Alicante is one of the most popular destinations for expats settling in Spain, and it is easy to understand why. The city offers a genuine Mediterranean lifestyle at a cost that remains far more accessible than comparable cities on the Costa del Sol. With its wide sandy beaches, a thriving old town, excellent transport connections via Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, and a large, welcoming international community, Alicante attracts retirees, remote workers, and families from across Northern Europe in significant numbers.
Alicante province is home to one of Spain's largest concentrations of British, German, Scandinavian, and Dutch expats. Many are long-term residents who have built their lives here over decades. The city itself has a strong international infrastructure — international schools, English-speaking medical practices, and a well-established expat social scene. If you are moving to Alicante from the UK, Norway, Germany, or elsewhere, you will find a ready-made community and support network.
Alicante has excellent private healthcare facilities. The Hospital Vithas Medimar Internacional and the Hospital Perpetuo Socorro are the two main private hospitals, both with English-speaking staff and strong reputations among the expat community. For those not entitled to Spanish public healthcare — including retirees on a Non-Lucrative Visa and self-employed workers not yet registered with Social Security — private health insurance is essential. Policies start from around €50 per month for a healthy adult, and we compare plans from DKV, Adeslas, Sanitas, AXA, and others to find you the best deal.
Getting around Alicante and the surrounding province largely depends on a car. While the city itself has good public transport, many expats live in smaller towns and urbanisations inland or along the coast where a vehicle is essential. Whether you drive a Spanish-registered car or a UK-registered vehicle you are in the process of transferring, we can find you competitive coverage from all major Spanish insurers. Alicante drivers benefit from generally lower premiums than Madrid or Barcelona due to lower traffic density and accident rates.
The Alicante property market is popular with expat buyers, particularly in areas like Playa de San Juan, El Campello, Santa Pola, and the inland town of Elche. Property prices are significantly lower than the Costa del Sol, making it an attractive area for first-time buyers in Spain. If you have a mortgage, your lender will require buildings insurance as a minimum — but we strongly recommend a combined hogar policy covering both buildings and contents. Holiday homes and properties left unoccupied for extended periods need specialist coverage that accounts for the increased risk of undetected leaks and theft.
Alicante is a genuinely pet-friendly city with parks, beaches (including several dog-friendly beaches), and a culture that welcomes animals. Vet costs in the area are reasonable but can still mount up quickly in an emergency. We can arrange affordable pet insurance for dogs, cats, and other animals from providers that cover both routine care and emergency treatment.
Our bilingual team speaks English, Norwegian, and German and has over 20 years of experience helping expats across Spain get the right coverage. We compare prices from all major Spanish insurers and handle all the paperwork for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on any type of insurance you need in Alicante.