Buying Property for Immigration to Spain Experience Spanish Immigration Benefits: The reasons attracting numerous investors to Spain include its blue skies, white clouds, and safe food. Additionally, the comprehensive social welfare system, free health insurance, and advanced medical standards in Spain are significant factors. Although Spain adheres to the principle of equality in medical treatment, the completely free healthcare system is currently only available to Spanish citizens (those holding Spanish nationality) and residents who contribute to social security in Spain. Due to the unique nature of investment immigration, not every investor will work and contribute to social security upon arriving in Spain, making it particularly important to purchase a high-quality private/medical insurance plan in most cases.
In Spain, where there is a universal healthcare system, out-of-pocket medical expenses can be staggering. For example, the registration fee for an emergency visit to the hospital is around 200 euros, and the cost of calling an ambulance ranges from 150 to 250 euros per trip. If hospitalization is required, the cost can start from several hundred euros per day to over a thousand euros per day, with no upper limit.
Typically, spending a few dozen euros each month on a reputable private health insurance plan can reimburse the vast majority of medical expenses. If upgraded, it can provide 100% reimbursement, and some top private insurance companies even offer plans for serious illnesses requiring treatment in the United States. Another option that is not widely known among expatriates is the ability to voluntarily join the public healthcare system in Spain: this policy was introduced by the Spanish government in 2013 to allow foreigners residing in Spain to enjoy the same high-quality medical services as Spanish citizens. Currently, each autonomous community has its own requirements and policies. For example, in the Madrid region, investors under 65 years old only need to pay 60 euros per month per person, while those over 65 pay 157 euros per month per person (note: the prices and policies for voluntary public insurance may vary across different regions of Spain). This allows them to receive treatment at the medical centers in their residential area, access free emergency services in public hospitals, and have a designated family doctor.
It is worth noting that both private insurance and voluntary public insurance generally do not cover free medications and dental care (except for wisdom tooth extraction). Therefore, investors with specific dental needs may need to purchase additional dental insurance.
Private insurance in Spain can be applied for through the websites or by phone of major insurance companies, or purchased in person at their offices; public insurance requires a series of procedures to be completed with the relevant authorities and waiting for approval.
