If you’re a digital nomad in Spain, having the right health insurance is essential. Whether you’re staying short-term or long-term, you need coverage for doctor visits, emergencies, and unexpected health costs. But with so many options, choosing the best plan can feel overwhelming.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about health insurance for digital nomads in Spain—from legal requirements to the best plans for 2025. Let’s find the right coverage for you! 🚀
Do Digital Nomads Need Health Insurance in Spain?
Spain has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, but as a digital nomad, you might not have automatic access to it. However, health insurance is essential —both for your health and to meet legal requirements. Whether you’re staying for a few months or planning a long-term stay, getting the right health insurance will ensure that you’re covered in case of emergencies, medical visits, and unexpected health costs. Here’s why health insurance is crucial:
- Legal Requirement: If you plan to live in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll likely need private health insurance to apply for a visa or residency.
- Emergency Coverage: Even short-term visitors should have coverage for medical emergencies, as the cost of healthcare can add up quickly without insurance.
- Access to Better Care: Having health insurance ensures quicker access to medical services, especially in private clinics.
💡 Bottom line? Unless you have access to Spain’s public healthcare, getting private health insurance i your best bet for peace of mind and legal compliance.
Types of Health Insurance Available for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad in Spain, you have several options for health insurance. The best choice depends on your nationality, length of stay, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant types for of health insurances for remote workers in Spain :
1. Public Health Insurance (Seguridad Social) 🇪🇸
Spain’s public healthcare system is one of the best in Europe, offering free or low-cost care to residents.
✅ Pros:
- Free or low-cost healthcare (doctor visits, hospital care, emergencies).
- High-quality medical services in public hospitals.
❌ Cons:
- Only accessible under certain conditions.
- Long wait times for specialists.
- Limited English-speaking doctors.
Who Qualifies for Public Healthcare?
Spain’s public healthcare system, Seguridad Social, is available to:
✔ Residents – Anyone with legal residence status (such as those working or freelancing in Spain).
✔ Employees – Workers who pay into Spain’s social security system.
✔ EU & UK Citizens – If you’re from an EU/EEA country and have an EHIC/GHIC card, you can access public healthcare for temporary stays (= permanent residency status in other country).
Who Doesn’t Qualify?
❌ Non-EU Digital Nomads: Without a residence permit, you’ll likely not have access to public healthcare.
❌ Short-Term Visitors: If you’re only staying for a few months and don’t have a work contract or residency, you won’t qualify for public coverage.
❌ Remote Workers earning from abroad without contributing to Spain’s social security system.
Can You Access Public Healthcare If You’re Not Eligible?
If you’re planning to stay in Spain long-term, you may be able to access public healthcare by paying into the system via the Convenio Especial program. This allows residents to pay a monthly fee (~€60–€157) to get coverage under Spain’s public health system. However, this only applies to those who have been residents for at least 12 months.
2. EHIC/GHIC (European & UK Health Insurance Cards) 🇪🇺🇬🇧
If you’re from the EU, EEA, or the UK, you can use an EHIC or GHIC for free or reduced-cost emergency healthcare in Spain.
✅ Pros:
- Free or low-cost treatment in public hospitals.
- Easy to use for short-term stays.
- No extra cost if you already have an EHIC/GHIC.
❌ Cons:
- Does not cover private healthcare.
- Not valid for long-term stays.
- May not cover all treatments (especially if you need ongoing care).
👉 Best for: Short-term nomads from Europe or the UK who don’t need private healthcare.
2. Travel Insurance ✈️
Travel insurance is mainly for emergency medical care and trip-related issues. It’s a great short-term option but not for long stays (> 6months).
✅ Pros:
- Covers emergency treatments, hospital stays, and accidents.
- Includes trip protection (lost luggage, cancellations, etc.).
- Affordable (€30–€150/month).
❌ Cons:
- No routine check-ups or specialist visits.
- Not valid for visas or long-term healthcare.
- Often only covers short stays (under 6 months).
👉 Best for: Short-term nomads who only need affordable emergency coverage.
Who Can Use Travel Health Insurance?
Travel health insurance is a good fit for digital nomads who:
✔ Stay in Spain for less than 3–6 months at a time.
✔ Move between countries frequently (it covers multiple destinations).
✔ Don’t need long-term routine care (only emergencies and short-term treatments).
✔ Aren’t applying for a visa that requires local health insurance.
Who Can’t Use Travel Health Insurance?
❌ Stay in Spain for more than 6 months in a row (most policies aren’t valid long-term).
❌ Need regular check-ups, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment.
❌ Plan to apply for a Spanish visa or residency (many visas require local or expat insurance).
