When a non-EU family moves to Spain, each member usually needs suitable health insurance for the visa or residency route, and each person is assessed individually. This guide explains how cover works for NLV and DNV families, for children and dependants, and for families with mixed medical history — and which Sanitas plan tends to fit — with English-speaking help throughout.
Do you need it
Usually yes, for a visa or residency route. Each family member — the main applicant, a spouse or partner, and children — normally needs suitable private health insurance, and each may need to be named on the certificate with the correct start date. Each person is also assessed individually, so one member can be accepted on standard terms while another needs review. We tell you exactly who needs cover for your route and prepare a combined family quote.
Routes
How family cover tends to work by route — always confirm for your situation:
| Family situation | Insurance route to check | Sanitas option to consider |
|---|---|---|
| NLV family | Each applicant normally needs suitable private cover | Sanitas Residents / Residents Platinum |
| DNV family | Depends on private insurance vs social-security route | Residents Platinum / Residents where private cover is needed |
| Student with dependants | Depends on the student route, age and dependant status | Student policy or alternative option |
| Non-EU spouse / partner | Usually assessed as part of the route | Same route as the main applicant, or separate assessment |
| Children | May need named cover / documentation | Family quote, paediatric network check |
| Family with medical history | Each person reviewed separately | Underwriting / health declaration |
| Already resident family | Private cover may be optional | Mas Salud / family / general options |
NLV families
For Non-Lucrative Visa family applications, the main applicant, spouse or partner and children normally each need suitable private medical insurance. The policy and certificate should show who is covered, the start date, the no-copay structure where required, and the repatriation and residence wording where relevant.
Because the NLV is popular with older applicants, age can matter for the adults — see the age limits below. The usual plans are Sanitas Residents and Residents Platinum. See the full NLV guide.
DNV families
Digital Nomad Visa family cover is more variable. It depends on whether the main applicant relies on private insurance, Spanish social security, or another accepted arrangement. If private insurance is being used as the main healthcare proof, each dependant normally needs to be covered.
Residents Platinum may be the stronger option where private cover is required, while Sanitas Residents may be enough for some cases. Your immigration and social-security advisers should confirm the route; we handle the insurance and prepare the family quote. See the full DNV guide.
Children
Children are assessed individually, like adults, and a few practical points matter:
Check the local Sanitas medical network for paediatric access before choosing.
Different terms
This is the key point families miss: a family quote is not simply one price for everyone. Within one family, one member may be accepted on standard terms, another may need a medical review, another may have a specific condition excluded, and a child may need different documentation. One person's medical history does not necessarily affect the others. This is normal and does not prevent a combined family policy — it just means each person is assessed on their own circumstances, which is why we ask each member to disclose their own history.
Residents vs Platinum
A lower-cost, visa-focused option that suits many NLV and family cases.
A broader, more premium option, often stronger for DNV families or families who want more comprehensive benefits.
Age affects the adults' options, so check the limits:
| Sanitas plan | Typical age for a NEW application | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitas Unico | Designed for 60+ — no upper contracting age | Generally no health questionnaire, subject to current terms |
| Sanitas Mas Salud / Mas Salud Familias | Commonly up to 75 for new applicants | Health declaration applies, subject to current terms |
| Sanitas Residents | Commonly up to 75 for new applicants | For non-EU visa / residency routes, subject to current terms |
| Sanitas Residents Platinum | Maximum contracting age of 64 | Broader / international-style cover — check current terms |
Age limits matter most at the point of application. Once a Sanitas policy has been accepted, contracted and paid, many plans continue without a maximum permanence age — reaching 75, for example, does not automatically cancel a policy you already hold — provided the policy stays active and its terms are met. These figures are a general guide only and should be confirmed against the current Sanitas tariff before buying.
Mistakes
Next steps
Continue with the pages most relevant to your family:
Important information
Tell us about each family member — names, dates of birth, nationalities, relationship, visa route, location, start date and any medical history — and we will assess each person and prepare a combined family quote. Please check the actual current policy terms and your personal conditions before purchasing or using any Sanitas policy. Policies change and individual terms can vary.
We assess each member by route and history, in English, and prepare a combined family quote.
FAQs
Common questions from non-EU families arranging Sanitas health insurance for Spain. Each member is assessed individually — always confirm current terms for your route.