Sorting your insurance in Spain is one of those practical jobs that’s easy to put off — until you need a policy you don’t have. Some cover is legally required, some is required by your visa, and some is simply sensible. This 2026 guide runs through the main types expats deal with and what to look for.
This is the cornerstone insurance guide. For the wider relocation picture, start with our complete guide to moving to Spain. It’s general information to help you compare your options, not financial advice.
Health insurance
The big one for newcomers. Most non-EU visas — including the Digital Nomad and Non-Lucrative visas — require a private health policy with full cover and no co-payments from an insurer authorised in Spain. Even if you qualify for public healthcare, many residents keep private cover for faster specialist access and English-speaking doctors. See our dedicated guides on private health insurance for a Spanish visa and how it fits with the public system in our Healthcare in Spain hub.
Home insurance
Not legally required for most owners, but strongly advised — and mandatory if you have a mortgage. Policies typically split into continente (the building structure) and contenido (your belongings); renters usually only need contents cover. Our guide to home insurance in Spain explains the distinction and typical costs.
Car insurance
Compulsory. Every vehicle in Spain must carry at least third-party cover (seguro a terceros); most drivers add partial or fully comprehensive (todo riesgo). If you’re importing a car or swapping a foreign licence, factor insurance in early, as premiums depend on your no-claims history (which may need translating from your home country).
Life insurance
Often taken out to protect a family or, commonly, to cover an outstanding mortgage — some lenders ask for it. Worth considering if anyone depends on your income.
Travel insurance
Useful in the gap before your residency and healthcare are sorted, and for trips outside Spain. Note that travel insurance is generally not accepted in place of proper private health insurance for a long-stay visa.
Pet, funeral and other cover
- Pet insurance — growing in popularity; third-party liability cover is now required for certain dogs.
- Funeral cover (decesos) — a distinctly Spanish product, very common locally, that pre-arranges and pays for a funeral.
- Liability and legal cover — sometimes bundled with home or standalone, handy for navigating disputes.
What does insurance cost in Spain?
As a rough 2026 guide (premiums vary by age, region, history and cover level):
- Private health — around €50–€90/month for a healthy under-35, rising to €200+/month for older applicants.
- Home — roughly €150–€400/year for a typical flat, depending on the rebuild value and contents.
- Car — from around €300/year for basic third-party up to €600–€900+ for comprehensive cover.
- Pet — commonly €120–€350/year depending on the animal and cover.
Spain is generally cheaper for insurance than the UK or US, and many insurers offer multi-policy discounts if you bundle home, car and life together.
How insurance works differently for newcomers
A few things catch expats out. Your foreign no-claims bonus may not transfer automatically — ask whether the insurer will recognise a translated certificate. Policies are written in Spanish and the small print matters, so confirm exactly what’s excluded (pre-existing conditions, flood, certain breeds). And for anything tied to a visa, the policy must meet specific conditions, so don’t buy on price until you’ve confirmed it qualifies.
How to compare and buy
Spain has a competitive market with both large insurers and price-comparison sites. Read what’s actually covered (and excluded) rather than buying on headline price alone, check whether documents and support are available in English, and confirm any visa-specific requirements before you commit. Premiums vary by region, age and history — our city guides for Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Bilbao give local context.
Getting help
For guidance choosing cover, vetted English-speaking professionals are listed in our Insider Directory.
Planning the bigger move? Return to our moving to Spain guide, explore Expert Advice, or — if you advise on insurance in Spain — become an Insider.