Best Health Insurance Plans for Families Moving to Spain
- Franco Coetzee
- Jul 14
- 14 min read
Updated: Sep 15
If you're relocating to Spain with your family, securing health insurance is a mandatory step for visa approval. Spain requires proof of private health insurance for most visa types, especially if you're not contributing to the public healthcare system. Here's a quick breakdown of what to consider:
- Visa Requirements: Policies must cover pre-existing conditions, have no waiting periods, and include documentation in Spanish.
- Cost: Monthly premiums generally range from $59 to $177 (€50–€150), depending on coverage and family size.
- Family Needs: Look for plans covering maternity care, pediatric services, specialists, and mental health support.
- Private Insurance Benefits: Faster access to care, telemedicine, and the ability to choose providers.
Top Options:
- DKV Visa & Residency Insurance: Tailored for expat families, meets visa requirements, offers nationwide coverage, and includes maternity and pediatric care.
- DKV Full Cover Insurance: Offers direct access to specialists, extensive pediatric care, and affordable premiums starting at $20 (€18).
- DKV Co-Payment Insurance: Low monthly premiums with pay-per-use fees, ideal for families with minimal healthcare needs.
- DKV Reimbursement Insurance: Global flexibility, choose any doctor worldwide, and get reimbursed for care.
Each plan caters to different needs, whether you're focused on affordability, flexibility, or comprehensive coverage. The right choice depends on your family's healthcare usage, budget, and travel habits.
The Ultimate Guide to Health Insurance for Expats in Spain
1. DKV Visa & Residency Insurance
For families planning a move to Spain, choosing the right insurance is crucial. DKV Visa & Residency Insurance (DKV Residentes) is tailored specifically for foreign families settling in Spain. It not only meets Spanish visa requirements but also provides essential healthcare coverage. This reimbursement-based plan is designed to address the healthcare needs of expatriate families while ensuring compliance with residency regulations.
Coverage Features
This plan offers a wide range of healthcare services to meet family needs. Primary care includes general practice, pediatrics, nursing services, and 24/7 medical emergency coverage. This round-the-clock access is especially important for families with young children who might need urgent care outside regular hours.
Specialized medical care spans major fields like cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, traumatology, gynecology, neurology, and oncology. For expectant mothers, the plan provides full maternity care, including gynecology and obstetrics consultations, hospitalization, and childbirth services, all in a private room.
Pediatric services are a standout feature, offering dedicated care for children, 24-hour pediatric helplines, and enhanced psychological support. Young patients can access up to 40 psychology sessions annually for challenges like eating disorders, school bullying, or cyberbullying - double the number available to adults. Additionally, pediatric care includes specialized programs such as biomechanical gait analysis every two years for children under 15, compared to every five years for adults. This helps identify and address developmental concerns early on.
The plan also includes extensive diagnostic tools, such as imaging and lab tests. Advanced procedures like Da Vinci robotic surgery and 3D/4D ultrasounds are covered, alongside preventive care programs aimed at early detection of conditions like diabetes and certain cancers.
Digital health services further enhance accessibility, offering 24-hour video consultations, medical chat support, digital midwife services for pregnant and postpartum mothers, and pelvic floor rehabilitation programs.
With its wide-ranging benefits, the plan also offers flexible pricing options to suit different family budgets.
Pricing and Affordability
Premiums for this plan range from $105 to $708 per month (€89–€600), depending on factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and payment frequency. Discounts are available for larger families and multi-year policies. For example, coverage for a 9-year-old starts at $150 per month (€127), while seniors over 75 pay $415 per month (€352).
Family discounts make the plan more budget-friendly. Families with four insured members save 7%, while those with five or more members enjoy a 12% discount. Additional savings are offered based on payment frequency - 7% for annual payments, 4.6% for semi-annual payments, and 2.8% for quarterly payments.
New policyholders can also take advantage of multi-year discounts, with 30% savings in 2025, 23% in 2026, and reduced rates continuing for up to five years.
