Cover for your situationArticle 3 of 5 · 4 min read
Health insurance for digital nomads and remote workers
Explains which health cover a remote worker needs for the Spanish digital nomad visa, when a private policy is required, and which work set-ups bring public Seguridad Social cover so you don't pay for both.
Terms used
- Copago — The copago is a small fee you pay each time you use a medical service, on top of your insurance.
- Seguridad Social — Seguridad Social is Spain's social security system, which gives access to public healthcare when you are registered and contributing.
- Autónomo — An autónomo is a self-employed person registered with Spanish social security who pays monthly contributions.
- Convenio Especial — The Convenio Especial is a special agreement that lets you pay monthly for public healthcare access after a year of legal residence.
Key rules
- Visa policy: The policy must come from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no copago and no waiting periods.
- Seguridad Social: If you are registered in Spanish Seguridad Social, you do not need the private policy.
- Foreign employer: Working remotely for a foreign company does not give you public healthcare in Spain.
What you need
If you apply for the digital nomad visa or residence permit as a non-EU remote worker, you need a private health policy. It must come from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain. It must give full cover similar to the public system, with no copago and no waiting periods. You must show proof of it with your application.
The documents list below shows what to submit. Consulates can set their own detail requirements, so ask yours before you buy.
When you do not need it
You do not need the private policy if you are registered in Spanish Seguridad Social. In that case you show proof of your registration instead.
Which set-ups give you public healthcare
Public healthcare comes with registration in Seguridad Social. That means:
- Employee of a Spanish company, registered in Seguridad Social: you have access.
- Autónomo (self-employed) registered and paying contributions in Spain: you have access.
- Family dependants registered as beneficiaries: they have access through you.
- Remote worker for a foreign company, not in Spanish Seguridad Social: you do not have access. You normally need private insurance.
If you move to one of the first two set-ups later, you get public cover. Check before you renew a private policy so you don't pay for both.
Other routes into public care
Some people can use the Convenio Especial, a special agreement with monthly payments, after at least a year of legal residence. In certain cases the EU S1 or EHIC route applies. Spain-EU social security rules can also keep you in your home-country system. Eligibility depends on your residence and contribution status, so ask Seguridad Social before relying on any of these.
What it costs
A policy with no copago and no waiting periods typically costs a few hundred euros a year at the low end for younger adults. The price rises with age and the extent of cover. It also depends on region, insurer and whether the plan uses a network or reimbursement. Get quotes from several insurers or brokers and confirm the policy meets the visa conditions before you pay.
Documents you need
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Proof of your private health insurance policy, issued by an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, showing full cover with no copago and no waiting periods.
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Proof of registration in Spanish social security, if you are already registered. In that case you do not need the private policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need private insurance if I pay into Spanish social security?
No, if you are registered in Spanish social security, you do not need the private policy for the visa. Employees of a Spanish company and autónomos (self-employed people) who pay contributions get public healthcare through that registration. Family dependants registered as beneficiaries are covered too.
Does working for a foreign company give me public healthcare in Spain?
No, a remote worker for a foreign company who is not in Spanish social security does not get public healthcare, so you normally need private insurance.
Is there a way into public healthcare if I am not in social security?
Yes, you may be able to use the Convenio Especial, a special agreement with monthly payments, but only after at least a year of legal residence. In certain cases, an EU S1 or EHIC route may also apply, so ask the health authority which one fits you.
How much does a visa-compliant private policy cost per year?
A policy with no copago and no waiting periods typically costs a few hundred euros a year at the low end for younger adults. The price rises with your age and the extent of cover, and depends on region and insurer. Compare quotes from several insurers or brokers.
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