About
Insurance in Spain
- Heathcare Insurance
- Home Insurance
- Car Insurance
Private Health Insurance
The public health system in Spain is generally very
good and medical treatment is on a par with any found
in the Western world. However, many foreigners who aren’t
eligible for free treatment under the public health
system, take out private health insurance. Private medical
insurance is also popular among those foreigners who
are eligible for free healthcare and numerous Spaniards
also choose private medical insurance. Note that non-EU
citizens who apply for residency in Spain must have
private medical insurance.
Advantages
The advantages of having private medical insurance in
Spain include a wider choice of doctors and hospitals,
private or semi-private hospital rooms, and virtually
non-existent waiting lists. Disadvantages include high
premiums, particularly if you’re over 65 and the
fact that not all private hospitals and clinics are
equipped with specialist equipment.
Two Options
If you wish to take out private health insurance, then
you have two options: either to take out a policy in
your home country with international cover, or to take
out a policy with a Spanish company. Note that if you
choose to take out a policy with a Spanish company,
you usually have to be resident in Spain.
Health Insurance in General
Shop around and compare the rates and benefits of several
companies before you buy. You should be aware that many
small insurance brokers might only be able to offer
you a limited choice of policies and will probably be
working to commission. Make sure that if you choose
an independent broker, they really are representatives
of the companies they claim to be and that your monthly
payments really do reach the main company. You can easily
check this by contacting the head office of the company
and asking for the broker’s credentials.
Before committing yourself to any health insurance policy,
read the terms and conditions very carefully (even if
the print is very small) and make sure you understand
the implications of all of them.
Before 65
If you suffer or have suffered from a life-threatening
condition or have a long-term illness, you should declare
this when you take out the policy. Failure to do so
could result in the company declaring your policy null
and void.
Try to take out a health insurance policy before you’re
65 as premiums soar once you reach this age. Be aware
that some companies cancel policies once their clients
are 65. If you sign up with such a company it could
be difficult to get a policy with another company once
you’re 65.
Check the limits on the annual medical costs and find
out if there are any voluntary contributions or excesses
you can pay to reduce the cost of your premium.
International Health Insurance
Practically all large health insurance companies provide
international health cover and with the arrival of Internet
and digital communications, the choice available is
huge and you can contract health insurance from virtually
anywhere in the world. However, the choice can at times
be overwhelming and it can be difficult to select a
company, let alone a policy.
For information about House Insurance Click here.
For information about Car Insurance Click here.
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