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ToggleIf you're a Latin American who has decided to emigrate to Spain, you've probably wondered how health insurance works in this country. Unlike what you might be used to in your home country, the Spanish healthcare system requires foreign residents to take out private health insurance to regularize their legal status and access quality healthcare.
The reality is that the public healthcare system in Spain is overwhelmed, with waiting lists that can stretch to several months for specialist appointments. Private insurance is not just an administrative requirement, but an investment in your peace of mind and well-being during your time in Spain.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything you need to know to choose the health insurance that best suits your situation, budget, and specific needs as a Latin American immigrant.
Yes. The Spanish authorities (Immigration Office) require private health insurance as an essential requirement for:
This requirement applies to all non-EU foreigners who plan to reside in Spain for more than 90 days, regardless of whether they work or not.
The Immigration Office is very specific about insurance requirements. Your policy must have all These characteristics are required for it to be valid:
Mandatory Coverage
As a Latin American, you're probably familiar with private insurance in your country. However, there are important differences:
Scope of the medical network
In Spain, insurance companies have extensive networks of private hospitals and clinics. For example, Sanitas has more than 58.000 professionals and 4.500 leading healthcare centers nationwide, in addition to four of its own hospitals. In comparison, many Latin American countries have more limited networks, especially outside of major cities.
Access to telemedicine
All major Spanish insurers offer 24/7 online consultations, an advantage not always available in Latin America. Sanitas, for example, offers emergency video consultations and video consultations with general practitioners and specialists without the need to travel, which is especially useful when arriving in a new country.
They include preventative procedures
Spanish insurance plans include preventative medicine, annual checkups, and early disease detection programs, which are less common in basic Latin American plans. Many Spanish insurers offer digital nutrition programs, personal trainers, and pregnancy monitoring.
lower prices
Despite the broad coverage, private insurance prices in Spain are significantly lower than in countries like Colombia, Mexico, or Argentina for equivalent coverage.
Recognition of medical documents
A crucial point for emigrants: medical documents from your country of origin may not be automatically recognized. Your medical history will need to be validated by a Spanish doctor if necessary.
Multilingual customer service
Spanish insurance policies for foreigners include support in English and other languages. Sanitas, for example, offers specific support services for international residents, including advice via email, phone, WhatsApp, or Telegram from anywhere in the world.
Not all insurance policies are the same. Your specific situation will determine what type of coverage you need.
If you're emigrating without a job offer, this is probably your option. The requirement is:
Estimated price: €50-100/month
If you work independently for companies abroad:
Estimated price: €60-120/month
If you come to study in Spain:
Estimated price: €40-50/month
Insurance with student plans: Sanitas International Students (accepted in all Spanish universities)
If you emigrate after completing your working life:
Estimated price: €80-150/month
Sanitas has specifically designed Sanitas More Health Designed with the needs of foreigners moving to Spain in mind, this product is not a generic, customized plan, but a comprehensive solution developed over years serving thousands of international residents from Latin America.
What does this mean for you? Sanitas understands your situation: you arrive in a new country, you need to regularize your documentation quickly, you want care in your language, and you expect top quality without unnecessary complications.
Sanitas operates the most extensive medical network in Spain with:
This means that in any city where you live in Spain—Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga—you'll have access to top-notch care without waiting lists. As a Latin American accustomed to slower systems, this is a radical change for the better.
Sanitas is the insurer more recognized and accepted through the Spanish Immigration Office. When you present a certificate from Sanitas International Residents, the officials accept it without hesitation or requests for clarification, which speeds up your residency process.
It's important to note this: while other valid insurance companies exist, some require additional checks or requests for supplementary documentation. With Sanitas, your application process is direct and efficient.
Sanitas Más Salud includes specific features that other generic insurers do not offer:
Repatriation included: In the event of death, Sanitas covers the repatriation of your body to your country of origin and that of a companion if needed. This is a crucial point for emigrants who want to ensure that, in the worst possible circumstances, they can rest in their homeland.
International emergency coverage: Up to 90 days of emergency medical coverage abroad. Whether you're traveling to your home country or anywhere else in the world, you're covered. Limit of €12.000 per person per year.
Second international medical opinion: Sanitas allows you to request opinions from internationally recognized specialists at no extra cost. This is especially useful for complex diagnoses where you want a global perspective.
24/7 video consultations with no waiting: Call anytime, day or night, and request a consultation with the specialist you need.
