If you are planning to move to Spain without working, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is likely your route in. It is one of the most popular residency visas for British, American, and other non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain on savings or passive income. But there is one requirement that trips up almost every applicant: you must hold a private health insurance policy with a Spanish-authorised insurer before the consulate will approve your application.
This guide explains exactly what health insurance you need for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa, which policies qualify, and how Insurance Spain can help you get the right cover quickly and at the best price.
The Spanish consulate requires applicants to hold a comprehensive private health insurance policy that meets all of the following criteria:
Crucially, a travel insurance policy or an EHIC/GHIC card is not accepted. You need a dedicated Spanish private health insurance policy.
Requirements can vary slightly depending on which Spanish consulate you are applying through. UK applicants typically apply through the consulate in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester. US applicants apply through various consulates depending on their state of residence. Some consulates have been known to reject policies that contain exclusions for certain conditions or that have significant co-payments — so it is critical to get this right first time.
Not every health insurance product is suitable for NLV applications. Insurance Spain works with several insurers whose policies are consistently accepted by Spanish consulates, including:
The best policy for you will depend on your age, health history, where in Spain you plan to live, and which consulate you are applying through. Our agents will match you to the right option.
Private health insurance for the Non-Lucrative Visa typically costs between €50 and €150 per month per person, depending on:
For a family application, multiply accordingly — and note that children are usually significantly cheaper to insure than adults.
Along with your insurance policy, you will typically need to provide:
Insurance Spain provides all supporting documentation in the format required by Spanish consulates. We have helped hundreds of expats through this process and know exactly what each consulate expects.
No. Foreign health insurance policies — including UK BUPA or AXA policies — are not accepted for the Non-Lucrative Visa. The policy must be from an insurer that is registered and authorised to operate within Spain under Spanish law.
Once you arrive in Spain with your NLV, you will need to register with your local town hall (empadronamiento) and apply for your Foreigners Identity Card (TIE). At this point you can renew your NLV annually, and your health insurance will need to remain active for each renewal. Insurance Spain can manage your annual renewals so you never have a coverage gap that could jeopardise your residency.
Getting the right health insurance for your Non-Lucrative Visa application is one of the most important steps in your move to Spain. Our bilingual team will guide you through every insurer option, explain the differences clearly, and make sure you have the documentation your consulate requires.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote. We aim to respond within 24 hours.