SafetyWing for Expats in Spain (2026)

The core issue: Spanish consulates require private health insurance with no co-pays, no coverage limits, and full coverage within Spain. SafetyWing policies may have co-payments, coverage caps, and exclusions that conflict with these requirements.

Some expats have successfully used SafetyWing for digital nomad visa applications. Others have been asked to provide additional coverage or had applications delayed. There's no guarantee SafetyWing will be accepted.

For non-lucrative visas, SafetyWing is generally not recommended. These visa applications face stricter scrutiny, and consulates are more likely to question travel-style coverage.

If visa compliance is critical (it usually is), consider premium international insurance like Cigna or Allianz. The cost difference is significant, but so is the risk of a delayed or rejected application.

Already have residency: If you've already obtained your Spanish residence permit through other means (work visa, EU citizenship, etc.), SafetyWing can serve as ongoing coverage without visa concerns.

Supplemental coverage: Some expats use SafetyWing alongside Spanish public healthcare (once eligible) or as a supplement to minimal local coverage.

Short-term stays: For those in Spain on tourist stays (90-day Schengen limit) without visa applications involved, SafetyWing provides reasonable travel-style coverage.

Testing the waters: Digital nomads spending a few months in Spain before deciding to apply for residency can use SafetyWing during the tourist phase, then upgrade to compliant coverage for the visa application.

SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and some outpatient care. There are coverage caps—typically around $250,000 maximum—and deductibles on some services.

Routine care, pre-existing conditions, and wellness visits have limitations or exclusions. This is travel-style coverage, not comprehensive health insurance.

For healthy, younger nomads who primarily need emergency coverage, SafetyWing can be adequate. For those with ongoing health needs or families, the coverage gaps become more significant.

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance costs approximately $45/month for someone under 40. Prices increase with age but remain well below premium international insurance.

Compared to Cigna or Allianz at €150-400/month, SafetyWing offers substantial savings. The question is whether those savings are worth the visa compliance risk and coverage limitations.

There's no annual commitment—you can cancel monthly. This flexibility is valuable for nomads with uncertain plans.

Spain's digital nomad visa requires proof of health insurance. The official requirement is coverage valid in Spain—but interpretations vary by consulate.

Some digital nomad visa applicants have reported success using SafetyWing. Others have been asked to provide additional documentation or different coverage. There's inconsistency.

The practical question: Is the risk of a delayed application worth the cost savings? For many applicants, the answer is no—premium coverage for the application period, then potentially downgrading later, is the safer path.

If you want to try SafetyWing, contact your specific consulate before applying. Get clarity on their requirements. Don't assume acceptance based on others' experiences.

Once you have your Spanish residence permit, you're no longer dependent on your insurer for visa compliance. You can switch to SafetyWing or other coverage based on your actual healthcare needs.

Many digital nomads use this approach: Cigna or Allianz for the visa application and first renewal, then SafetyWing or Spanish public/private options once established.

Be cautious about coverage gaps during the transition. Ensure your new coverage is active before the old policy ends, especially if renewals are coming up.

Cigna Global or Allianz Care: Premium international insurance that clearly meets visa requirements. Higher cost, but eliminates visa compliance concerns.

IMG Global: More affordable than Cigna/Allianz, potentially better visa compliance than SafetyWing. Worth comparing for budget-conscious applicants.

Spanish private insurance (post-residency): Once you have residency, Sanitas, Adeslas, and other Spanish insurers offer good coverage at lower costs than international options.