Arranging Visa Health Insurance Before You Move to Spain
Most visa applicants need their insurance in place before they move. You can apply with a passport only, as an NIE is not required at the start. A Spanish bank account is not always required either. Policies may be arranged up to six months ahead.
What to prepare
- passport and identity details for each applicant;
- nationality and visa or residence route;
- intended Spanish address or destination, if you have one;
- appointment, filing and expected travel dates;
- the month you want cover to start;
- ages and any information the insurer requests for assessment;
- the official document checklist.
Passport, NIE and address
Your passport is enough to apply; an NIE is not required initially. We'll confirm which address details your application needs before it goes in.
Paying from abroad
A Spanish bank account is not always required. With a Spanish or other European IBAN, the premium can be paid annually or half-yearly. Card payment is for annual payment. Your quote confirms the payment options and the exact premium for your application.
Choosing a start month
Cover normally starts on the first day of the month you select. The start month may sometimes be adjusted before cover begins, but a change is never guaranteed to be accepted. Pick the month that fits your consulate's requirements and your travel plans; our guide to when your cover should start walks through the trade-offs.
Certificate delivery
The certificate follows Sanitas's acceptance, processing and the required payment. We don't quote a fixed delivery time, so leave yourself room before the appointment to compare the certificate details with your application.
Distribution area
We can't currently arrange policies for people living in Cantabria (including Santander) or Navarra. This is a limit on our distribution area, not on the insurer's medical network.
FAQs
Do I need an NIE before I apply?
No. You can apply with a passport only; an NIE is not required initially.
Do I need a Spanish bank account?
Not always. With a Spanish or other European IBAN, the premium can be paid annually or half-yearly. Your quote confirms the payment options for your application.
Can I pay by card?
Card payment is for annual payment. Your quote shows the payment options available to you.
How far ahead can I arrange cover?
Policies may be arranged up to six months ahead, and cover normally starts on the first day of the selected month.
Arrange cover or go back to the application process.