Health Insurance for Non-Lucrative & Digital Nomad Visas – 2026 Guide
Quick Summary
To get a Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa for Spain in 2026, you almost always need a private health insurance policy issued by a company authorised in Spain, with no copay (sin copago), full coverage equivalent to the Spanish public system, hospitalisation included, and validity for at least 12 months throughout all of Spain.
- Visa-compliant health insurance for adults typically starts from €38–€60/month for younger applicants
- Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa requirements are very similar
- Travel insurance or basic international policies are not enough for most consulates
- Consulates require Spanish-language certificates stating no copay and full coverage
- A licensed broker can arrange visa-compliant insurance and certificates within 24 hours
Do You Need Private Health Insurance for These Visas in 2026?
For most third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA) applying for:
- Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado No Lucrativo)
- Digital Nomad Visa / Remote Worker Visa
…the Spanish authorities require proof that you have full medical coverage in Spain.
In practice, this means:
A private medical insurance policy that is:
- Valid in all regions of Spain
- No copay (no per-visit charges)
- Includes primary care, specialists, tests and hospitalisation
- Valid for at least 12 months
Even if you are young and healthy, the visa process is usually not approved with:
- • Travel insurance
- • Emergency-only policies
- • Cheap international plans that don't match Spanish rules
Non-Lucrative Visa vs Digital Nomad Visa – Health Insurance Requirements
Although these visas are different (one is for living off passive income, the other for working remotely), their health insurance requirements in 2026 are very similar.
Non-Lucrative Visa
Consulates typically expect:
- A no copay private health insurance policy
- Coverage for outpatient & inpatient care across Spain
- No major gaps in coverage or long waiting periods
- Coverage that lasts the full first year
This shows you will not be a burden on the Spanish public system.
Digital Nomad Visa
Requirements are broadly similar:
- Private health insurance covering you while living in Spain
- Proof that care is available nationwide, not just one city
- Many consulates still prefer no copay, full coverage policies
Similar to Non-Lucrative Visa standards.
Because rules and practices can vary slightly by consulate, it is safer to choose insurance that clearly meets the strictest interpretation (no copay, full cover) rather than taking risks with a cheaper, partial plan.
How Much Does Visa-Approved Health Insurance Cost in 2026?
Prices vary by age, region, and medical history, but these ranges give a realistic idea for visa-compliant, no copay health insurance in Spain in 2026:
Typical Monthly Premiums – Non-Lucrative & Digital Nomad Visa (No Copay)
| Age Range | Typical Price 2026* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18–28 | €38 – €60 / month | Ideal for younger digital nomads & students |
| 29–39 | €48 – €75 / month | Most common range for remote professionals |
| 40–49 | €65 – €95 / month | Includes full hospitalisation & diagnostics |
| 50–59 | €90 – €140 / month | Residency-compliant, some health questionnaires |
| 60–69 | €130 – €190+ / month | More detailed health assessment, possible exclusions |
*These are typical market ranges for visa-approved, no copay policies. Actual quotes depend on insurer and personal details.
If you don't need visa-compliant insurance (for example, already resident with public cover), copay policies can be cheaper, but they are usually not accepted for first-time visa applications.
What Must Your Visa Health Insurance Include?
For both Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas, the safest choice in 2026 is a policy that:
Has no copay (sin copago)
You don't pay extra per visit
Includes primary care
General doctor visits
Includes specialists
Cardiology, dermatology, etc.
Includes diagnostic tests
Blood tests, scans, MRIs where medically justified
Includes hospitalisation and surgery
Full inpatient coverage
Is valid across all of Spain
Not limited to one region
Is issued by a company authorised to operate in Spain
Licensed Spanish insurer
Many consulates also want:
- A clear statement that the coverage is equivalent to the Spanish public system
- Confirmation that the policy is valid for 12 months
- Policy documentation (or certificate) in Spanish
A good broker will make sure the certificate wording matches what consulates expect to see.
No Copay vs Copay – Why It Matters for Visas
You'll often see two types of private health insurance in Spain:
No copay (sin copago)
- • You don't pay extra per visit
- • Higher monthly premium
- • Designed to match visa and residency requirements
With copay (con copago)
- • Lower monthly premium
- • You pay a small amount each time you see a doctor
- • Often not accepted for initial visa/residency applications
For Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas in 2026, it is usually safest to choose no copay, because:
- Many consulates clearly state they want a policy without copays
- It avoids confusion or rejection due to "not equivalent to public system" arguments
If you later change to a different type of cover (for example, after your first year), you can revisit this with your broker – but for the visa application, no copay is normally the right choice.
Waiting Periods, Pre-Existing Conditions & Other Fine Print
When choosing health insurance for a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa, pay attention to:
Waiting Periods (Carencias)
- • Some insurers have waiting periods for certain treatments (e.g., maternity, major surgery, advanced diagnostics)
- • For visas, consulates are mainly concerned that you have access to general and emergency care from day one
- • A broker can help you pick a policy where waiting periods do not affect your visa process
Pre-Existing Conditions
- • Some insurers may request a health questionnaire
- • Depending on your age and history, certain conditions may be:
– Accepted without changes
– Covered but with limits or waiting periods
– Excluded from the policy
Important: Be honest – failing to disclose information can cause serious problems if you need treatment later.
