When you decide to study in Spain, securing your health insurance is not just another formality: it is one of the requirements that can determine whether or not you are granted a visa. Since May 2025, several consulates have tightened their criteria and now require very specific policies. That’s why we’ve put together this clear and updated guide on what your policy must cover, the documents you’ll need, and the details consulates are focusing on.

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1) First of all: this is not “travel insurance”

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For student visas (national visa type D), Spanish consulates require a health insurance policy issued by an insurer authorized to operate in Spain, with benefits equivalent to the National Health System. Travel insurance is not accepted. Some consulates state this explicitly and will reject insurance cards as proof.

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2) Official requirements for policies in 2025

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• No copayments, no deductibles, no waiting periods.
• 100% coverage of medical, hospital, and outpatient costs during the entire stay.
• Coverage equivalent to Spain’s National Health System, with an insurer authorized in Spain.
• Valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some consulates require extra coverage periods (e.g., starting one month before and ending 15 days after your stay).
• No coverage limits, or if limits exist, never below €30,000. Many consulates recommend or require unlimited coverage.
• In several consulates, repatriation is mandatory.

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3) What it should cover in daily life

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• Primary care, specialists, and hospitalization, including emergencies and surgeries.
• Diagnostic tests and outpatient treatments.
• Emergency medical transportation.
• Mental health with covered consultations.
• Medical repatriation and repatriation in case of death if required by your consulate.
• Coverage from day one, with no waiting periods.
• Recommended extras: prescribed medications, physiotherapy, basic dental care, telemedicine, and English-speaking assistance.

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4) Coverage dates

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Some consulates require extra time (e.g., “1 month before and 15 days after” or “30+15 days”). If your stay exceeds 180 days, you will need coverage for 12 months or the full period indicated by your consulate.

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5) Documents you’ll need

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• Insurance certificate in Spanish or English.
• Must clearly state: no copayments, no deductible, no waiting periods, 100% coverage, and nationwide validity throughout your stay.
• Repatriation included where required.
• Dates aligned with your consulate’s requirements.

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6) Differences between consulates

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While the core rules are the same, each consulate may have slight variations: extra dates, repatriation requirements, certificate format, etc. Always check your consulate’s official website before purchasing.

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7) Red flags that can lead to denial

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• Policies with copayments, deductibles, or reimbursement models.
• Waiting periods for hospitalization or diagnostic tests.
• Schengen-type travel insurance for long-term stays.
• Certificates that are vague or missing clear details.

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8) Quick questions

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• Can I use insurance from my home country? Only if the insurer is authorized in Spain and the certificate meets the requirements.
• Is €30,000 coverage enough? It depends on the consulate; some accept it, others require unlimited coverage.
• Does the insurance card work as proof? No, you need the official certificate.

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9) Quick checklist before purchasing insurance

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• Insurer authorized in Spain
• Equivalent to Spain’s National Health System
• No copayments, no deductible, no waiting periods
• 100% coverage for medical and hospital care
• Dates covering your entire stay and any required extra margins
• Repatriation included if required by your consulate
• Official certificate (PDF) with all the above

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10) Final tip

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It’s always a good idea to rely on a professional insurance broker: they often have access to the same or even better prices than the insurance companies offer directly, can compare policies, speed up paperwork, and help you choose the option that best fits your needs.