Complete guide to obtaining and submitting health insurance certificates for Non-Lucrative Visa applications. Same-day digital and official certificates in English and Spanish.
Spanish consulates require a health insurance certificate as proof of coverage. The certificate must confirm specific details about your insurance policy to meet visa requirements.
From enrollment to consulate submission, here's exactly how the NLV certificate process works with Sanitas.
Start by requesting a personalised quote. Tell us your age, province, and how many people need cover. We'll confirm the exact monthly price and which plan is right for your consulate and circumstances.
Submit your application online in minutes. You'll receive your completed application by email — review it, then receive a one-time SMS code to digitally sign and confirm. No paperwork, no in-person visit required.
No pre-existing conditions: Your policy is accepted almost immediately. Sanitas generates your policy documents and certificate the same day.
Pre-existing conditions: Your application is placed on hold while Sanitas's medical underwriters contact you directly to go over your health history and confirm what can be covered.
Your certificate is issued same day (for straightforward applications) and sent by email as a PDF. You can also download it anytime from the Mi Sanitas app. Both English and Spanish versions available simultaneously.
Attach your certificate to your NLV visa application. Digital PDF is accepted by most consulates. Some may request official printed copies — Sanitas can provide these. Include the certificate with your complete visa application package.
Your policy renews automatically each year with no action needed. When your NLV visa comes up for renewal — typically at year 1 and year 3 — request an updated certificate from Sanitas showing the new policy period. Issued same day.
Sanitas certificates explicitly state all the information Spanish consulates verify when reviewing NLV applications.
Certificate must state insurance covers: general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, emergency room, hospital admission and treatment, diagnostic tests (blood work, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans), surgery and anesthesia, prescription medications, mental health services, and maternity care. Sanitas Residents covers all these with zero copayments from day one.
The certificate confirms there is no upper age limit for renewal — once your policy is active, it renews indefinitely regardless of age. Sanitas Residents accepts new applicants up to age 75; Residents Platinum up to age 64. Pre-existing conditions are assessed individually at the underwriting stage — not all conditions are automatically covered.
Certificate must confirm repatriation coverage (medical evacuation and transport to your home country if needed) and repatriation of remains if you pass away abroad. This is a key requirement consulates check for, as it demonstrates commitment to safe repatriation if you can no longer care for yourself in Spain.
Certificate explicitly states coverage is valid throughout Spain and specifies the policy period (usually annual, renewable). It confirms the insurance is active and valid on the date of application and will remain valid for the duration of your visa.
Both of these Sanitas plans include certificates meeting all consulate requirements for NLV visas.
Standard plan with full NLV certificate coverage. Accepted by all consulates.
Enhanced plan with same certificate plus premium benefits.
Here's exactly how long each step takes from enrollment to consulate submission.
10-15 minutes to apply online. Complete form with personal details, age, nationality, proof of address.
24 hours for Sanitas to confirm enrollment and process payment. Receive confirmation email.
24 hours to receive certificate. Digital PDF sent via email. Print copies available in 2-3 days.
Start your enrollment at least 4-6 weeks before your consulate interview. This ensures certificate arrives with plenty of time before your visa appointment and demonstrates commitment to meeting requirements early. Rush processing available for urgent applications.
Answers to frequently asked questions about NLV health insurance certificates and consulate requirements.
An NLV certificate must confirm that insurance covers all medical, hospital, and dental services in Spain; has no age limits; includes no pre-existing condition exclusions; includes repatriation; and is valid for the entire visa period. It should specify the policyholder's name, policy dates, coverage area (Spain), and benefits. Sanitas Residents certificates explicitly include all these elements.
Digital certificates are issued within 24 hours of enrollment. You'll receive both English and Spanish versions via email on the same day or next business day. Official printed certificates take 2-3 business days for postal delivery. For most applicants, digital PDF is sufficient for consulate submission.
Most Spanish consulates accept digital (PDF) certificates from Sanitas. Some older consulates or specific applications may request official printed and certified copies, which Sanitas can mail to you at no charge. Confirm your specific consulate's preference before submitting. Digital is usually sufficient.
No. Consulates require active insurance, not just a quote. You must complete full enrollment and payment first. This ensures the consulate can verify your actual coverage if they follow up. Sanitas issues certificates only for active policies that have been fully confirmed and paid.
Sanitas provides flexible certificate formats. Request digital PDF, printed official copies, or specific language versions (Spanish, English, French, German, Italian). Contact us if your consulate has specific formatting requirements. They'll work with you to provide documentation in the exact format needed.
Yes. Sanitas issues unlimited certificate copies at no charge. Request as many as you need for multiple consulates, backup copies, or family members. Digital versions are issued within 24 hours. Printed copies take 2-3 business days. No additional costs for extra copies.
Typically once per visa renewal (every 2-3 years). Your insurance automatically renews annually on your enrollment anniversary, and new certificates are automatically issued. When your NLV visa renewal date approaches, request an updated certificate showing the new policy period. This is automatic with Sanitas.
Sanitas Residents certificates have never been rejected by major Spanish consulates due to coverage issues. If yours is rejected, contact Sanitas immediately with the reason. They'll work directly with the consulate to clarify coverage details or provide additional documentation. This is extremely rare with Sanitas.
Tell us about your situation and we'll send you an exact price — or suggest the best alternative if there's a better fit. No obligation, no hard sell.
Our NLV specialists will match you to the right plan for your specific consulate and circumstances — at no extra cost.
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