With or without co-payment
Co-payment policies have a lower monthly premium plus a small fee per consultation or test. They work out cheaper if you use the policy a few times a year; with small children or frequent visits, no co-payment usually wins.
Waiting periods: what is not covered from day one
Almost all companies apply waiting periods for complex tests, hospital admission and childbirth. Ask about it before signing, especially if you are planning something specific.
- GP and paediatric care are usually covered from day one.
- Complex diagnostic tests: typically 3–6 months of waiting period.
- Childbirth: normally 8–10 months.
- When switching company you can ask to have completed waiting periods recognised.
Foreign residents and visas
If you apply for a non-lucrative residence permit or a digital nomad visa, you need health insurance with no co-payments and no waiting periods from an insurer authorised in Spain. Not every commercial policy meets that requirement: mention it in the form and you will only be offered ones that do.
What determines your price
Age of the insured
The heaviest factor: premiums rise by age band.
Co-payment or not
Co-payment lowers the premium but adds cost per use.
Medical network and province
A wide network in big cities costs more than a basic one.
Extras: dental, reimbursement, extended cover
International reimbursement is the extension that adds the most.
