Guide
Health insurance for the EU Certificate: what cover you need
If you do not work in Spain, you must prove public or private health insurance with full cover to get the EU Registration Certificate.
Who must provide insurance?
| Situation | Insurance needed? |
|---|---|
| Employee | No: covered through Social Security registration |
| Self-employed | No: contributes to RETA |
| Student | Yes |
| Non-active (retired, independent means) | Yes |
| Dependent family member | Yes, if not covered by the main holder |
Valid options
- Spanish private insuranceFull cover, no co-payments or waiting periods.
- S1 formFor pensioners receiving a pension from another EU country.
- Convenio especialPublic cover through a monthly payment, in some regions.
- European Health Insurance CardFor temporary stays; often not accepted as insurance for residence.
Is travel insurance valid?
Usually not: limits and exclusions are incompatible with residence.
How long must it last?
It must be in force and cover at least one year, or renew automatically.
Must the insurer be Spanish?
It must give full cover in Spain. A Spanish policy is the simplest to prove.
Rather we handle your appointment?
€59 · You pay after your appointment is confirmed.
Request my appointment →Last updated: . Guidance only; always check official sources.