Which Health Insurance Plan After Your Visa Is Approved?
Once your visa is approved, you have three sensible options: keep the policy that supported your application, upgrade because you want broader benefits, or move to a resident-focused plan. Approval on its own isn't a reason to change. Start with your residency evidence, renewal date, healthcare needs and the rules for switching.
Option 1: Keep your existing policy
Keeping the current policy avoids an unnecessary mid-cycle change and preserves continuity while you settle in Spain. It's often the simplest option when the cover still suits you.
Residents Platinum renews automatically after twelve months unless cancelled at least one month before renewal. For other products, the renewal rule is set out in the policy terms.
Option 2: Upgrade for broader cover
Platinum may be worth a look when you want reimbursement outside the Sanitas network or value its international, pharmacy, dental and hospital benefits. It can only be newly taken out through age 64, until the month of the 65th birthday.
An upgrade is a product decision, not a residency requirement. Ask us whether new underwriting applies before you rely on it.
Option 3: Review a resident-focused product
Más Salud Sin Copago may be relevant after arrival, but it has waiting periods and isn't a first-visa equivalent. Its maximum joining age is 75.
For EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, nationality decides the version: Sanitas lists the standard Residents version for this group, not Residents Visado.
Before changing anything
Before you switch, confirm:
- the current policy renewal and cancellation deadline;
- whether the new product requires fresh medical assessment;
- whether waiting periods apply;
- whether the new policy supplies any evidence needed for residency renewal;
- the new policy's effective date; and
- that there will be no unintended gap in cover.
Get a plan review
Tell us the product name, renewal date, age of each insured person, nationality group and what you'd like to change. We'll compare the relevant options with you, without assuming a new application will be accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Does visa approval mean I can cancel my insurance?
Not automatically. Insurance may remain relevant to your residence status and healthcare needs, so talk to us about the conditions that apply to your case before you cancel.
Will I be medically assessed again?
It depends on the product and the switching route, which is why it's worth asking before you change.
Can I move to a cheaper product immediately?
Look at the renewal date, cancellation period, waiting periods and underwriting first. A lower premium doesn't help if the new arrangement creates a gap or doesn't fit how you intend to use it.