Private health insurance for long term visas

My partner and I signed up to ASSSA when we moved here in 2018. They are indistinguishable from the other main companies in what they offer medically, but what swung it for us was the pledge that the premiums would only increase by the rate of inflation at a maximum (this year it hasn't increased at all) despite the client's age increasing. I don't know if they still offer this, but if they do, it's a big advantage. Other companies will jack up your premiums substantially when you reach 'milestone' ages, e.g. 60, 70, 80.

Check it out.

You should bear in mind ....

It isn't just about cost. Don't just choose the cheapest policy. When you gain Residency/Visa/TIE, your PHI will, at least for a while, become your only source of healthcare. So accessibility and quality are the important factors.

My wife and I have our health insurance with DKV. My wife became seriously ill in 2019, and they have been absolutely fantastic. 

BUT we have had to travel to obtain treatment and tests, mostly to the Quiron Hospital in Murcia. We have also used (I think) 8 or 9 other medical facilities in Murcia, Elche and Torrevieja. 

This seems to be quite normal. We have met numerous other people "doing the rounds" - each having different insurers.

Into the detail .... insurers may quote the various clinics and hospitals that they use, but in reality, they pick and choose exactly what services they contract for at which hospital. So if your insurer's brochure says that they use (say) Quiron or IMED hospitals/clinics, the city you have to go to depends on the medical service you need.   

We use a GP in our village (not the health centre) and she acts as the gateway into the DKV system - and she is very good at it. 

Our local GP works with DKV (which may be why our local insurance broker recommended DKV). So it seems that the most important thing is to have an insurer who works with your local GP.

We have a neighbour who uses a different insurer. Her nearest insurer-affiliated GP is 50 minutes away by car. 

Contact Caren at Jennifer Cunningham Insurances in Playa Flamenca - +34 960 500 116, email [email protected]

They use Asssa

Thank you I will

Hello

It might also be worth looking into paying into the health system here in Spain I cannot speak highly enough of the health system. Personally I have received the greatest of care. My husband and I  are covered as we are retired but there was a little concern that Brexit might change things in which case we were going to pay into the health system. Fortunately we are still covered . 

However just a thought.....

Re

Hi everyone,

I am totally confused, we are just about to apply for our long term visas as we want to move to Pinoso, but I am not sure weather we need private health insurance as we are covered by our S1 but the visas application form states that we will need private health insurance. Does anybody know if this is correct.

Thank you

Lesley Brooker

For the first year it is a requirement that you have private health cover.

Thank you so much,

That is very helpful

Hi Lesley,

Yours is a different situation as you are already in an EU country & covered by your S1 so it's only a question of moving to Spain & transferring your health entitlement to here. Wherever you are applying for your Visa, there will be forms to complete so if you are doing that yourself, there must be somewhere to put that info on the form or  get help if you are seeking help from a gestor with your application.

As I dont know the exact answer I will see if I can find it online - & let you know if I succeed.  In the meantime ask the Overseas healthcare team in the UK.......

NHS Overseas Healthcare Services

• Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999

Cheers

Elinspain