Family-Friendly Benefits
Dental coverage includes full reimbursement at DKV-affiliated centers and up to 80% reimbursement at non-affiliated centers, with an annual cap of $3,540 (€3,000).
Unlimited rehabilitation services cover treatments like podiatry and physiotherapy without session limits. The plan also reimburses up to $1,180 (€1,000) annually for pharmacy expenses and $2,124 (€1,800) for auxiliary equipment such as wheelchairs and CPAP machines.
International travel protection is another key benefit, covering emergency medical assistance up to $35,400 (€30,000) for trips abroad lasting up to 180 days. This ensures families are protected during visits home or travels within Europe.
Legal and Administrative Compliance
DKV Residentes is fully compliant with Spanish consulate visa requirements, offering approved upfront payments and the necessary Spanish documentation.
Reimbursements are processed quickly - within seven days - through the dedicated app. The policy also functions as whole life insurance, meaning DKV will not cancel the contract after three years of coverage, providing long-term stability for residents.
With access to over 51,000 healthcare professionals and 1,000 medical centers across Spain, families can rely on a vast provider network, whether they live in bustling cities or quieter rural areas. The maximum enrollment age of 75 makes this plan suitable for multi-generational families preparing to settle in Spain. All these features work together to simplify the relocation process and provide peace of mind for expat families.
2. DKV Full Cover Insurance
DKV Full Cover Insurance is designed with busy expat families in mind, offering extensive healthcare coverage and direct access to specialists without the hassle of referrals. This plan goes beyond standard coverage, providing quick and convenient services tailored to meet the demands of family life in Spain.
Coverage Features
One of the standout features of this plan is the focus on specialist care. With an average waiting time of 72 days for a specialist consultation in the Spanish Social Security system, DKV Full Cover ensures families can bypass delays and access care when they need it.
The plan includes:
- Primary healthcare services: General medicine, nursing, pediatrics, emergency care, ambulance services, and basic clinical analyses.
- Specialist care: Coverage spans cardiology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, traumatology, gynecology, oncology, endocrinology, and psychiatry.
- Diagnostics: Access to clinical analyses, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, mammograms, and endoscopies.
- Digital health services: 24/7 digital consultations, electronic prescriptions, and a digital health folder. Expectant mothers also benefit from a digital midwife service via video consultations and chat.
- Surgery and hospitalization: Comprehensive coverage for both medical and surgical treatments.
Family-Friendly Benefits
DKV Full Cover goes the extra mile for families, offering features that address the unique needs of children and parents alike:
- Psychology services: Up to 20 sessions per year for adults and 40 sessions for children and young adults under 24. These sessions cover issues like eating disorders, bullying, work-related stress, and domestic violence.
- Dental coverage: Includes 50 free treatments and discounts on additional services.
- Dedicated care: Personal doctors and pediatricians ensure families have a go-to resource for their healthcare needs.
- Rehabilitation services: Unlimited sessions and assistance with scheduling and authorizations help ease the administrative load.
Pricing and Affordability
DKV Full Cover offers discounts to make healthcare more accessible for families. A 7% discount is available for families with four insured members, while families with five or more enjoy a 12% discount. Online tools simplify authorizations and appointment scheduling, cutting down on paperwork and saving time.
Legal and Administrative Compliance
The plan also includes a 24-hour pediatric medical line, ensuring parents can access expert advice anytime, even outside regular office hours.
Preventive care is another priority, with programs like the Children's Health Program and biomechanical gait studies. These studies, available every two years for children under 15 at Podoactiva centers, help identify and address developmental issues early.
"We look after what's most important, your health and that of your family" – DKV Seguros
3. DKV Co-Payment Insurance
DKV Co-Payment Insurance combines comprehensive family healthcare with affordable monthly premiums and small pay-per-use fees, making it an ideal choice for families who don’t require frequent medical care.
Coverage Features
Unlike fully prepaid plans, this co-payment model offers lower premiums for families who use services occasionally, while also capping annual out-of-pocket costs. With access to over 51,000 specialists and 1,000 medical centers across Spain, this plan ensures your family can get care whether you’re in bustling cities like Madrid or Barcelona, or in quieter coastal towns.