❌ Want access to Spain’s private healthcare system (many travel plans only cover public hospitals).
3. Private Health Insurance 🏥
Many digital nomads need private health insurance for visas and to access faster, English-speaking medical care.
✅ Pros:
- Fast appointments with private doctors and specialists.
- English-speaking medical staff available.
- Accepted for visa applications (like the Non-Lucrative Visa).
- Costs as low as €50/month for basic plans.
❌ Cons:
- Limited international coverage—only valid in Spain.
- Does normally NOT include repatriation (returning you to your home country if needed).
- Some plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions (already existing health problem).
👉 Best for: Nomads staying long-term in Spain or needing visa-compliant insurance.
4. Expat Health Insurance 🌍
Unlike regular private insurance, expat insurance provides coverage across multiple countries, ideal for nomads who travel frequently.
✅ Pros:
- Works inside and outside Spain.
- Fast appointments with private doctors and specialists.
- English-speaking medical staff available.
- Often includes repatriation, dental, and mental health.
❌ Cons:
- More expensive (~100€–300€/month).
- Some plans don’t cover pre-existing conditions (already existing health problem).
- Not always visa-compliant (check requirements).
👉 Best for: Nomads who travel often and want consistent healthcare worldwide.
Which Health Insurance is Best for You?
Choosing the right health insurance depends on a few key factors. The following questions will help you narrow down, which health insurance option is best for you:
📍 Are You from the EU/UK?
- Yes → You can use your EHIC/GHIC for emergency care in the public healthcare system, but it’s not enough for long stays and has coverage limitations..
- No → You’ll need another kind of insurance (travel, private or expat) or buy yourself into Convenio Especial
💼 Are You Employed in Spain?
- Yes, I have a residency status and / or pay social security → You get full public healthcare coverage.
- No → You’ll need another kind of insurance (travel, private or expat) or buy yourself into Convenio Especial.
⏳ How Long Are You Staying?
- A few weeks/months (up to 3 months)? → Travel insurance or public healthcare (if eligible) are often a suitable fit
- Long-term (3+ month)? → You should consider public insurance (if eligble), private insurance or expat insurance.
💰 What’s Your Budget?
- Tight budget? → Public healthcare, travel insurance (for short term stays) or basic private insurance.
- More flexibility? → A comprehensive private or expat plan with more coverage.
🌍 Will you be traveling between multiple countries?
Yes → You may need Travel Insurance with global coverage or Expat Insurance with international coverage.
No → Private Insurance or Public Insurance (if eligible) should be sufficient for Spain.
⚠️ Important Reminder ⚠️
If any of the following applies to you, it’s always best to choose Private or Expat Health Insurance:
📝 You are applying for a Visa in Spain (e.g., Non-Lucrative Visa)
🩺 You need checkups, routine care, or specialist visits.
💊 You have a pre-existing medical condition that requires ongoing care.
🦷 You want dental or mental health care covered.
You require English-speaking medical staff for easier communication.
Quick Tip: For those who need more than just emergency coverage, private or expat health insurance offers greater flexibility, faster access to healthcare, and coverage for specific needs like dental, mental health, and specialist care. Always ensure your insurance meets the necessary requirements for your situation, such as visa eligibility and coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Best Health Insurance Options for Digital Nomads in Spain (2025)
When choosing the best health insurance plan as a digital nomad in Spain, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs, budget, and coverage preferences. Below is a breakdown of the top providers, categorized into …
…with key factors for each group, including the best price-value, most budget-friendly, and most comprehensive plans.
💡Quick Tip: Your health is your most valuable asset. If you’re unsure about which coverage to choose and your budget allows, it’s always safer to over-insure rather than under-insure. Comprehensive coverage ensures you’re fully protected and gives you peace of mind in any situation.
🌍 General Notes on Digital Services & Usability:
All recommended travel insurances are designed with digital nomads and travelers in mind, meaning they offer:
✔️ Fully online application & claims processing
✔️ 24/7 emergency assistance
✔️ English-speaking support (varies by provider)
✔️ Some include telemedicine for virtual consultations
1. Travel Insurance - Top Picks
If you are looking for short-term coverage of urgent medical emergencies, this is your go-to category. We made sure that all of our recommendations cover the most important aspects of a travel insurance for digital nomads.
