Why Many USA Applicants Choose the Wrong Insurance
Applicants applying for Spain visas from the USA often assume that their existing U.S. health insurance, employer plan, or travel insurance will be accepted by the Spanish consulate. In most cases, it will not.
Spanish consulates check for specific insurance terms that are different from typical U.S. policies, especially for long-stay visas like student and non-lucrative.
The consulate is not checking whether you have “some insurance” — it is checking whether your policy meets Spain’s immigration requirements.
What This Page Will Help You Do
This guide explains exactly what “visa compliant” means for Spain, what a consulate-ready insurance certificate should include, and how USA applicants can avoid delays.
- Understand the required policy features for Spain visas
- Estimate typical costs for international applicants
- Know which documents to submit with your insurance certificate
- Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection
What Makes Health Insurance Visa Compliant for Spain
Your policy must be valid and usable in Spain
For long-stay visas, the policy should operate in Spain and provide access to medical services through a recognized provider network. Many U.S. plans are reimbursement-based or limited outside the U.S., which can be a problem during visa evaluation.
Key visa requirements most consulates look for
A visa-compliant policy for Spain commonly needs to include:
- Full medical coverage in Spain
- No co-payments (sin copagos)
- No waiting periods (sin carencias)
- Hospitalisation, emergencies, diagnostics, and specialist care
- Repatriation of remains (commonly requested)
- Coverage for the entire stay period in Spain
If your insurance has co-pays or waiting periods, it may be rejected even if the coverage amount looks high.
Is travel insurance acceptable?
For long-stay visas, travel insurance is usually not the correct product. Travel insurance typically focuses on trip-related risks (baggage, delay) and limited emergencies, while student and residency visas require comprehensive healthcare coverage.
Typical Costs for USA Applicants
Costs depend on your age, visa category, and policy duration. Many long-stay applicants choose annual policies because they match common visa and residency requirements.
- Student visa: typically €45–€80 per month
- Non-lucrative / long-stay visas: typically €60–€120 per month
- Annual cost range: often €500–€1,200 depending on benefits
The most important thing is that your insurance certificate clearly states the required terms, not just the premium amount.
How to Choose the Right Policy Without Delays
Make sure your certificate is consulate-ready
A strong insurance certificate for a Spain visa should clearly show:
- Your full name and passport number (if available)
- Policy number
- Coverage start and end dates
- Confirmation of full medical coverage in Spain
- Confirmation of no co-payments and no waiting periods
Pick an insurer that issues clear documentation
Many applicants prefer Spanish insurers because certificates are usually aligned with consulate expectations. Popular Spanish insurers commonly used for visas include ASISA, advigon, Adeslas, and DKV (availability varies by channel and location).
Match the policy duration to your stay
If your course or stay is shorter than one year, be prepared to provide supporting documents (admission letter, study certificate, invitation letter) showing the exact stay period.
Costs and Recommended Compliant Plans
Health insurance costs for students in Spain are generally predictable. We offer plans specifically accepted by Spanish universities and immigration authorities.
Visa Confidence Standard
- Guaranteed visa compliance
- No copay coverage
- 40K+ provider network
- Instant certificate
- Repatriation included
- Zero financial risk before visa approval
Visa Confidence Flexible
- Reimbursement option
- Cancel anytime
- Instant visa certificate
- Easy refunds
- Full visa compliance
Secure your visa safely — without paying the full premium upfront.
The simplest way to avoid rejection in the USA
For USA applicants, the easiest path is to treat insurance as a compliance document, not a shopping decision. Choose a policy designed for Spanish visas so the certificate wording matches what the consulate expects.
When your certificate clearly confirms full coverage in Spain with no co-payments and no waiting periods, the insurance part of your application becomes predictable and stress-free.
Once insurance is handled correctly, you can focus on the rest of your Spain visa file with confidence.