The plan covers a wide range of primary care services, including general medicine, nursing, pediatrics, emergency care, basic clinical tests, and ambulance services. It also extends to specialized care in fields such as cardiology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, gynecology, oncology, and psychiatry, among others. Diagnostic services include clinical tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, and mammograms, ensuring thorough health monitoring for every family member.
Digital tools enhance convenience, offering 24/7 chat, electronic prescriptions, and access to a health folder. A digital midwifery service supports breastfeeding, baby care, and postpartum recovery. These features, combined with transparent pricing, provide a clear picture of the plan’s value.
Pricing and Affordability
The plan offers three co-payment tiers to match your family’s needs:
- Complet: $13.50 per general consultation, $23 for specialists
- Plus: $6.90 per general consultation, $11 for specialists
- Classic: $2.30 per general consultation, $3.50 for specialists
Annual expenses are capped at $600 per person, after which all services are fully covered. Additionally, families enjoy discounts: 7% off for policies with four insured members and 12% off for five or more.
Family-Friendly Benefits
The plan includes extensive maternity and pediatric services, covering consultations, diagnostic scans, and emergency support. A 24-hour hotline is available for pregnancy-related inquiries. Pregnancy care features gynecological exams, 3D/4D ultrasounds, fetal anomaly prevention, and epidural anesthesia during delivery. Obstetric hospitalization even provides newborn care essentials like cots or incubators.
New parents can access resources such as healthy pregnancy classes, parenting education, birth preparation exercises, and oral health programs tailored for pregnancy.
Mental health support is also a priority, with up to 20 psychology sessions per year for adults and 40 for those under 24. These sessions address issues like eating disorders, bullying, work stress, and domestic violence.
Additional perks include a dental policy offering 50 free treatments and discounts on others, unlimited podiatry and physiotherapy sessions, and worldwide medical assistance of up to $30,000 for trips lasting up to 180 days.
Legal and Administrative Compliance
DKV Co-Payment Insurance not only provides excellent healthcare but also meets Spain’s visa health requirements. It complies with the health insurance standards for visas such as the Digital Nomad Expat Visa, Golden Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, and Entrepreneur Visa. This eliminates the hassle of securing separate insurance for visa compliance while ensuring your family is well-covered.
The plan includes personal doctors and pediatricians who can offer consultations via video call or chat before referring you to specialists if needed. A dedicated health assistant helps with authorizations and appointment scheduling, simplifying the administrative side of healthcare as you settle into life in Spain.
For added peace of mind, emergency medical coverage extends beyond Spain, offering protection during travel across Europe and beyond. This global coverage ensures your family’s healthcare needs are met wherever life takes you.
4. DKV Reimbursement Insurance
This plan operates on a pay-first, reimburse-later model, giving families the freedom to choose any doctor worldwide while ensuring quick reimbursement. DKV Reimbursement Insurance provides flexibility and control over healthcare decisions, paired with high-quality care.
Coverage Features
With DKV Reimbursement Insurance, you have the freedom to select healthcare providers globally, including access to DKV’s extensive network of over 51,000 specialists and 1,000+ centers. The plan covers a broad range of services, such as:
- Primary and specialized care
- Diagnostic services
- Digital health tools
- Surgical and hospitalization expenses
- Dental treatments, with 50 complimentary procedures
- Psychology sessions (20 per year, or 40 for those under 24)
- Unlimited podiatry, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation services
This comprehensive coverage ensures that both routine and specialized needs are addressed.
Pricing and Affordability
Reimbursement claims are processed in under seven days. Pricing depends on the number of insured individuals and their ages, with competitive rates compared to other premium international plans. Families can enjoy discounts, such as a 7% reduction when more than three members are covered, with further savings for larger households.
Reimbursement percentages and limits vary by plan tier. For example:
- Pharmacy expenses are reimbursed at 50%, up to €100 annually.
