusión de preexistencias (o cobertura tras período de espera)
✓✅ Documentación en español

Hospitales principales en Costa del Sol

✓Marbella: Hospital Quirón (internacional), Hospital USP Costa del Sol
✓Benalmádena: Hospital Vithas Xanit International
✓Málaga: Hospital Quirón Málaga, Hospital Vithas Málaga

Formulario S1 para jubilados UE

Si recibes pensión estatal de un país UE, solicita el formulario S1 a tu autoridad de pensiones. Te da acceso gratuito a la sanidad pública española.

Costa Expat puede orientarte sobre las mejores opciones de seguro médico como parte de la gestión de tu residencia en Costa del Sol.

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Certificado NIE / TIE

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