Health insurance for international students in Spain: everything you need to know before signing up
If you're coming to Spain for your studies—whether for an Erasmus program, a master’s degree, or an academic exchange—having valid health insurance is one of the most important requirements for your stay. In many cases, it’s mandatory, and it also gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of any health issues.
At Vanguard Student Housing, we don’t just help you find the ideal student accommodation—we also provide you with essential information to start your life in Spain on the right foot.
Why do you need health insurance when studying in Spain?
Health insurance for students isn’t just a recommendation: it’s often a legal requirement to obtain a student visa or a residence permit (TIE). In addition, it allows you to:
- Access public or private healthcare services
- Get prescriptions, medical tests, and regular checkups
- Avoid high medical costs in case of emergencies or accidents
- Comply with Spanish immigration regulations
Who needs to purchase health insurance?
This depends on your nationality and the type of program you're enrolled in:
- Students from the European Union (EU): You can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access public healthcare services in Spain. However, many students choose to get private insurance for broader coverage and to avoid long wait times.
- Non-EU students: You are required to purchase private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, valid for the entire duration of your stay. This is mandatory to obtain your student visa.
What should a good health insurance policy for international students in Spain include?
Make sure your policy meets the following criteria:
- Full medical coverage with no co-payments
- Healthcare access across all of Spain
- Emergency care and hospital coverage
- Repatriation in case of death
- No waiting periods or exclusions for pre-existing conditions (in some cases)
- A policy duration equal to or longer than your stay in Spain
Vanguard Tip: Some insurance companies offer special plans for international students, with affordable rates and easy online registration.
How much does student health insurance cost?
Prices vary depending on the provider, the student’s age, and the length of coverage. As a general guide:
- From €30/month for basic policies without co-payments
- €40–70/month for comprehensive plans with hospital coverage and 24-hour assistance
It’s a smart investment to study stress-free and meet Spanish legal requirements.
Where can you get student health insurance?
You can easily purchase it online through companies like:
- Adeslas
- Sanitas
- Asisa
- Mapfre
- Axa
- DKV
There are also agencies specialized in international student insurance that offer comparison tools and multilingual support.
What if you’re already in Spain and don’t have insurance?
If you’re already in Spain without health insurance, it’s best to get one as soon as possible. If you’ve been registered (empadronado) and have lived in the country for more than a year, you might be eligible for access to the public healthcare system—but this requires additional paperwork and time.
At Vanguard Student Housing, we recommend arranging your insurance before arriving in Spain, so you can start your new adventure fully covered and worry-free.