- Vaccination costs are covered up to €50 per dose, with an annual limit of €150 per person.
- Optics and orthopedic expenses are also included under specific limits.
Family-Friendly Benefits
Tailored for families, this plan includes extensive pediatric and maternity support. Services range from video consultations to comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care. Maternity coverage encompasses:
- Gynecological and obstetric consultations
- 3D/4D ultrasounds
- Diagnostic tests for fetal anomalies
- Obstetric hospitalization, including nest or incubator care for newborns
"At DKV, we not only offer you all the medical care you need during the birth, but also follow-up care during pregnancy and the postpartum period." - DKV Seguros
Parents also benefit from prevention programs, including healthy pregnancy classes, birth preparation, and parenting education. A digital midwifery service provides chat support for breastfeeding, baby care, and postpartum recovery. Additional highlights include:
- Assisted reproduction treatments
- Newborn coverage for up to 30 days, regardless of pre-existing conditions
- Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation
- Health check-ups for newborns
- Mental health support for various challenges, such as eating disorders, bullying, and work-related stress
- Spa treatments for up to 20 days after a minimum three-day hospital stay
Legal and Administrative Compliance
DKV Reimbursement Insurance complies with Spain’s health insurance requirements for visa applications, making it a practical option for families relocating to Spain. To access guaranteed services, policyholders must reside in Spain.
The plan accommodates travel for up to 180 consecutive days, ensuring coverage during vacations, business trips, or visits home. It also includes worldwide travel medical assistance, with emergency coverage of up to €30,000 for trips lasting up to 180 days.
Administrative tasks are simplified with online tools . However, certain services are subject to waiting periods, such as:
- 8 months for childbirth
- 6 months for outpatient surgeries
- 12 months for transplants
Be sure to review these waiting periods when planning your care.
Plan Comparison: Pros and Cons
Choosing the right DKV plan for your family in Spain is all about balancing your healthcare needs and budget. Each plan has its own perks and trade-offs, and the table below outlines the key features of DKV's options. Keep reading for a closer look at what each plan offers and where they might fall short.
Feature | DKV Visa & Residency Insurance | DKV Full Cover Insurance | DKV Co-Payment Insurance | DKV Reimbursement Insurance |
Starting Price | $138/month (€127) | $20/month (€18) | $20/month (€18) | Varies by coverage tier |
Coverage Area | Spain and Germany | Spain | Spain | Worldwide |
Doctor Choice | DKV network + reimbursement | DKV network only | DKV network only | Any doctor worldwide |
Payment Structure | Monthly premium | Monthly premium | Premium + copayment per visit | Pay first, reimburse later |
Family Discounts | 7% for 4+ members | 7% for 4+ members | Available | 7% for 4+ members |
Visa Compliance | 100% guaranteed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Reimbursement Rate | 100% in Spain | N/A | N/A | 80–90% depending on tier |
DKV Visa & Residency Insurance
This plan is tailored for expat families who need guaranteed visa compliance and immediate, comprehensive coverage. Starting at $138 per month, it covers 100% of medical expenses in Spain and extends coverage to Germany. It also eliminates waiting periods, making it ideal for those needing quick access to healthcare. However, its higher monthly cost could strain larger family budgets.
DKV Full Cover Insurance
If you’re looking for extensive care within a network, this plan starts at just $20 per month and connects you to DKV’s robust network of over 51,000 medical professionals. It also includes up to 40 psychology sessions annually for children under 24, addressing issues like eating disorders or bullying. The downside? It only covers network-based care, which might not include every specialist you prefer.
DKV Co-Payment Insurance
For families with minimal healthcare needs, this plan offers a budget-friendly option with premiums ranging from $20 to $42 per month. However, if you or your family require frequent specialist care or have chronic conditions, the copayment structure could lead to higher overall costs.
DKV Reimbursement Insurance
This plan is all about flexibility. You can visit any doctor worldwide, with reimbursement rates of up to 90% for higher-tier plans and annual limits that range from $67,500 (€62,000) to $707,500 (€650,000). It’s perfect for families who value global access, but you’ll need to pay medical bills upfront and handle reimbursement claims later. For those who travel frequently, this plan also includes coverage for extended stays abroad - up to 180 consecutive days - with emergency assistance of up to €30,000 ($32,650).