The following list shows what all the travel insurances we recommend have in common regarding coverage and exclusion:
✅ Covered by All Recommended Travel Insurances:
Emergency hospitalization (includes inpatient care for serious accidents or illnesses)
Emergency medical care (includes doctor visits and outpatient care in emergencies)
Emergency dental care (includes urgent dental treatments like pain relief or repairs)
COVID-19 related medical coverage (coverage for health expenses due to COVID-19)
Medical repatriation & evacuation (coverage for being transported to your home country in case of serious illness or injury)
Emergency specialist visits (in urgent medical conditions, access to specialists is covered)
English-speaking medical assistance (available for easier communication in case of emergency)
❌ Excluded By All Recommended Travel Insurances:
Pre-existing conditions (not covered, if you have ongoing medical issues before purchase)
Routine checkups & preventive care (not covered, only emergency-related medical visits)
Mental health care (not covered by default, unless specified)
Comprehensive dental care (only emergency dental is covered, not routine visits or preventative care)
Telemedicine (may not be available for all, depending on the insurance)
COmparison Of Our Top Picks:
| Insurance | Key Features | Best For | Price * |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing Essential | ✔️ Cheapest ✔️ Monthly payments ✔️ Covers travel disruptions | 💸 Budget travelers, flexible trips | ~€40/month |
| Allianz Flexicare | ✔️ Strong global coverage ✔️ Good for long-term stays ✔️ 24/7 support | 🧭 Reliable long-term travelers | ~€50/month |
| Protrip World
|
✔️ Visa-compliant ✔️ Extensive emergency care ✔️ Tailored to students & expats | 🛂 Visa applicants, young travelers | ~€45/month |
| WorldTrips | ✔️ High medical limits ✔️ Includes adventure sports | 🌍 Nomads needing extra protection | ~€55/month |
| AXA Schengen | ✔️ Minimal coverage ✔️ Schengen Visa approved ✔️ Covers hospitalization & repatriation | 🛬 Schengen Visa applicants | ~€30/month |
| IMG Global Travel Medical | ✔️ Most comprehensive ✔️ Covers specialists & routine care ✔️ Good for long-term expats | 👴 Long-term stays, retirees | ~€70/month |
*Prices depend on various factors like age, trip duration, …. and only serve for orientational purpose here.
💡 Note: All of the recommended travel insurances are compliant for the Schengen Visa application.
2. Private Insurance - Top Picks
If you’re planning to stay in Spain for the medium to long term, need routine checkups, or are applying for a Spanish visa (like the Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa), private health insurance is your go-to category. These plans go far beyond emergency-only coverage and offer comprehensive care—similar to what residents receive.
We’ve carefully selected providers that offer reliable, visa-compliant, and broadly accepted health insurance coverage within Spain.
The following list shows what all the private insurances we recommend have in common regarding coverage and exclusions:
✅ Covered by All Recommended Private Health Insurances:
Hospitalization (planned & emergency, including surgery and inpatient care)
Doctor visits (both general practitioners and specialists)
Routine checkups & preventive care (e.g., annual exams, vaccinations, screenings)
Specialist access (without needing a referral in many cases)
Emergency care & ambulance services
English-speaking support (customer service and/or medical staff in major clinics)
Telemedicine (remote consultations available with many plans)
Visa-compliant certificates (valid for Spanish residency visa applications)
❌ Excluded By All Recommended Private Health Insurances (unless upgraded):
- Pre-existing conditions (often excluded unless specifically covered or after a waiting period)
Dental care (routine dental not included by default—available as an add-on)
Mental health services (some plans offer limited coverage or require an upgrade)
Maternity care (typically excluded unless you’ve held the policy for 8–10 months)
Global coverage (most plans are valid only within Spain unless explicitly expanded)
COmparison Of Our Top Picks:
| Insurance | Key Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanitas Más Salud | ✔️ Comprehensive coverage ✔️ Routine checkups & specialist visits ✔️ Dental & mental health add-ons | 📄 Long-term stays & visa applicants | ~€60–€100/month |
| Adeslas Plena Total | ✔️ Spain-wide private hospital network ✔️ Includes general & specialist care ✔️ Optional dental care | 🛡️ Expats looking for all-inclusive care | ~€50–€90/month |
| DKV Integral | ✔️ Good for pre-existing conditions ✔️ Strong telemedicine support ✔️ Covers routine & specialist care | 🩺 People with ongoing medical needs | ~€65–€110/month |
| AXA Salud | ✔️ Extensive medical network in Spain ✔️ Covers outpatient & hospitalization ✔️ Includes checkups, dental & vision | 💎 Expats needing premium coverage | ~€70–€120/month |
| Asisa Completa | ✔️ Affordable private insurance ✔️ Covers specialist & routine visits ✔️ Basic dental included | 💸 Budget-conscious digital nomads | ~€45–€80/month |
*Prices depend on various factors like age, trip duration, …. and only serve for orientational purpose here.
💡 Note: All of these private health insurances meet the requirements for Spanish visa applications. However, it’s always best to double check if the insurance provider of interest can issue a certificate that meets Spanish immigration requirements—some countries require specific wording or policy features.
