How student health insurance in Spain works

Studying in Spain is an exciting opportunity but navigating the health insurance requirements can feel overwhelming at times. From legal obligations to choosing between public and private coverage, understanding your options for health insurance as a student in Spain is essential.

This guide explains everything international students need to know about healthcare while studying in Spain, including:

• What health insurance is legally required for international students
• How public and private healthcare systems work
• Coverage details for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and emergencies.
• How to enroll, use your insurance and access care efficiently
• Practical tips for choosing and maintaining coverage while studying.

Health insurance requirements for students

International students in Spain are legally required to have health insurance for the duration of their studies. This ensures access to healthcare services without incurring excessive costs.

• Legal obligations: Most student visas require proof of valid health insurance to issue or renew your visa
• Public vs. private options: Students may be eligible for Spain’s public healthcare system or opt for private coverage, depending on nationality and study program
• Minimum coverage requirements: Insurance must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation at a minimum.

Even if public healthcare is available, many students choose private insurance for faster appointments and broader coverage.

What is the public healthcare access like in Spain?

Access to Spain’s public healthcare system depends on your nationality and whether your home country has agreements with Spain.

EU and certain European countries

If you’re from the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, or Monaco, you’ll need a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

• The EHIC grants access to nearly the same public healthcare coverage as Spanish citizens
• It does not cover private services such as dental care and it doesn’t include repatriation. For those services, you’ll need private insurance or to pay for treatment in your home country
• If you don’t have an EHIC, or cannot use it in private facilities, you cannot be refused care but you may need to pay upfront and request reimbursement later.
  • Only treatments covered in your home country are eligible for reimbursement
  • Reimbursements are limited to your country’s rates, which may be lower than what you paid in Spain.

Non-EU countries

For Brits moving to Spain, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to state healthcare for medical treatment while in Spain. It doesn’t cover private care, repatriation or planned treatments abroad, so it isn’t a substitute for full health insurance.

If you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra or Monaco, there are two possibilities:

Your country has a health agreement with Spain

• Citizens from countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Morocco, Tunisia, and Andorra can access public healthcare under similar conditions to Spanish citizens
• You must obtain a certificate of entitlement from your home country before travelling
• Most agreements cover emergency care only, so it is strongly recommended to purchase private health insurance. Many Spanish universities require this even if your country has an agreement.

Your country has no health agreement with Spain

• You must take out private health insurance to access healthcare and meet student visa requirements.

How to register for public healthcare:

1. Obtain your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
2. Register with your local health centre (Centro de Salud)
3. Receive your health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual).

Should students get private health insurance in Spain?

Many international students prefer private insurance for flexibility, speed and additional benefits.

Benefits of private coverage:

• Shorter wait times for appointments and specialist visits
• Greater coverage for private hospitals and clinics
• Access to English-speaking doctors and services
• Coverage for services that are not included in public healthcare, such as dental, mental health and repatriation.

Costs and coverage levels:

• Typical premiums range from €30-€70 per month depending on age, duration and coverage levels
• Most student-focused policies cover doctor visits, hospitalisation, emergency care and repatriation.

What students should watch out for:

1. Visa compliance: Ensure the plan meets student visa requirements
2. English-speaking support: Avoid miscommunications if you’re not fluent in Spanish
3. Digital claims: Look for plans that allow online submissions to minimise paperwork
4. Flexible terms and contract length: Avoid being stuck paying for coverage you no longer need, for example if you leave early or study abroad for a semester
5. Affordability: Choose a plan that balances tight budgets with essential coverage
6. Student-focused policies: Look for plans with mental health and dental options included if needed and compare multiple providers for best value and support.

What coverage should be included?

When evaluating a student health insurance plan, be sure to check the following are included:

• Doctor visits: General practitioners and specialist consultations
• Hospital stays: Room, surgery and treatments
• Prescriptions: Some plans cover medications, others only partially
• Emergency services: Ambulance transport, ER visits and urgent care
• Repatriation: Coverage for returning home in case of serious illness or injury
• Optional extras: Dental care, mental health therapy, vision and alternative medicine.

Always read the fine print. Some policies limit coverage for pre-existing conditions or elective treatments.

How to enroll and use insurance

1. Select a plan that meets visa and personal needs
2. Provide your personal identification, passport and student enrollment certificate
3. Complete any online or paper application forms
4. Receive your insurance card or digital policy, which you must carry when seeking care.

To access healthcare efficiently:

• Keep a copy of your policy and emergency numbers
• Know where your nearest health centres and hospitals are located
• Ask your insurance provider for English-speaking contacts.

Always be sure to:

• Look beyond premiums: consider coverage limits, network of providers and benefits
• Check for international coverage if you plan to travel during breaks
• Make sure your policy starts before arrival and extends through the full academic year.
• Consider short-term extensions if traveling outside Spain.
• Choose providers with dedicated support for international students, including help with paperwork, billing and claims.
• Look for policies with 24/7 assistance, making it easier to navigate healthcare in a new country.

Public vs. private student health insurance

Health insurance is not just a legal requirement: it’s key to staying healthy and stress-free while studying in Spain. Whether you choose public or private coverage, understanding your options ensures you can focus on your studies and enjoy your time abroad.