Health cover

Which cover you need depends on your passport. Sort it out before you travel.

All students

Last checked against official sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you act. This is general information, not legal advice.

EU, EEA and Swiss students

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you treatment that can't wait until you get home, on the same terms as people insured in Spain.
The EHIC is free. Get it from your health insurer before you leave, and never pay a website to order one.
It doesn't cover private healthcare, planned treatment, or rescue and repatriation. You need separate insurance for those.

A long-term stay for studies requires health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no co-payments or waiting periods, and cover similar to the public health system.
Check that the policy lasts for your whole stay before you pay, and keep the certificate for your applications.

Practical help, not official wording. Staff may not speak English, so it helps to have these ready.

Necesito ver a un médico.: I need to see a doctor.
Tengo la Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea.: I have a European Health Insurance Card.
¿Aceptan este seguro?: Do you accept this insurance?
Hola, tengo cita a las diez.: Hello, I have an appointment at ten o'clock.
No hablo bien español. ¿Habla inglés?: I don't speak Spanish well. Do you speak English?
¿Puede hablar más despacio, por favor?: Could you speak more slowly, please?
¿Puede escribirlo, por favor?: Could you write it down, please?
¿Me falta algún documento?: Am I missing any document?