Best Spanish Health Insurance for the Digital Nomad Visa (2025)

One of the most critical requirements for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is private health insurance. But not just any insurance — it must meet specific criteria, and getting this wrong is one of the top reasons for visa denial.

What the DNV Requires

Your health insurance must:

• Provide full medical coverage in Spain (not travel insurance)
• Have no co-payments (copagos) — or minimal co-payments accepted in some regions
• Have no waiting periods (periodos de carencia) — this is the #1 dealbreaker
• Be issued by a company authorized to operate in Spain
• Cover hospitalization, emergencies, and specialist visits

Recommended Providers

These Spanish insurance companies are commonly accepted for DNV applications:

• Sanitas Básico — €55–70/month. One of the most popular choices. No waiting period options available. Good network of clinics.
• Adeslas Básico — €50–65/month. Largest hospital network in Spain. Ask specifically for the "sin carencia" (no waiting period) option.
• MAPFRE Salud — €60+/month. Well-known international insurer. Make sure to request the visa-compatible policy.

What Does NOT Work

• Travel insurance (SafetyWing, World Nomads, etc.) — these are NOT accepted for the DNV
• EHIC / European Health Insurance Card — this is for EU citizens only and doesn't count
• Policies with waiting periods — even 1 month of carencia can get your application rejected
• International health plans not authorized in Spain — check that the insurer is registered with the DGSFP

How to Get Your Certificate

For the visa application, you'll need a certificate from the insurance company (certificado de cobertura) stating:

• Your full name and policy number
• Coverage territory: Spain
• No waiting periods
• Full coverage details

Most providers can issue this in Spanish within 24–48 hours of signing up. Some consulates require it to be recent (within 30 days of application).

Pro Tip

Call the insurer directly and say: "Necesito un seguro médico para el visado de nómada digital, sin periodo de carencia." They'll know exactly what you need.

Health insurance is one of 9 documents tracked in our DNV Progress Tracker — check it off when you're covered!

Also Useful for Expats

• Wise (formerly TransferWise) — the best way to send money to Spain or receive payments in EUR with minimal fees. Most expats use it for their first months before opening a local bank account.
• TaxDown — file your Spanish tax return online in English. Great for autónomos and Beckham Law filers.