3. Expat Insurance - Top Picks
If you’re living the true digital nomad lifestyle—traveling across multiple countries, including outside of Spain—or want comprehensive medical care with global flexibility, then expat health insurance is the category for you. These plans offer the broadest coverage, often including both routine care and worldwide protection (sometimes even in your home country).
All recommendations in this category are ideal for digital nomads who need more than just emergency protection or localized care—and want peace of mind wherever they go.
Here’s what all of our recommended expat health insurances generally include and exclude:
✅ Covered by All Recommended Expat Insurances:
Emergency & routine care worldwide (including doctor visits, outpatient care, and hospital stays)
Specialist care & diagnostics (no referral needed in most plans)
Routine checkups & preventive care (annual exams, lab tests, etc.)
Global telemedicine (remote consultations from anywhere)
Medical repatriation & evacuation (from any country to a place of treatment or home)
Flexible country selection (choose your region of coverage, including or excluding the U.S.)
English-speaking customer service (and multilingual support in many plans)
Mental health services (included in many comprehensive plans)
❌ Excluded By All Recommended Expat Insurances (unless upgraded):
Pre-existing conditions (generally excluded unless accepted with a medical questionnaire or after a waiting period)
Dental care (usually not included by default; available via upgrade)
Maternity coverage (commonly available after a waiting period—typically 8–12 months)
Coverage in the U.S. (included only with specific plans or at a much higher premium)
COmparison Of Our Top Picks:
| Insurance | Key Features | Best For | Price * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Expat | ✔️ Worldwide coverage ✔️ Routine checkups & specialist care ✔️ Flexible plans with dental & mental health add-ons | 🌍 Nomads needing full international coverage | ~€150–€350/month |
| Allianz Expat Care | ✔️ Premium global health coverage ✔️ Covers pre-existing conditions (higher cost) ✔️ Access to top-tier private hospitals | 🏥 Expats needing high-end care & visa compliance | ~€200–€400/month |
| GeoBlue Xplorer | ✔️ US-inclusive coverage ✔️ Strong telemedicine & digital services ✔️ Good for Americans living abroad |  US citizens needing global & US coverage | ~€250–€500/month |
| IMG International Health | ✔️ Multiple plan tiers (budget to premium) ✔️ Covers hospitalization, routine care & prescriptions ✔️ Good emergency medical evacuation | 🧳 Digital nomads needing flexible global plans | ~€100–€300/month |
| William Russell | ✔️ Covers private hospitals worldwide ✔️ Dental, vision & mental health add-ons ✔️ Strong customer service | 💼 Expats needing simple but solid global coverage | ~€130–€320/month |
*Prices depend on various factors like age, trip duration, …. and only serve for orientational purpose here.
💡 Note: These expat insurances typically exceed visa requirements. However, if you’re applying for a specific visa (like the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa), make sure the insurance provider can issue a certificate that meets Spanish immigration requirements—some countries require specific wording or policy features.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Health Insurance in Spain
Not Understanding Coverage Limitations:
Be sure to review what is and isn’t covered (e.g., some private insurance plans may not cover mental health or dental care).Underestimating Your Health Needs:
If you’re likely to need specialist consultations or long-term care, avoid choosing a low-cost plan that doesn’t cover those services.Forgetting About Language Barriers:
Make sure your plan offers English-speaking doctors or services if needed. This can be especially important for expats or digital nomads.Skipping the Fine Print:
Always read the policy terms, especially when it comes to waiting periods, deductibles, and exclusions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right health insurance in Spain as a digital nomad is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your well-being and peace of mind during your stay. With so many options available—from travel insurance to private health plans and expat-specific policies—it’s essential to consider factors like coverage scope, cost, availability of English-speaking services, and visa requirements.
💡 Quick Tip: Health is your most valuable asset. If you’re unsure about which plan to choose and budget allows, it’s always better to be over-insured than under-insured.
We encourage you to compare plans, weigh your options carefully, and choose the one that best fits your personal healthcare needs and lifestyle in Spain.
What’s your experience with health insurance in Spain?
We’d love to hear from you! 🌍
- Have you found a health insurance plan that suits your needs in Spain?
Which insurance options worked best for your budget and coverage requirements?
Any tips on how to navigate the Spanish healthcare system as a digital nomad?
How did you choose between travel insurance, private insurance, and expat health insurance?
You want to work remotly from Spain but don’t know where to start? Check out our guide 4 Simple Steps to Become a Digital Nomad in Spain! 🚀 Whether you’re just starting out or already soaking up the Spanish sun, this guide will provide you with everything you need to navigate your digital nomad journey in Spain.
