Dual USA/ Ireland citizens Needing Health Insurance in Spain

seamus452 Active member

61POSTS

9 months ago

Hello, All,

For a few days now I have been in contact with two brokers and collecting information in order to get quotes and details for the health insurance my husband and I need to stay in Spain indefinitely, obtain the NIE, etc.

It is my understanding that we need comprehensive coverage with no copays.

My question is about two things. (1) International coverage. (2) Choice of Company.

Each broker with whom I am in touch sell plans from companies like AXA, Sanitas, Salus Health, ASSSA, for example and monthly costs vary from €300 -€410 ( higher than I had guessed) for BOTH of us included.

Some of the plans, especially those offering "choice of physician" also include coverage abroad.

Another friend I have currently living in Spain has coverage within Spain with a company called FIATC, but no coverage internationally. He buys travel health care insurance as needed.

Any and all information is helpful from any of you who has advice to share.

Furthermore, I should share, we are dual citizens of the USA and the EU, but not Spanish citizens.

Thank you!

Seamus

See also

Healthcare in Spain - Guide
Health insurance companies in Spain - Business
Health Insurance - 6 Replies
Spain Health Insurance for an 80 year old - 4 Replies
Mandatory health insurance for US Citizen on a NLV in Spain - 2 Replies
Private Health Insurance in Spain - 6 Replies
Health Insurance for NLV - 4 Replies

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

2591POSTS

9 months ago

@seamus452

If you've got EU passports, there's nothing that stops you rocking up in Spain and staying indefinitely. You SHOULD do your EU Citizen Registration within 90 days if you want to live there, and if so, you need the health insurance you describe.

EU Citizen Registration can be done in Spain.

https://sede.policia.gob.es/portalCiuda … anoue.php#

Once you've done this registration, you're not compelled to keep or renew your health insurance. You could reduce the cover / increase the copay, to make the cost more affordable too. However, it is recommended to have some kind of health cover.

The cost sounds about right for two people (if not 20-somethings). You can check using the comparison engines (Acierto, etc.). There are a whole bunch of companies, and they usually have direct quotes on their website.

International cover costs extra, so if you don't need it, don't buy it. I have coverage in-country, and use travel insurance for travelling (as your friend does).

Moreover, as an EU citizen, once you are resident in Spain (having got your EU Citizen Registration Certificate), you can enroll in the Spanish health system. Normally this is better (and cheaper) than paying for private insurance for the next many years. Plus, once you do this, you can get an EHIC which covers you elsewhere in the EU.

FIATC, AXA, Sanitas, Asisa, Mapre, DKV, Adeslas, and many more. We has Asisa, they were good and fairly inexpensive.