Spain International Student Insurance
International Student Health Insurance for Students in Spain
Can you already taste the paella in Valencia, feel the sand between your toes in Malaga, hear the flamenco music in Sevilla, and sense the otherworldly beauty of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona? Well, it might be time to join the increasing number of students who study abroad in Spain each year. As an international student in Spain, you have incredible opportunities at your fingertips— from a high quality education system, to low-cost living, to a rich culture that will no doubt teach you how to live “la buena vida” — ¡hay que aprovecharlas!
International students studying abroad in Spain will need to obtain health insurance before setting off, as it is not only important to have, but also a visa requirement.
Read on to learn more about studying abroad in Spain!
Quality Education System
Home to many high-ranked universities, Spain offers a high-quality education for international students. The history of higher education stretches back to the 13th century, with the system evolving accordingly since its Medieval inception. The Bologna Process was implemented in 1999 by Spain and other European countries, working to maintain the same level of quality education across higher education institutions throughout the continent. Education has long been an important factor in Spain’s culture and history. Regulated by the Minesterio de Educación (Ministry of Education), the country currently offers 45 public universities and 31 private universities. Each university is divided into facultades, or schools organized by departments, allowing students to enroll in a specific area of study. Program permitting, international students also have the opportunity to participate in internships during their stay.
Language Learning
One of the best ways to learn a language is to immerse yourself in the culture and place. Regardless of how much you study from a book, there is nothing like being out of a classroom and in real-life situations. You will improve your conversational speaking skills, speak more fluidly, and may even pick up on colloquialisms from the area. As the birthplace of castellano, Spain is a great place to learn spanish. Depending on the region you live in, you may get to learn other languages or dialects in addition to the primary language of the country.
Low Cost Experiences
Spain is one of the most affordable countries in the EU, with low-cost food, housing, entertainment, in-country travel, and transportation. Food costs are below the EU average and housing costs only slightly above. The cost of living largely depends on where you live (large city centers will be more expensive than outskirts, smaller cities, or rural areas), but expect affordable prices. The Metro and bus systems are inexpensive and safe, and most cities are navigable by foot. With affordable activities and entertainment available, international students will be able to enjoy the cultural sites, arts, nightlife, festivals, and performances without budget concerns. Caffeine lovers can take joy in knowing that a quality cup of coffee is only around 2€, making it easy to sip on some study fuel while soaking up the sun on the terraza of a cafetería.
Healthcare System in Spain
Spain has a high-quality and continuously top-ranked healthcare system. No one is turned away from emergency medical treatment in Spain, regardless of nationality or ability to pay. Healthcare in Spain is free to Spanish citizens, but international students will have to apply for some form of insurance. If you do not speak Spanish, check to see if a translation service is available in your area, as most of the medical staff will be speaking Spanish.
Members of the EU
If you're part of the European Union, you can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which grants emergency healthcare while in Spain.Non-Members of the EU
If your home country is not part of the European Union, you'll need to show proof of private insurance as part of applying for your student visa.Free Medical Care for Specific Countries
If you are from a country that has bilateral agreements with Spain (such as Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil or Andorra), you can benefit from free hospitalization in case of a medical emergency as long as you can present the corresponding health certificate from your home country.
Note: there may be long wait lines in Spanish hospitals. However, you'll receive quality treatment once you're in the care of a health professional.
Despite the emergency healthcare SNS (Sistema Nacional de Salud) provides, private insurance is still highly recommended. For some international students, it's a visa requirement. Travel insurance is also recommended since medical evacuation and repatriation are not included through SNS.Insurance Plans for Spain
We offer the following plans to students who are planning to travel, study or visit Spain:
| Atlas Travel | Patriot International | Patriot Exchange | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy MaximumPolicy Max. | $50,000 to $2 Million | $50,000 to $1 Million | $5 Million |
| DeductibleDed. | $0 up to $5,000 | $0 up to $2,500 | $0 up to $500 |
| Currency | $ USD priced | $ USD priced | $ USD priced |
| Premium | Starting at $0.85/day | Starting at $0.89/day | Starting at $1.37/day |
Best Insurance Plans for Spain
We have a range of insurance plans, however for students studying in Spain the best insurance options are:
