Residency requires health insurance?

expatrocks · #1 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 09:47 AM

I'm a US citizen and I'm married to a Spanish citizen born in Spain. We decided to spend 7 months in Spain starting late this last March. Here in Spain we were told at several government offices that the only way for me to stay longer than the 3 months allowed by a tourist visa would be to get residency. I went through that long and arduous process until I was given a paper with my NEI number which stated that I would be contacted soon for my fingerprints.

I was just notified by them that I need to prove that I have health insurance and sufficient income/savings on which to live. Best of all, they gave me a 10-day time limit to come up with this stuff which is down to about 8. I plan to fax them a few bank statements, but I don't have health insurance. We used to live in California but we moved out to come on this trip so we don't have a permanent home right now. My parents still live in California.

What would you do in my situation? I think I should either get health insurance here in Spain or health insurance in the US which covers me in Spain. I would be amazed if I could get US health insurance in 8 days, although I was previously covered under BCBS so that might streamline the process. How should I go about looking for health insurance in Spain? I'm not sure where to start with that.

Considering that all I want to do is spend more than 3 months in Spain with my Spanish wife, I'm amazed at all I've had to go through, but hopefully this is the last step. Thanks to anyone who can offer their advice.

jojo · #2 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 09:53 AM

The rules of residencia are the same for everyone, even EU citizens. Its now standard practice in Spain. You are given an NIE number which lasts for three months, if you wish to stay longer then you need to renew it and become a resident. To do that you have to prove income and healthcare provision. I dont know which cover would be best, US that covers you in Spain probably???

It does beg the question, that if you dont have any health insurance, what would you do if you are taken ill???
Jo xxx

Bfpijuan · #3 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 10:09 AM

Does your husband work in Spain? If so, you are covered under him.

xabiachica · #4 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bfpijuan

Does your husband work in Spain? If so, you are covered under him.

his wife

yes that was my first thought - but he has to be resident first, before he can be covered..............

the best idea I think would be to contact any one of the many many health ins. companies here in Spain- they tend to be cheaper than the 'offshore' ones

Sanitas, ASSSA to name but two - I'm sure a search of the forum would bring up several more

Alcalaina · #5 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by expatrocks

How should I go about looking for health insurance in Spain? I'm not sure where to start with that.

Contact Sanitas, they are specialists in health insurance for expats.

expatrocks · #6 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 11:03 AM

Thank you everyone, I'm looking into Sanitas now. Can I cancel the insurance once I leave Spain in October?

Alcalaina · #7 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by expatrocks

Thank you everyone, I'm looking into Sanitas now. Can I cancel the insurance once I leave Spain in October?

You'll have to ask them that!

SteveMcCrady · #8 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xabiachica

his wife

yes that was my first thought - but he has to be resident first, before he can be covered..............

the best idea I think would be to contact any one of the many many health ins. companies here in Spain- they tend to be cheaper than the 'offshore' ones

Sanitas, ASSSA to name but two - I'm sure a search of the forum would bring up several more

Both are very good providers in my opinion, depending on where in Spain you will be living, ASSSA do not cover everywhere in Spain, but do offer good value and good service if you are in one of their areas.

xabiachica · #9 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveMcCrady

Both are very good providers in my opinion, depending on where in Spain you will be living, ASSSA do not cover everywhere in Spain, but do offer good value and good service if you are in one of their areas.

yes, we used to use them - overall we were happy with them, but that is probably more due to the actual local doctor we used through them, than the company itself

expatrocks · #10 (**permalink**) 27th July 2012, 11:48 AM

Quote:

You'll have to ask them that!

In that case, I can say based on my experience thus far, the answer depends on who, when, and how I ask.