Spain continues to attract international students with its rich culture, top universities, beautiful landscapes, and affordable cost of living. However, before you can enjoy your academic journey in Spain, one key requirement must be fulfilled: valid health insurance.
Whether you’re from the EU/EEA or a non-EU country, navigating Spain’s health insurance landscape can be confusing. This guide explains who needs what kind of insurance, what coverage is required, and presents the top 10 private and international health insurance options tailored specifically for overseas students in Spain.
🩺 Do You Need Health Insurance to Study in Spain?
✅ Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Students:
You are legally required to have private health insurance to obtain a student visa. The policy must:
- Be valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Offer no co-payments (sin copago)
- Cover primary care, hospitalization, surgery, and emergencies
- Be visa-compliant and issued by a company authorized to operate in Spain
✅ EU/EEA/Swiss Students:
You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access public healthcare for emergencies. However, EHIC does not cover everything, such as:
- Repatriation
- Dental care
- Extended outpatient services
- Some administrative costs
Private insurance is strongly recommended to ensure complete coverage.
🔍 What to Look for in a Student Health Insurance Plan in Spain
When selecting a policy, make sure it includes:
- ✔ Visa compliance with Spanish immigration laws
- ✔ General and specialist consultations
- ✔ Hospitalization and surgery
- ✔ Emergency care
- ✔ Diagnostic testing (e.g., x-rays, blood work)
- ✔ Repatriation and liability coverage
- ✔ No waiting periods, no co-payments
- ✔ Multilingual customer service and legal documentation in English
- ✔ Travel insurance or emergency assistance (for trips during study breaks)
🏆 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Spain
1. Sanitas
Why It Stands Out:
A leading name in Spanish healthcare, Sanitas offers student-specific plans that are fully compliant with Spanish visa requirements and include impressive extras.
Key Benefits:
- Free dental coverage (Dental21)
- No co-payments or waiting periods
- Travel assistance included
- Instant online approval
- Access to Sanitas’s own network of clinics and hospitals
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Price Range: €41–€55/month
Best For: Students aged 18–35 who want full coverage and dental benefits
2. ASISA
Why It Stands Out:
ASISA is a top-tier Spanish insurer with wide coverage and excellent customer service, especially suited for longer stays.
Key Benefits:
- Extensive medical provider network
- English-language contracts and support
- Includes travel insurance
- Outpatient and hospitalization covered
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Price Range: From €40/month
Best For: International students staying more than one academic year
3. Adeslas
Why It Stands Out:
Spain’s most widely-used health insurer, Adeslas offers dedicated student plans that are affordable and streamlined for immigration.
Key Benefits:
- Covers all Spanish student visa requirements
- 24/7 medical support
- Wide hospital and clinic access
- Personalized customer service
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Price Range: From €39/month
Best For: Budget-conscious students needing full compliance
4. DKV
Why It Stands Out:
DKV is known for its preventive healthcare approach and digital-first services, offering convenient access to doctors and medical records.
Key Benefits:
- Digital doctor appointments
- Plans starting at €42/month
- From basic to full coverage tiers
- Emphasis on preventative services
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Best For: Tech-savvy students looking for flexible digital support
5. MAPFRE
Why It Stands Out:
A trusted Spanish insurance giant with plans tailored for international students and expats.
Key Benefits:
- Large hospital network
- Multilingual support
- Travel and emergency services included
- Highly experienced with expat and student needs
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Price Range: €50+/month
Best For: Students who want premium service with global backing
6. Feather
Why It Stands Out:
Feather is a digital-first insurance broker built for expats and students, with a simple online interface and English-language policies.
Key Benefits:
- Easy sign-up in under 10 minutes
- Policies and support in English
- Visa-compliant
- Fully online claims and policy management
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Price Range: €45/month (for students under 35)
Best For: International students preferring fully online services
7. Swisscare
Why It Stands Out:
Swisscare offers one of the most affordable, no-frills plans that are visa-compliant and tailored for students.
Key Benefits:
- From €31.90/month
- No co-payments, no waiting period, no deductibles
- Covers hospitalization, surgery, emergency care, repatriation
- Fast, paperless signup
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Best For: First-time students in Spain needing quick and reliable coverage
8. Allianz Care
Why It Stands Out:
Allianz Care offers robust international coverage, perfect for students traveling beyond Spain or returning home frequently.
Key Benefits:
- Global coverage options
- Customizable policy levels
- Strong support for expats
- Travel and outpatient care options
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Price Range: Varies based on plan
Best For: Students who travel frequently or study in multiple countries
9. AXA Global Healthcare
Why It Stands Out:
AXA provides flexible student-focused health plans with strong international support.
Key Benefits:
- Tailored for expats and students
- Easy online quote process
- Custom coverage for Spain and beyond
- Access to large provider network
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Price Range: Varies
Best For: Students seeking global healthcare flexibility
10. International Student Insurance (ISI)
Why It Stands Out:
ISI specializes in student visa-compliant plans with several tiers of coverage to suit all budgets and personal needs.
Key Benefits:
- Starting at $29/month
- Tiers include mental health, sports, maternity
- Fast online application and approval
- Multilingual support
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Best For: Students looking for tailored coverage with flexible pricing
📊 Summary Comparison Table
| Provider | Key Benefits | Starting From | Visa-Compliant | Unique Features |
| Sanitas | Full coverage, dental, 24/7 | €41–55/mo | ✔ | Own hospitals & clinics |
| ASISA | English docs, travel insurance | €40/mo | ✔ | Great for long stays |
| Adeslas | Budget-friendly, broad network | €39/mo | ✔ | Streamlined for visas |
| DKV | Preventive, digital tools | €42/mo | ✔ | App-based care |
| MAPFRE | Multilingual, travel cover | €50+/mo | ✔ | Premium expat plans |
| Feather | Fully online, English interface | €45/mo | ✔ | Best for under 35s |
| Swisscare | No wait/copay/deductibles | €31.90/mo | ✔ | Simple and affordable |
| Allianz Care | Global coverage | Varies | ✔ | Excellent for travelers |
| AXA | Flexible, expat support | Varies | ✔ | Easy online management |
| ISI | Tiered, online, student-first | $29/mo | ✔ | Maternity, mental health |
💡 Final Thoughts
Health insurance is non-negotiable when it comes to studying in Spain, especially for non-EU students. Choosing the right plan isn’t just about ticking the visa box—it’s about ensuring peace of mind, access to quality care, and knowing that in an emergency, you’re fully protected.
Whether you want something digital and affordable like Swisscare or Feather, or a premium plan from Sanitas, MAPFRE, or Allianz, there’s a health insurance option tailored to your needs.
📌 Pro Tips Before You Buy:
- Double-check the latest visa requirements with your Spanish consulate
- Ask your university’s international office if they recommend specific providers
- Choose no-copayment, no-waiting-period plans for immediate and hassle-free care
- Consider plans with dental, mental health, and travel support for maximum peace of mind
By securing the right coverage, you can focus fully on your studies, travel, and personal growth—without worrying about medical expenses.
