Your Guide to Student Health Insurance in Spain

No. Most Spanish consulates do not accept travel insurance for student visas. Travel insurance is typically designed for short trips (30-90 days), covers only emergencies, and has many exclusions. For a student visa, you need full private health insurance that's equivalent to Spain's public system, including primary care, specialists, diagnostics, and hospitalization, valid for the full study period (typically 9-12 months minimum).

While some consulates don't explicitly ban copay policies, using a no copay plan significantly reduces the risk of visa rejection. No copay (sin copago) policies are strongly preferred because they demonstrate full coverage without per-visit fees. Even if copay isn't explicitly banned, consulates may request additional documentation or question whether the coverage is sufficient. For initial student visa applications, no copay is the safer choice and is what most visa-focused brokers recommend.

Student health insurance costs in Spain for 2026 typically range from €32-€55 per month for students aged 16-25, €38-€60/month for ages 26-30, €45-€75/month for ages 31-39, and from €60+/month for ages 40 and above. These prices are for visa-compliant, no copay policies. Actual costs depend on your age, chosen insurer, and specific coverage level, but student policies are generally cheaper than other visa types because most applicants are younger.

For short stays and Erasmus-style exchanges, some universities and consulates may accept the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or your national health coverage. However, even EU students often prefer private insurance because it offers faster access to specialists and diagnostics, access to private hospitals and clinics, and help in English and other languages. If you're a non-EU/EEA student, you'll definitely need private health insurance for your visa application.

Your policy should cover you for the full official length of your studies, or at least 12 months for the first academic year if your program is longer. Many Spanish consulates prefer to see 12 months of coverage on initial applications. If your course is shorter (for example, 6-9 months), your broker can match the policy duration to your course dates, ensuring the certificate clearly shows coverage for your entire stay. You can adjust or renew during later renewals inside Spain.

It depends. Some universities offer their own group insurance, but it may or may not be visa-compliant. Language schools rarely include full health insurance and typically only provide enrollment documents. In all cases, your consulate wants to see clear proof of comprehensive medical coverage in Spain, with documents that match your name, passport, and dates correctly. If you're unsure whether your school's insurance meets visa requirements, a licensed broker can verify it or arrange a separate, compliant policy.

Yes. If you're bringing a spouse/partner or children as dependents, they'll usually need health insurance for their visas too. It's often easiest and most cost-effective to put everyone on a family policy (one contract covering multiple people). Make sure children have coverage for pediatrics, vaccinations, and emergency care, and adults have full outpatient and inpatient coverage. Family policies can simplify renewals and address changes later.

A licensed broker experienced in student visas can typically arrange your policy and provide the official Spanish-language certificate within 24 hours. The certificate will clearly state no copay (sin copago), full medical coverage including hospitalization, validity across all of Spain, and coverage dates matching your study period. This is the document you'll attach to your student visa application.