When applying for a visa or residency in Spain, meeting health insurance requirements is crucial, even though consulate websites may not always provide clear guidelines. Adhering to these national standards ensures that you avoid any potential delays in the process of your visa application and that your application is accepted. The following types of visas and permits require specific health insurance:

• Student Visa
• Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
• Non-lucrative Visa
• Entrepreneur Visa
• Digital Nomad Visa
• NIE card (residence permit) and its renewal

Therefore, the health insurance policy that you should be looking for must meet several key criteria to be considered valid for visa applications:

1. Must Operate in Spain: The insurance provider must have authorization to operate in Spain. While the company doesn't need to be Spanish, it must offer coverage in the region where you plan to reside.
2. Must Have Comprehensive Coverage: The policy must include coverage for emergencies, consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalizations, ensuring the same level of care as Spain’s public health system.
3. Must Have Adequate Financial Coverage: Many consulates require a minimum of €30,000 coverage, while some specify up to €500,000 or unlimited financial coverage. Check the specific consulate’s requirements.
4. No Copayment or Deductibles: The insurance must cover the full cost of services without requiring you to pay a portion of the expenses. Policies with copayments or deductibles will be rejected.
5. No Waiting Period: The policy should not include waiting periods for coverage, meaning you can access services immediately.
6. Repatriation of Remains: This coverage ensures that, in the event of death, your remains can be transported back to your home country.

When submitting your visa application, you'll need to provide proof of health insurance that meets these standards. Make sure the insurance certificate is in Spanish and clearly outlines the required coverage. The duration of coverage should align with the visa type, typically for a minimum of one year, especially for Non-Lucrative, Golden, Entrepreneur or Digital Nomad visas. For Student Visas, the coverage should span the entire duration of your stay. Nonetheless, always double-check the consulate’s specific requirements for insurance duration. 

Finding an insurance policy that meets these requirements can be tricky, but with the help of an agency that understands the ins and outs of these conditions, your application is likely to be more successful. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about our Visa and Insurance packages. 

References:

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/washington/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx