International Student Health Insurance Spain
Coming to Spain to study from outside the EU, you are not covered by Spanish public healthcare — private health insurance is how you access care, and it is a required document for your student visa. Here is how it works, how to choose, and how to use it once you arrive.
Why international students need private cover
Spain's public healthcare covers residents who contribute to social security. As an international student you normally don't, so a private medical policy is both your access to healthcare and a required document for your visa: consulates expect comprehensive cover from an insurer authorised in Spain, without copayments or waiting periods, for your whole stay — the requirements guide has the detail.
EU and EEA students are different: no visa is needed and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers state healthcare during a temporary stay. Some EU students still choose private cover for faster specialist access, English-speaking care or private facilities — a preference, not a requirement.
How to choose a policy that actually works
- Visa-compliant, not travel insurance — travel policies are usually rejected for student visas
- No copayments — the basis visa routes normally expect, and nothing to pay at the clinic
- No waiting periods — you're covered from day one of the policy
- A real Spanish network — hospitals and clinics where you'll actually live
- English-speaking support — for the moments that matter
- A certificate consulates accept — official, in Spanish, stating the right conditions
The Sanitas International Students plan is built on exactly these lines for students aged 14–35 on courses of 3–14 months, from €42.71 per month. Eligibility, premium and policy terms are confirmed before the policy is issued.
Using your cover once you arrive
Your card and app
Your Sanitas membership card and the Mi Sanitas app manage appointments, your policy and results. Direct billing means nothing to pay on-site in the network.
Everyday care
Book a GP or specialist through the app or at any network centre — the cuadro médico lists providers in your city. Video consultations via Blua are available 24/7.
Emergencies
24/7 emergency care at Sanitas emergency centres, ambulance included — and worldwide emergency assistance up to €12,000 per year when you travel, with repatriation cover.
Staying longer
Extending your studies? The policy renews, a new certificate is issued, and the TIE renewal expects continuous cover — renew before the old policy ends.
See your price as an international student
Your exact monthly premium and policy total, from official Sanitas student rates — free, no obligation.
Happy with your price?
Complete the guided application online — we prepare the official Sanitas forms for you.