Senior & Retiree Insurance in Spain – 2026 Guide for Over-65s & Pensioners
Spain is one of Europe's favourite retirement destinations: good climate, healthcare and lifestyle. But for many over-65s and retirees, the big question is: 'What insurance do I actually need in Spain – and can I even get health insurance at my age?' This guide focuses specifically on seniors and retirees.
Quick Summary
Retirees in Spain need a mix of health, home, funeral, life and legal insurance depending on their situation. Health insurance over 65 is possible but has higher premiums and stricter conditions.
- Health insurance over 65 is possible but premiums are higher
- Many insurers have age limits (70-80) for new policies
- Non-EU retirees on visas need private health insurance
- Funeral insurance handles arrangements and repatriation
- Home insurance is essential, especially for part-year residents
Healthcare & Insurance for Retirees in Spain – The Basics
If you're over 65, you might fall into one of these categories:
EU/EEA/UK State Pensioner
Transferring healthcare rights via S1 form or similar agreements. May have access to Spanish public healthcare.
Non-EU Retiree on Visa
On a non-lucrative visa, old Golden Visa, or similar. Private health insurance is usually required for residency.
Mixed Situation
Some public healthcare rights plus extra private cover for faster access, specialists, or English-speaking doctors.
Key idea: Public healthcare (Seguridad Social) may cover part of your needs, depending on your status. Private health insurance is often used to meet visa/residency requirements and/or get faster access to doctors, tests and private hospitals.
Health Insurance in Spain for Over-65s
Why Seniors Often Still Choose Private Health Insurance
Even retirees who have access to public care often take private health cover because:
- Waiting times in some specialties can be long
- They want more control over doctors, language and hospitals
- They split their time between two countries and need flexibility
- They want visa-compliant cover if they're non-EU
Typical Challenges Over 65
Higher Premiums
Expect to pay significantly more than younger expats – often €150-350+/month depending on age and health.
Stricter Medical Underwriting
Health questionnaires, medical reports, and sometimes examinations may be required before acceptance.
Age Limits for New Policies
Many insurers won't accept new clients over 75-80. Some stop at 70. Don't wait too long.
Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions
Some conditions may be excluded or subject to waiting periods. Honesty is crucial – hiding conditions causes problems at claim time.
Health Insurance Costs for Seniors in Spain (2026)
Here's what you can expect to pay for private health insurance by age:
| Age | Basic Cover | Full Cover (No Co-pays) | Premium/International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-64 | €80-€120/month | €120-€180/month | €200-€350/month |
| 65-69 | €120-€180/month | €180-€280/month | €300-€450/month |
| 70-74 | €180-€280/month | €280-€400/month | €450-€650/month |
| 75-79 | €280-€400/month | €400-€550/month | €600-€850/month |
| 80+ | €400-€600/month | €550-€750/month | €800-€1,200+/month |
Important: These are indicative ranges for 2026. Actual premiums depend on your specific health profile, insurer, and coverage options. Pre-existing conditions, location, and nationality can also affect pricing.
Types of Health Insurance Plans for Retirees
Full Medical Cover
- • Comprehensive: GP, specialists, tests, hospital
- • No co-payments per visit
- • Often required for visas
- • Higher premiums but predictable costs
Best for: Non-EU retirees needing visa compliance, seniors wanting no surprise bills
Full Cover + Co-Pays
- • Same network and services
- • Small fee per visit/test
- • Lower monthly premium
- • Not always visa-compliant
Best for: Retirees with residency who want private care at lower cost
High-End Reimbursement Plans
- • Go to any doctor or clinic
- • Pay, then get reimbursed (80-90%)
- • Maximum flexibility
- • Higher premiums
Best for: High-net-worth retirees who travel, want specific doctors outside networks
Complete Insurance Checklist for Retirees in Spain
Beyond health insurance, here's what most retirees need to consider:
| Insurance Type | Priority | Typical Cost | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Essential | €150-€500/month | Visa requirement, faster access, English support |
| Home Insurance | Essential | €200-€600/year | Protects property, liability cover, often bank-required |
| Funeral Insurance | Recommended | €20-€60/month | Handles arrangements, repatriation, relieves family burden |
| Car Insurance | If driving | €300-€800/year | Legally required if you own a car in Spain |
| Travel Insurance | If travelling | €200-€700/year | Covers trips back home, holidays abroad |
| Legal Expenses | Optional | €50-€150/year | Builder disputes, neighbour issues, consumer claims |
| Life Insurance | Situational | Varies widely | Mortgage protection, inheritance planning |
Other Important Insurances for Seniors & Retirees
Health insurance is only part of the picture when you're retired.
