Good to know · Health
Health insurance requirements for non-lucrative and digital nomad visas
The non-lucrative visa needs public or private health insurance with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain. Each consulate publishes its own list, and some ask for more: the Melbourne consulate asks for cover of at least 30,000 euros with no co-payments or waiting periods. The digital nomad (international telework) visa also needs health insurance.
- Why it matters
- US travel/expat insurance plans with deductibles, co-pays, or repatriation-only coverage are routinely rejected by Spanish consulates; applicants must buy a Spain-specific policy from an insurer licensed in Spain (e.g., Sanitas, DKV, Adeslas, Asisa, Mapfre) before applying.
- When
- Applying for a non-lucrative visa, digital nomad (teletrabajador) visa, or renewing either while still relying on private insurance.
- How long it takes
- Policy must be active before the visa application is submitted and kept active throughout residency.
- Official page
- Visados y autorizaciones de residencia de teletrabajo de carácter internacional
- Last checked
- 22 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 5 steps, what to bring (2 items), the office with addresses and hours, and 2 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
The Melbourne consulate’s list asks for a written declaration that non-lucrative residence gives no Social Security rights, and a commitment to renew the insurance for the whole residence period.