Spain Visa Medical Requirements

Got plans to move to Spain but not sure which documents you need to include with your visa application? You’re not alone. Whether you’re coming for a short-term visit or planning to settle down for the long haul, the paperwork can seem daunting, especially when it comes to health-related documentation.

Understanding the Spain Visa Medical Requirements is an essential first step in making your transition smooth and stress-free. From travel medical insurance to long-term health coverage, here’s everything you need to know before submitting your visa application.

Who Needs a Visa to Travel or Live in Spain?

According to Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa requirements apply to all foreign citizens who are not covered under the right to free movement within the European Union or other international conventions.

In other words:

• EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a visa to enter, work, or reside in Spain.
• Non-EU citizens (including those from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and many other countries) must check whether their nationality requires a visa for short or long stays.

If a visa is required, it must be obtained before travelling. The specific type of visa, and the related medical requirements, depend on the purpose and duration of your stay.

1. 1. Short-Term Stays: When You Need (and Don’t Need) a Schengen Visa

If you plan to visit Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, whether you need to apply for a Schengen Visa depends entirely on your nationality.

• Visa-exempt countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and many others, do not need to apply for a Schengen Visa for short stays. Travellers from these countries can enter Spain visa-free for tourism or business as long as they respect the 90/180 rule.
• Visa-required countries must apply for a Schengen Visa in advance. This includes countries such as India, China, South Africa, Morocco, the Philippines, Kenya, and most of Latin America and Africa.

Regardless of whether you need a visa, travel medical insurance is strongly recommended, and for travellers who do require a Schengen visa, it is mandatory.

Those applying for a Schengen Visa must present proof of travel medical insurance covering:

• A minimum of €30,000
• Emergency medical care, hospitalisation, accidents, and repatriation
• The entire Schengen Area
• The full duration of the stay

Travel Medical Insurance for the Schengen Visa

According to Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament, applicants for a Schengen visa must have:

“Adequate and valid travel medical insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay on the territory of the Member States.”

The minimum coverage required is €30,000, and the policy must:

• Be valid throughout the entire Schengen Area.
• Cover the entire duration of your stay.
• Include medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.

If you already have travel insurance through your employer or credit card, check the terms carefully to confirm that it meets these conditions. Otherwise, you can take out a compliant policy through an approved European insurer.

Why Health Coverage Matters Even for Short Stays

While it’s a legal requirement, travel medical insurance also protects you from unexpected costs abroad. Spain has excellent healthcare, but non-residents without an EU Health Card or Spanish insurance must pay the full cost of care, including emergency treatment.

Having a valid policy ensures you can access medical attention quickly without worrying about high hospital bills or language barriers.

If you plan to return to Spain regularly or extend your stay, you may want to look into Caser Travel Insurance plans that cover both short- and long-term needs. Caser’s Travel & Assistance and Health for Foreigners plans offer extensive coverage designed specifically for international visitors in Spain.

2. 2. Long-Term Stays: Visas for Work, Study, or Residency

If you plan to live, work, or study in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-term national visa (visado nacional de larga duración). These visas include categories such as:

• Work visa (for employment or self-employment)
• Student visa (for full-time education)
• Non-lucrative visa (for retirees or those with independent income)
• Family reunification visa

For all of these, two health-related requirements apply: a Medical Certificate of Good Health and proof of private health insurance.

Medical Certificate of Good Health

Before you apply for a long-term visa, you’ll need to undergo a basic medical examination in your home country. This typically involves:

• A general health check-up
• A standard blood test
• A chest X-ray

These tests are designed to confirm that you are free from any serious diseases that could pose a risk to public health in Spain.

If your results are clear, a certified doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of Good Health stating that you are fit to travel and reside abroad. This document must:

• Be issued within the three months prior to your visa application.
• Be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
• Be notarised, stamped, and legalised (Apostilled) as required.

You can find an official example of this certificate on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Health Insurance Requirement for Long-Term Visas

The second requirement is proof of comprehensive health insurance that meets Spanish immigration standards.

The policy must:

• Be issued by a licensed provider operating in Spain.
• Offer full coverage with no waiting periods, deductibles, or copayments.
• Include hospitalisation, surgery, and specialist consultations.
• Cover you for the entire duration of your stay or residence.

While some applicants try to use international or home-country policies, these are often rejected if they include deductibles or limitations on Spanish coverage. To avoid delays or rejections, it’s especially important to be aware of the Spain Visa medical requirements and to take out a recognised policy with a trusted Spanish insurer.

Caser Expat Insurance offers plans that meet these exact requirements. Caser’s Health Insurance plan, for example, is designed specifically for expats applying for Spanish residency. It includes complete healthcare access across Spain, worldwide assistance, and no copayments (except for psychology).

If you’re moving with your family, Caser also offers comprehensive family health plans that can cover spouses and dependents under the same policy, ideal for long-term peace of mind.

3. 3. Preparing Your Documents for Submission

Once you’ve arranged your medical certificate and health insurance, it’s time to prepare your visa documentation. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay organised:

For all visa types:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport and copies
• Proof of accommodation in Spain
• Proof of financial means
• Two recent passport-sized photos

Plus, for health-related requirements:

• Medical Certificate of Good Health (translated, stamped, and legalised)
• Proof of valid health insurance with full coverage and no copayments

It’s essential to verify the most recent requirements directly with your nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy, as procedures can vary slightly depending on your country of residence.

4. 4. Final Tips for a Smooth Application

Moving abroad is exciting, but navigating foreign bureaucracy can be intimidating. Here are a few final tips to simplify the process:

1. 1. Start early. Your medical certificate and visa documents have validity limits, plan your appointments at least 6–8 weeks before your intended move.
2. 2. Check translation rules. Only sworn translations are accepted in Spain; uncertified ones will be rejected.
3. 3. Confirm your insurance details. Double-check your policy terms before submission to ensure it explicitly covers Spain and meets immigration standards.
4. 4. Stay informed. Requirements occasionally change, so always verify the latest guidelines with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local consulate.

The Bottom Line

Relocating to Spain is an exciting adventure, and understanding Spain Visa Medical Requirements is one of the first steps in ensuring your move goes smoothly. For short-term stays, you’ll need travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage. For long-term visas, you’ll also need a Medical Certificate of Good Health and a comprehensive health insurance policy valid in Spain.

While the paperwork can feel overwhelming, careful preparation will make the process faster and easier. With the right support and the right insurer, you’ll soon be ready to start your new chapter in España with confidence.

To make your transition simpler, explore Caser Expat Insurance plans designed for every stage of your move, from travel cover to long-term residency and family health insurance. Find the right plan for you and start your Spanish journey protected from day one.