What Spanish Expats Need To Know About Health Insurance Abroad
Like their counterparts elsewhere in Europe, young Spanish expats are eager to travel and live abroad. But unlike other European countries, Spanish emigration is currently setting new records.
For instance, in 2016, Spain experienced its highest level of emigration since 2008. According to Reuters, this represents an increase from the previous high point of 100,000 people leaving in 2015. Percentage-wise, this represents an increase of more than 56%. So where is everyone going?
Perhaps surprisingly, one in eight Spanish citizens abroad typically moves to the United Kingdom. Even in the face of deep uncertainty regarding the UK’s future in the European Union, it remains a hugely popular destination.
About 10% relocated to France, 9.6% moved to Germany, and 9.3% emigrated to the United States. However, as El País reports, the most significant number of Spaniards abroad is concentrated in Latin America, with notable concentrations in Argentina (439,236), Venezuela (188,025), Brazil (125,150), Cuba (128,541), and Mexico (123,189). The Spanish community is truly a global one.
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Why Are Spanish Citizens Moving Abroad?
Financial and employment opportunities are a major motivating factor for Spanish expats. The country’s unemployment rate sits at an astonishing 20% and sometimes even higher.
For young people and university graduates, the prospect of securing a job in their chosen field is becoming increasingly challenging. Therefore, they turn to opportunities in other countries.
Some scholars are referring to the increase in Spanish emigration as a “brain drain” or “youth exodus”. One thing is for certain – Spanish citizens are living abroad in higher numbers than ever before.
Thankfully, these moves are paying off. 80% of Spanish expats report being generally satisfied with life abroad.
The average expat from Spain speaks three languages, which is extremely helpful for assimilating, finding a job, and making friends.
Overall, Spanish expats adjust well to social changes. But what is it like when they face a new healthcare system?
Does Spanish Public Health Insurance Cover Citizens Abroad?
Receiving public healthcare services in Spain is contingent upon residency, and thus, when Spanish expats relocate, their healthcare coverage doesn’t move with them. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Spain has reciprocal healthcare arrangements with several countries, including Andorra, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru.
This means that should they move to these countries, Spanish expats are eligible for public healthcare services. Additionally, Spanish citizens who apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will receive coverage equivalent to that of residents in all other participating countries.
However, if those countries operate on a co-pay system, visitors using an EHIC will also be responsible for co-pay costs.
It’s essential to note that while the EHIC card is free, the healthcare you receive may incur a moderate cost.
Benefits of Private Global Insurance While Living Abroad
The cost of healthcare in many other developed countries is astronomical compared to that in Spain. Additionally, Spain’s health insurance system offers readily accessible care to all.
These benefits are not readily available for Spaniards living abroad unless you have a high-quality health insurance plan in place.
An international health insurance policy offers the most significant amount of options and flexibility for expats living abroad.
You will have access to the highest-quality private facilities, offering privacy, comfort, and services. Additionally, you can still use public facilities when they are the most convenient option.
Your policy will also include built-in support, helping you find doctors who speak your language and navigate the local healthcare system.
Best International Health Plans for Spanish Citizens
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
- Choose your coverage area based on where you live or travel
- Freedom to select your healthcare provider anywhere in the world
Best Global Health Plans for Spanish Citizens in America
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Adjusting To Lifestyle Differences
Many things contribute to the high standard of living, and thus the overall health and well-being of Spaniards are absent in other countries.
That includes a culture of walking in lieu of driving, enjoying long, relaxed meals, and generally having a low cost of living, which makes fresh produce accessible and affordable. Additionally, there’s an excellent balance of art, culture, and nature available in most Spanish towns and cities.
Of course, this kind of healthy environment can be found in many countries, but not always in the same concentration as that found in Spain.
Spanish expats report frustration at putting on weight because they aren’t able to walk as much. Or sometimes it’s because they’re exposed to more fast food. Additionally, many countries lack the same life-work balance as Spain, resulting in stress-related health concerns.
There is one area where other countries outdo Spain when it comes to promoting good health: smoking habits. Spain is more relaxed about smoking in public than most other Western countries, which have strong regulations regarding this.
Comparing Healthcare Systems
Spanish expatriates are often frustrated by the cost of healthcare abroad. Under the Spanish public healthcare system, patients incur no co-pay for medical appointments and services. Additionally, the majority of laboratory and diagnostic tests, as well as surgical procedures, are provided at no cost.
In many other countries, even those with high-ranked universal healthcare systems, patients face modest costs that can quickly add up.
For instance, in some parts of Spain, doctors still perform house calls at no cost. In other countries, this isn’t available or, if it is, there’s nearly always a hefty surcharge associated with it.
And Spaniards without health coverage of any kind in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia are often astonished at the astronomical cost of uninsured health procedures.
Government Recommendations for Spanish Citizens Overseas
There is a significant population of Spanish expats living in Venezuela, an estimated 188,025. Social and economic conditions there have considerably degraded in the past several years.
Venezuela’s public healthcare system no longer meets international standards. Expatriates living there can no longer rely on receiving consistent healthcare and will have to make arrangements to either visit a nearby country or return home.
Like most other countries, the Spanish government strongly cautions its citizens about traveling there.
Returning Home
Spanish expatriates returning home are not automatically eligible for public health insurance solely based on their return.
They have to go through the same application process as any new resident, proving their address and organizing their identification.
Returning expatriates should consider retaining their global health insurance coverage until they are able to return to public coverage.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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