🏠 Home & Contents Insurance
Especially important if you own a home or second home in Spain, spend only part of the year here, or rent out the property.
- • Buildings insurance – structure, fire, water damage, storm
- • Contents insurance – furniture, electronics, personal belongings
- • Liability cover – damage to neighbours (water leaks etc.)
- • Landlord insurance – if renting out as holiday let
⚰️ Funeral Insurance (Seguro de Decesos)
For many families, the biggest worry is: "Who will organise and pay for the funeral – especially in another country?"
- • Organises and pays the funeral, burial/cremation
- • Deals with paperwork and local arrangements
- • Often includes repatriation to your home country
- • Prevents stressful last-minute planning for family
❤️ Life Insurance & Inheritance Planning
If you have a partner who depends on your pension/income, children or grandchildren you want to support, or a mortgage:
- • Pay off or reduce a mortgage
- • Provide a lump sum to spouse or children
- • Help with inheritance tax / estate liquidity
Note: Pure risk life insurance becomes expensive at older ages. Targeted, smaller sums may still be achievable.
⚖️ Legal Expenses Insurance
Common issues for retirees include disputes with builders, problems with neighbours or communities of owners, and rental/consumer contract questions.
- • Legal advice by phone or email
- • Cover for lawyers and court costs up to a limit
- • Often available as a module in home insurance
🚗 Car Insurance
If you own a car in Spain, insurance is legally required. Senior drivers should consider:
- • Fully comprehensive for maximum protection
- • Low-mileage discounts if you drive occasionally
- • Breakdown assistance included in policy
- • Protected no-claims bonus
✈️ Travel Insurance for Seniors
If you travel frequently (visiting family, holidays), annual travel insurance is essential:
- • Medical emergencies abroad
- • Trip cancellation and interruption
- • Baggage and personal effects
- • Specialist senior policies available
👤 Personal Liability
Often included in home or family liability packages:
- • Covers accidents you cause to others
- • Property damage liability
- • Pet liability (if you have pets)
Common Insurance Mistakes Seniors Make in Spain
Waiting too long to get health insurance
Age limits mean if you wait until 75+, options are very limited. Apply while you're still eligible.
Not declaring pre-existing conditions
Hiding conditions can void your entire policy. Be honest—many conditions are still coverable.
Assuming public healthcare is enough
Long waiting times, language barriers, and limited specialist access can make private cover valuable.
Ignoring funeral insurance
Families face enormous stress organising international funerals. Funeral insurance handles everything.
Underinsuring a second home
Properties left empty have higher risks. Standard policies may not cover extended vacancy periods.
Forgetting travel insurance
Spanish health insurance doesn't cover you abroad. Every trip home needs travel cover.
EU vs Non-EU Retirees: Different Situations
EU/EEA/UK Pensioners
- S1 form transfers healthcare rights to Spain
- Access to Spanish public healthcare
- Private insurance is optional but recommended
- UK pensioners registered pre-Brexit retain rights
Typical setup: S1 for public healthcare + private top-up insurance for faster access and English support
Non-EU Retirees (Visa Required)
- Private health insurance required for visa
- Must meet specific coverage minimums
- No automatic public healthcare access
- Age limits can be problematic for visas
Typical setup: Full private insurance with no co-payments (visa-compliant) + Convenio Especial as backup option
Common Retiree Scenarios & Insurance Solutions
Scenario 1: UK Pensioner with S1, Spending Full Year in Spain
You have public healthcare via S1 but want faster access to specialists.
Scenario 2: American Retiree on Non-Lucrative Visa, Age 68
Need visa-compliant health insurance with no co-payments.
Scenario 3: German Couple, Both 72, Splitting Time 50/50
6 months in Spain, 6 months in Germany. Need flexibility.
Scenario 4: Recently Widowed, Age 75, Own Property in Málaga
Living alone, concerned about health access and end-of-life planning.
Action Steps: Getting Your Insurance Right
Assess Your Status
EU/non-EU, S1 eligibility, visa requirements, time in Spain
Prioritise Health
Get health insurance while you're still eligible—don't wait
Add Essential Cover
Home insurance, funeral insurance, car insurance if needed
Review Annually
Circumstances change—review coverage and costs each year
Need Help With Insurance as a Retiree in Spain?
We specialise in helping seniors and retirees navigate Spanish insurance. Whether you need visa-compliant health cover, funeral insurance with repatriation, or a complete insurance review—we provide English-speaking support tailored to your situation.
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.
Can I still get health insurance in Spain over 65?
Yes, but options are more limited. Many insurers accept new clients up to 70-75, some even to 80. Premiums are higher, and you may face stricter medical underwriting. The key is not to wait too long.
Do I need private health insurance if I have access to public healthcare?
Not always, but many retirees choose private cover for shorter waiting times, easier access to English-speaking doctors, and flexibility. Non-EU retirees on visas typically need private insurance to meet residency requirements.
What does funeral insurance (seguro de decesos) cover?
It organises and pays for the funeral – burial or cremation, paperwork, transport. Many policies also include repatriation to your home country if desired.
Is life insurance worth it at older ages?
Pure risk life insurance becomes more expensive over 60-65. However, targeted cover (e.g. for mortgage payoff or specific bequests) can still make sense. At older ages, funeral insurance is often more practical.
What insurance does a retiree splitting time between Spain and another country need?
Focus on strong home/contents insurance (especially if the property is empty part of the year), check health insurance flexibility across countries, and ensure funeral cover has clear repatriation rules.
How much does health insurance cost for over-65s in Spain?
Expect to pay €150-€400+ per month depending on age, health status, and coverage level. Premiums increase significantly after 70. At 75+, monthly costs can exceed €500 for comprehensive cover.
What happens to my health insurance when I turn 70 or 75?
Most Spanish insurers guarantee renewal for existing clients regardless of age. However, premiums increase with age. Some policies have 'lifetime' pricing that rises less steeply. Check your policy's renewal terms carefully.
Can I get travel insurance as a senior living in Spain?
Yes, but options narrow after 65-70. Specialist senior travel insurers exist. Annual multi-trip policies for over-70s cost €300-€700/year for Europe, more for worldwide cover including USA.
What is the S1 form and do I need it?
The S1 (formerly E121) is for EU/EEA state pensioners to transfer healthcare rights to Spain. It lets you access Spanish public healthcare paid by your home country. UK pensioners can still use this post-Brexit if registered before 2021.
Do I need car insurance if I only drive occasionally?
Yes, car insurance is legally required in Spain regardless of how often you drive. However, low-mileage or 'classic car' policies may offer better value for occasional drivers. Fully comprehensive is recommended for seniors.
What is the Convenio Especial and should I consider it?
The Convenio Especial lets residents without public healthcare rights pay into the Spanish system (€60-€160/month). It gives access to public hospitals but has limitations (no co-payment covers, waiting periods). It's often used as a visa requirement alternative.
How do I claim on my Spanish health insurance if I don't speak Spanish?
Most international and many Spanish insurers offer English-speaking customer service and multilingual doctor networks. When choosing insurance, prioritise insurers with proven English support and networks in your area.
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