Moving to Spain Insurance Checklist 2026
Moving to Spain is exciting — but between visas, bank accounts, NIE numbers, and finding somewhere to live, insurance often gets left to the last minute. That is a mistake. Getting the right cover in place early protects you from day one and can save you significant stress later.
Here is the complete insurance checklist for anyone relocating to Spain, whether you are moving from the UK, Ireland, the US, or anywhere else.
Before You Leave: Pre-Departure Insurance
1. Health Insurance
This is the most urgent item on the list. If you are applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, you need private health insurance as part of your application — before you even arrive. Even if you do not need it for a visa, you should arrange health cover to start from your arrival date. The Spanish public system only covers you if you are employed, self-employed, or have an S1 form.
2. Travel Insurance for the Move
Your regular travel insurance covers you during the journey. Make sure it includes cover for personal belongings in transit — especially if you are shipping furniture or driving with a loaded car. Once you arrive and are no longer "travelling", travel insurance stops and your Spanish policies take over.
3. UK No-Claims Bonus Letter
If you are bringing a car, request a no-claims bonus letter from your UK insurer before you cancel your policy. You will need this to get the best rates on Spanish car insurance. Most Spanish insurers accept up to 5 years of foreign NCB.
Week 1 in Spain: Immediate Priorities
4. Car Insurance
If you have brought a car, you need Spanish insurance immediately. Your UK policy is not valid for permanent use in Spain. If you have a UK-registered car, you need specialist cover for foreign-plated vehicles. If you buy a Spanish car, you cannot drive it off the lot without insurance.
5. Home Insurance
Whether you are buying or renting, home insurance should be arranged as soon as you have your property. If you have a mortgage, the bank will require buildings insurance before completion. If you are renting, contents insurance protects your belongings and gives you civil liability cover — essential in apartments.
First Month: Important but Not Urgent
6. Pet Insurance
If you have brought pets, your UK pet insurance will not cover veterinary treatment in Spain. Arrange a Spanish pet insurance policy. If you own a PPP breed (Staffordshire, Rottweiler, etc.), civil liability insurance is legally mandatory — arrange this immediately.
7. Life Insurance
If you have taken out a Spanish mortgage, the bank will push their own life insurance policy. You have the legal right to choose your own — we can usually save you 30–50% on the bank offer.
8. Civil Liability Insurance
Check that your home insurance includes adequate civil liability cover (minimum €300,000). If you are self-employed, you may also need professional civil liability insurance.
Things to Consider Later
9. Boat, Drone, Bicycle or Scooter Insurance
If you have toys — a boat, a drone, a bicycle, or a scooter — they all need insuring separately. Motorised vehicles (including boats and mopeds) require mandatory third-party insurance in Spain.
10. Electronics Insurance
Spain has a high incidence of phone and laptop theft in tourist areas. Electronics insurance covers your devices against theft, accidental damage, and breakdown.
The One-Stop Solution
Instead of researching each policy separately in Spanish, work with a broker who handles everything in English. At Insurance Spain, we set up all your insurance in one go — health, car, home, life, pets, and anything else you need. One point of contact, one language, all your policies managed together.
Moving to Spain? Contact us and we will walk you through exactly what you need for your specific situation.