Geographic Coverage
- • Many policies include:
– Full cover within Spain
– Emergency cover abroad for short trips
For the visa, what matters is that your policy clearly covers you in Spain as your main place of residence.
Health Insurance for Families and Couples Applying Together
If you're applying as:
- A couple
- A family with children
- A main applicant plus dependants
…it is often simpler and cheaper to:
- Arrange a family policy where everyone is insured under one contract
- Ensure children have paediatric coverage and vaccinations included
- Check how newborns are covered if you're planning a baby in Spain
Family policies can offer:
- Discounts compared to several individual policies
- Simplified paperwork for consulate and future renewals
A broker can structure the policy correctly so it matches your family composition and visa strategy.
Digital Nomads & Remote Workers – What to Consider
If you're applying for the Digital Nomad Visa or a similar remote worker permit:
- You might travel in and out of Spain frequently
- You may work with clients in multiple countries
- You may already have some form of international health cover
Even so, Spanish authorities often prefer:
- A Spanish private health insurance policy for your stay in Spain
- Clear proof that you are fully covered while living here
You can still keep other international cover if you wish, but the Spanish policy will:
- Make your visa application smoother
- Give you access to local private hospitals and clinics
- Provide documents in Spanish for authorities and future renewals
Common Mistakes That Lead to Visa Problems
Travel Insurance Instead of Full Policy
Most consulates reject travel insurance as insufficient for residency visas
Copay Policy When No Copay Required
Consulates often explicitly require no copay policies
Insurance Not Valid for 12 Months
Policy must cover your entire first year in Spain
Insurer Not Authorised in Spain
Must be a licensed Spanish insurer or authorised to operate in Spain
Missing Spanish Certificate
Most consulates require documentation in Spanish stating coverage details
Applying Too Late
Leave time to correct issues if consulate raises questions
Working with an experienced broker drastically reduces these risks.
How ExpatInsurances.es Helps With Non-Lucrative & Digital Nomad Visas
Because we're a DGSFP-licensed insurance broker focused on expats in Spain, we:
Expert Knowledge
Understand what Spanish consulates usually look for in 2026
Right Insurers
Work with insurers that regularly issue visa-compliant policies
Spanish Certificates
Provide Spanish-language certificates formatted for immigration use
Our Process – Step by Step
Short Assessment
You tell us:
- • Which visa you are applying for (Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad)
- • Ages of all applicants
- • Planned place of residence in Spain
- • Any significant medical conditions we should know about
We Compare Visa-Compliant Options
We:
- • Filter out any policies that do not meet consulate standards
- • Compare price, cover, hospital networks, language support
- • Explain the differences in clear English
You Choose a Plan
We help you decide which option is best based on budget, visa type, age and family situation, and personal preferences.
We Arrange the Policy & Visa Certificate
Once you confirm:
- • We finalise the application
- • The insurer issues your policy
- • We prepare the official certificate for your consulate, NIE/TIE appointment or visa submission
After You Arrive in Spain
We continue to support you with:
- • How to use your insurer's app and hospital search tools
- • Questions about cover and doctors
- • Renewals or plan changes in future years
Need Health Insurance for a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa?
If you're planning to move to Spain on a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa in 2026 and want to be sure your health insurance is accepted, our licensed team can:
- Analyse your situation and visa type
- Recommend visa-compliant, no copay health insurance
- Provide the exact Spanish-language certificate consulates expect
- Support you throughout your move and stay in Spain
Talk to a Health Insurance Expert
ExpatInsurances.es – helping expats secure visa-approved health insurance in Spain since 2012.
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German, Swedish
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German, Swedish
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Is travel insurance enough for a Non-Lucrative Visa?
No, travel insurance is typically not accepted. Spanish consulates require private health insurance with no copay, full coverage equivalent to the public system, and validity across all of Spain for at least 12 months.
What does 'no copay' mean for visa health insurance?
No copay (sin copago) means you don't pay additional fees per doctor visit. The monthly premium covers all consultations. This is usually required for visa applications as it shows your coverage is equivalent to the Spanish public system.
Can I use a copay policy for the Digital Nomad Visa?
While requirements can vary slightly by consulate, most prefer no copay policies for both Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas. Copay policies have lower premiums but are often rejected during visa processing. It's safer to choose no copay for your application.
How much does visa-compliant health insurance cost in 2026?
Prices vary by age: 18-28 years typically €38-€60/month, 29-39 years €48-€75/month, 40-49 years €65-€95/month, 50-59 years €90-€140/month, and 60-69 years €130-€190+/month. These are for no copay, visa-compliant policies.
What if I have pre-existing conditions?
Some insurers may request a health questionnaire. Depending on your age and history, certain conditions may be accepted without changes, covered with limits or waiting periods, or excluded. It's important to be honest during the application process.
Do I need to pay for 12 months upfront?
Most insurers offer monthly or quarterly payment options. However, your policy must be valid for at least 12 months from your visa start date. The payment schedule can usually be arranged to suit your needs.
Can my family be covered under one policy?
Yes, family policies are often available and can be cheaper than individual policies for each person. They simplify paperwork and ensure everyone has proper coverage, including paediatric care for children.
How quickly can I get the visa certificate?
Through ExpatInsurances.es, we can often arrange the policy and provide the official Spanish-language certificate within 24 hours once your details are confirmed and the application is complete.
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