Additional Considerations
Psychology coverage varies, with some plans offering 20 sessions annually or 40 for individuals under 24. If you travel often, the Reimbursement plan stands out for its international flexibility, while other plans may limit coverage for extended trips.
Administrative ease also differs. Full Cover and Co-Payment plans offer simple, network-based care, while the Reimbursement option requires you to manage claims after paying upfront. The Visa & Residency plan strikes a balance by combining network access with reimbursement for out-of-network care.
When deciding, think about how often your family uses healthcare services. Frequent users might prefer the Full Cover or low-copayment options, while occasional users could save with high-copayment plans. If having a wide choice of doctors and global flexibility is a priority, the Reimbursement plan may be worth the extra effort.
Conclusion
Choosing the right DKV health insurance plan for your family's move to Spain means weighing your specific needs and priorities. DKV offers a variety of plans tailored to different family situations, so here’s a quick rundown to help you decide.
If your main focus is meeting visa requirements and having immediate access to healthcare, DKV Visa & Residency Insurance is a solid choice. It ensures compliance with visa regulations while providing instant healthcare access.
For families keeping an eye on their budget, the DKV Full Cover Insurance offers a great balance of affordability and comprehensive benefits. It connects you to a network of over 51,000 medical professionals and even includes Spain's mandatory child vaccination program.
On the other hand, families with minimal healthcare needs might prefer the DKV Co-Payment Insurance for its cost-effectiveness. However, if you expect frequent visits to specialists - common for families with young children - those copayments can add up and might make other plans more practical.
For families who travel often or need international coverage, the DKV Reimbursement Insurance provides flexibility with global healthcare options.
It’s also worth noting that the average waiting time for specialist appointments in Spain's public healthcare system is around 72 days. This makes private insurance particularly valuable for families who prioritize timely medical care. If frequent visits are likely, a plan without copayments might save you money in the long run.
When selecting a plan, consider not just legal requirements for residency but also what works best for your family’s health and finances. Think about immediate needs like visa compliance and affordability, as well as long-term factors like the size of your family, health history, and travel habits. Each plan has its own strengths - choose the one that aligns with your family’s needs as you settle into life in Spain.
FAQs
What should I look for in a health insurance plan when moving my family to Spain?
When choosing a health insurance plan for your family’s move to Spain, it’s important to consider a few key factors, starting with coverage options and benefits tailored for families. Look for policies that include essential services like hospitalization, specialist consultations, and preventive care. For families, features such as pediatric care and maternity coverage can make a big difference.
It’s also crucial to confirm that the plan complies with Spanish visa and residency requirements. Access to English-speaking doctors and trusted healthcare facilities is another factor to keep in mind, especially if language barriers are a concern. Ultimately, selecting a plan that fits your family’s specific health needs will help ensure a smoother transition to life in Spain.
How does DKV Reimbursement Insurance support families who travel often?
DKV Reimbursement Insurance is designed with families who travel frequently in mind, offering extensive medical coverage both in Spain and internationally. This plan provides access to a broad medical network and allows you to claim reimbursements for medical costs incurred abroad, ensuring you’re covered no matter where life takes you.
One standout feature is the absence of expense limits when using the medical directory. This makes it a convenient choice for families with active, on-the-go lifestyles, simplifying the process of managing healthcare needs while traveling or living overseas.
What benefits does DKV health insurance offer for children in families moving to Spain?
DKV health insurance plans offer a variety of benefits designed specifically for children, making it easier for families moving to Spain to access reliable healthcare. These plans cover pediatric care, routine vaccinations, and specialized medical services. One standout feature is that children can be insured on their own, without needing an adult on the same plan - giving families more flexibility.
With DKV, you can rest assured that your child’s healthcare needs are well taken care of as you settle into your new life in Spain.
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