Does your Spanish policy cover you outside Spain?

Key rules

• Default scope: Assume your Spanish policy covers Spain only unless the contract says otherwise.
• Emergency abroad: Any emergency cover abroad is usually capped in amount and trip length, and may exclude the US and Canada.
• Travel insurance: Travel insurance is a separate product and never replaces the Spanish policy needed for residence.

Mostly, your policy covers Spain only

A standard Spanish private health policy covers medical care in Spain. You use the insurer's network of doctors and hospitals, or you are reimbursed for Spanish providers. Outside Spain, assume you are not covered until your contract says otherwise.

Your contract states the area it covers in a section called the ámbito territorial. Read it first. Some policies are even narrower than Spain and cover only a province or region.

Emergency cover abroad is limited

Many policies add a limited emergency clause for urgent care on temporary trips. Typical limits are:

• a cap on the amount covered;
• a maximum trip length of a few weeks;
• care must be urgent and unforeseeable.

Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions and planned treatment. Some exclude the US and Canada, or set a lower limit there. Some ask you to contact the insurer in advance. Many network-only policies include no cover abroad at all.

Ask your insurer in writing what your policy covers before you travel, especially for the US, Canada or a long stay.

Reimbursement and international policies

A reimbursement policy may cover treatment abroad, up to the limits in the contract. International health products cover other regions too. They are a different product from a standard Spanish policy, so check which one you hold.

Travel insurance is a separate matter

Travel insurance covers unforeseen illness or accidents during a trip. It usually excludes pre-existing conditions and routine care, and it has limits. If your Spanish policy has little or no cover abroad, buy travel insurance for trips.

Travel insurance does not replace your Spanish health cover. If you apply for a residence visa, such as non-lucrative residence, you need a Spanish-authorised private health policy with full cover, no co-payments and no waiting periods. Consulates and immigration offices can apply their own requirements, so confirm with the consulate handling your application.

The FAQ below answers common questions about finding the covered area and the limits on emergency cover.

Frequently asked questions

Where in the contract can I see which area my policy covers?

Look for the ámbito territorial, the clause that states the area your policy covers. Some policies are limited to a province or region, so a policy bought in one place may not work in another part of Spain. Check this clause before you travel.

What limits usually apply to emergency cover abroad?

Emergency cover abroad usually has a cap on the amount covered and a maximum trip length of a few weeks. The care must be urgent and unforeseeable.

Can travel insurance replace my Spanish health policy for a residence visa?

No, travel insurance does not replace a Spanish health policy for a residence visa. Non-lucrative residence and similar visas require a Spanish-authorised private policy with full cover, no co-payments and no waiting periods. Confirm the exact requirements with the Spanish consulate handling your application.

Does a reimbursement policy cover treatment abroad?

A reimbursement (reembolso) policy may cover treatment abroad, up to the limits stated in the contract. Network-only policies often include no cover abroad at all. In that case, take out separate travel insurance.