Unlike many generic insurers that only offer English, Sanitas offers:
This is not a luxury: when you arrive in a new country, being able to communicate in your own language or in a language you are fluent in is crucial to understanding your coverage and resolving problems quickly.
Sanitas Dental 21, included in your policy, offers:
For immigrants needing dental work or checkups, this eliminates a major worry. Private dentistry in Spain is expensive, so having automatic discounts is invaluable.
Sanitas includes digital health programs:
Many immigrants are unaware that they can access these services. Sanitas offers them to you at no extra cost.
The process is simple:
It doesn't require your physical presence, you don't need an appointment, and you can do it from your country before arriving in Spain. This is crucial if you're applying for a visa from abroad.
Sanitas frequently offers:
By 2026, a 35-year-old applicant in Madrid can access Sanitas Más Salud for approximately €65-80/month depending on coverage.
Sanitas is the oldest health insurance group in Spain (founded in 1956) and is part of BUPA, a leading international group. This means:
If you sign up with Sanitas and later find you need more or less coverage, it's easy to switch:
Prices vary depending on several factors. Here's a realistic breakdown for 2026:
| Age | Toilets |
|---|---|
| 20-30 years | 45-65 € |
| 30-40 years | 55-75 € |
| 40-50 years | 70-95 € |
| 50-60 years | 90-130 € |
| 60 + years | 130-200 € |
Note: Prices include coverage with no co-payments. Variations are due to optional coverages (international reimbursement, comprehensive dental care, etc.).
Step 1: Define your legal status
Step 2: Access Sanitas Contrata
Step 3: Request your quote
Step 4: Review your offer
Step 5: Hire Online
Step 6: Submit to Immigration
Does Sanitas require a prior medical exam?
No. For Sanitas Más Salud, no prior physical exam is required. You simply complete an online health questionnaire. However, if you have a significant medical history, Sanitas may request medical documentation for evaluation. They are completely transparent about this.
Yes, completely. You have free choice of Sanitas' 54.000 healthcare professionals. You can change your family doctor without prior authorization. For specialists, some plans require a referral, but it's automatic.
When does coverage begin?
Typically within 24-48 hours of signing up and making payment, you'll receive your certificate online immediately. Sanitas activates the policy very quickly compared to other insurance companies.
Sanitas accepts pre-existing conditions. They won't reject you for diabetes, hypertension, asthma, or similar conditions. However, depending on the plan you choose, a waiting period (up to 12 months) may apply for treatments related to that condition. But this is minor: during that period, you're still covered, only the specific treatment won't be included.
Tip: If you have a significant pre-existing condition, mention it in the application. Sanitas will evaluate it and explicitly tell you what is covered from the start and what has a waiting period.
Yes, partially. Sanitas Más Salud includes emergency medical coverage abroad for up to 90 days per year. If you have an accident or sudden illness in Latin America, you're covered. But this only covers emergencies, not routine checkups.
Yes. If your residence permit is valid for one year, your insurance also expires annually. Sanitas will notify you in advance, and you can renew online in 5 minutes. It's a simple annual renewal process.
If you had private insurance (not Social Security), your personal policy continues. Sanitas will not cancel it. If you were covered by your employer, you must switch to a personal policy. Sanitas has special affordable plans for those who want to maintain basic coverage during a job transition.
Through the app Sanitas Blua or web portal. You can download results, share them electronically, and access your complete medical history. Everything is digitized, secure, and available 24/7 from any device.
It depends. If it's a medication registered in Spain under a different brand name, Sanitas will recognize it. If it's a medication not marketed in Spain, you'll need to consult a Spanish doctor for an equivalent alternative. Sanitas has a medication search app that can help.
Yes, without problem. If you eventually get a job and access to social security, you can keep Sanitas as a supplement. Many Spaniards do this. Both work without conflict.
Based on recent testimonies:
Choosing the right insurance is one of the most important steps when emigrating to Spain. Sanitas Más Salud isn't just another policy: it's a comprehensive solution designed for emigrants like you.
Why Sanitas for Latin Americans?
Next steps:
Your peace of mind regarding your health during your emigration begins with the right decision today. Sanitas has helped thousands of Latin Americans in your same situation. We're here to help.
2026 update: This guide is based on requirements and prices updated as of January 2026. Insurance prices may vary depending on market changes. For the most up-to-date information and active offers, contact Sanitas Contrata directly at sanitascontrata.es
