Why Students Get Stuck Choosing the Wrong Policy
Many international students assume that any “travel insurance” is enough for Spain. Unfortunately, Spanish consulates often reject policies that look fine on paper but don’t match the student visa rules.
The most common problems are co-payments, waiting periods, limited coverage, or an insurer that doesn’t operate properly in Spain.
If your insurance is not compliant, your application can be delayed or refused, even if the rest of your documents are perfect.
What You Will Learn in This Guide
This page will help you understand exactly what health insurance you need for Spain, how much it typically costs for international students, and how to choose a plan that is accepted for a Spanish student visa.
- Which health insurance is best for student visa in Spain
- How much health insurance costs for international students
- What coverage your policy must include to be visa compliant
- Whether healthcare is free in Spain for international students
How Health Insurance Requirements Work for Spain
What Health Insurance Do I Need for Spain?
For a Spanish student visa, you typically need a private health insurance policy that is valid in Spain and provides comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of your stay.
A visa-compliant policy usually includes:
- No co-payments (sin copagos)
- No waiting periods (sin carencias)
- Full medical coverage including hospitalisation and emergencies
- Specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgeries
- Repatriation of remains (commonly required)
- Coverage for the full period you will stay in Spain
Tip: If your program is less than one year, you may be asked to show proof of your stay duration (e.g., admission letter, study certificate, or invitation letter).
Is Health Care Free in Spain for International Students?
No. Healthcare in Spain is generally not free for international students. Spain’s public healthcare is funded through social security contributions, which most students do not pay.
That’s why private health insurance is required for the student visa and is the safest way to access doctors, clinics, and hospitals during your studies.
Costs and the Best Insurance for a Student Visa
How Much Is Health Insurance in Spain for International Students?
Instead of guessing with generic estimates, we offer clear, transparent pricing for fully compliant plans:
Standard Coverage
- Backed by Asisa
- Network of 40K+ providers
- Cashless services
- Certificate within an hour
- Easy refunds
- Full Visa Compliance
Flexible Plan
- Reimbursement only
- Instant certificate
- Stop anytime
- Easy refunds
- Full Visa Compliance
Which Health Insurance Is Best for Student Visa in Spain?
The “best” plan is the one that meets visa requirements and gives you easy access to care near your university city. When comparing policies, prioritise:
- Visa-compliant terms: no co-pay + no waiting periods
- Strong hospital and specialist network (cuadro médico)
- Digital support (app, online appointments, digital card)
- Clear certificate wording for the consulate
Popular insurers commonly used for Spain student visas include ASISA, advigon, Adeslas, and DKV (availability can vary by country and channel).
Quick check: If a policy is called “travel insurance” and focuses on trip delay/lost baggage, it is usually not the correct product for a long-stay student visa.
How to Make Your Student Visa Insurance Stress-Free
The easiest way to avoid visa issues is to choose a policy designed specifically for Spanish residency and student visa requirements, not a generic travel plan.
If you pick a compliant policy early, you get three benefits immediately: faster document preparation, fewer consulate questions, and peace of mind once you arrive in Spain.
When your insurance certificate is clear and compliant, the rest of your student visa file becomes much simpler.