Simple 3-step process. Takes 15 minutes to apply. Approval within 24 hours. Coverage starts immediately after acceptance.
Quick, straightforward process. Designed for expats who need immediate coverage.
Minimal paperwork. Most expats complete the checklist in less than 5 minutes.
Full name as shown in passport, date of birth, email address, phone number, nationality. These are used to verify your identity and set up your Sanitas account.
Valid passport number, expiry date, and country of issue. You do not need an NIE. Your passport is sufficient for application and coverage to begin.
Medical history (if applicable), current medications, any pre-existing conditions, and significant hospital admissions from the last 5 years. This helps us provide accurate pricing.
Apply without a Spanish ID number (NIE). Many expats don't have their NIE when arriving in Spain. Sanitas only requires your valid passport. Coverage begins before your NIE is issued.
Sanitas policies meet all requirements for Spanish non-lucrative visas, digital nomad visas, and other residence programs. We issue official documentation for visa applications accepted for Spanish visa and residency applications.
Standard applications without pre-existing conditions are often accepted within 24 hours, subject to underwriting. Many straightforward cases are accepted the same day. If we need additional information, you'll hear from us within 24 hours with clear next steps.
Sanitas uses standard health questions to ensure you get the right coverage at the right price. All information is kept strictly confidential.
During the health declaration section of your application, you'll be asked about:
Sanitas does not exclude pre-existing conditions. We price your policy based on your current health status. Some conditions may have waiting periods (typically 6-12 months), but these are explained upfront before you commit to the plan. We believe in transparency—you'll always know the terms before signing.
Your answers directly affect your monthly premium. Sanitas uses actuarial data to price fairly. If you have a health condition, your premium might be higher, but you'll receive accurate pricing from the start. There are no surprise adjustments later. Being honest on the health declaration ensures you're correctly covered for your actual situation.
From initial quote to your first day of coverage—here's exactly what happens at each stage.
The process begins when you contact us through our website, phone, or email. You'll provide basic information: age, nationality, current residence, and general health status. Our agents will ask clarifying questions to understand your specific needs—are you applying for a visa? Do you have a family? Any ongoing medical conditions?
We generate a personalized quote within 2-3 minutes. This quote shows your exact monthly premium with no hidden fees, no obligations. You're welcome to shop around; many expats compare us with other providers.
Once you've decided to proceed, you'll select which Sanitas plan fits your needs. Options range from basic essential coverage to comprehensive plans including specialist visits, dental, and vision care. Each plan clearly lists what's included and any waiting periods.
If you're applying for visa purposes, we guide you toward plans that meet consulate requirements. If you have specific medical needs, our agents recommend suitable options. You can also request a detailed comparison of plans side-by-side.
You'll fill out a detailed online application. This takes about 10-15 minutes. The form requests your full personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, address), passport details, employment status, and lifestyle information. Everything is encrypted and stored securely.
No NIE is needed at this stage. Your passport number is sufficient. If you don't yet have a confirmed Spanish address, you can enter your planned address or your current home address—we'll update this later when you've registered.
This is the most important part. You'll answer health-related questions based on your medical history. Be honest. Tell us about any chronic conditions, medications, surgeries, or hospital stays. These questions help Sanitas assess your health risk and price your policy correctly.
For simple, healthy applicants, this section takes 2-3 minutes. If you have health conditions, it may take longer, but we guide you through each question. Once submitted, Sanitas' underwriting team reviews your health declaration, typically within 24 hours.
Once Sanitas approves your application, you'll set up payment. We accept credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and direct debit. You can choose monthly, quarterly, or annual payment frequency. Most people choose monthly for flexibility.
Your first payment is due immediately after approval. Subsequent payments will be taken on the same day each month. If you choose annual payment, you'll get a small discount.
Immediately after payment, you'll receive a welcome email with your policy documents, member ID number, and instructions for accessing the Blua app. The Blua app is your mobile platform for managing your policy, locating doctors, requesting prescriptions, and accessing your digital health card.
Your physical insurance card will arrive by mail within 5-7 business days. Your coverage becomes active on the start date you chose during the application. You can now access Sanitas doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies across Spain.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your healthcare needs around your approval date.
For straightforward cases with no health complications, you'll typically receive approval within 24 hours of submitting your health declaration. This includes checking your information, verifying your passport details, and confirming payment has been processed.
If you have pre-existing conditions or your medical history requires additional review, Sanitas' underwriting team will need extra time. They may request supporting documents like medical records or specialist reports. This comprehensive review ensures you're properly covered for your conditions.
If you need your insurance certificate urgently for a visa application, let us know. We can sometimes provide same-day approval for straightforward applications. We issue official documentation (letter, proof of coverage, policy details) immediately after approval. Many Spanish consulates accept digital versions.
Contact our team to discuss your visa timeline when applying.
Your healthcare journey with Sanitas begins the moment you're approved. Here's what happens next.
Within minutes of approval, you'll receive credentials to access the Blua app. This is where you manage everything: view your digital health card, find nearby doctors and hospitals, book appointments, request prescription refills, and access your medical records. The app includes a medical history section you can update anytime, helping doctors see your complete health picture.
Your physical card arrives by mail within 5-7 business days. It contains your member ID, policy number, and emergency contact information. You can use this card at any Sanitas-affiliated provider across Spain. Your coverage is active even if your physical card hasn't arrived yet—you can show your digital card on your phone.
Sanitas has thousands of affiliated doctors, dentists, specialists, and hospitals across Spain. Use the Blua app to search by location and specialty. Many doctors accept appointments through Blua. For non-English speaking doctors, you may want to request an English speaker or use interpretation services available in larger cities.
You can update your personal details, change your address when you register your NIE, add family members, adjust your coverage level, or make other changes by logging into your account or contacting our team. We're available 24/7 to assist with any questions or changes needed.
If you need health insurance for a Spanish visa application, here's how the process works and what documentation you'll receive.
When you're applying for a visa, you need proof that your insurance meets the consulate's requirements. After your approval, we provide:
Spanish consulates typically require that your insurance certificate was obtained no more than 3 months before your visa application. Plan accordingly:
Sanitas meets requirements for most Spanish visa categories including: Non-lucrative visas (long-term residence), Digital nomad visas, Family reunion visas, Investment visas, and Student visas. Each consulate has specific coverage amount requirements—we'll confirm your plan meets these when you apply. Contact us with your specific visa type if you want confirmation before starting the application.
Many expats haven't received their NIE yet when they apply for insurance. That's completely fine—here's how the process works.
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's foreign resident ID number. It's useful for taxes, opening bank accounts, and official procedures, but it's not required to apply for Sanitas. Your passport number is sufficient. When you apply, simply provide:
Coverage can start immediately. You don't need to wait for your NIE to arrive.
Once you receive your NIE from the Spanish authorities, you can update your Sanitas account with your NIE number. You have up to 30 days to add it. This is important for Spain's tax and government systems, but doesn't affect your coverage. Your policy continues seamlessly while you update the information.
If you're applying before finding a home in Spain, provide either: your planned address (where you know you'll be living), your accommodation's address (hotel, rental, temporary stay), or even your home country address as a temporary reference. You can update to your Spanish address as soon as it's confirmed. This flexibility helps expats get insured before settling into a permanent home.
Spouse, partner, and children can be added to your Sanitas policy during your application or anytime afterward. Here's what you need to know.
Your spouse or long-term partner can be added during application. You'll both go through the same health declaration process. The premium will increase based on your partner's age and health status, but couple rates are often more economical than two individual plans.
Both partners receive their own insurance cards and can use the Blua app independently.
Children (typically up to age 25 if studying) can be covered on your family plan. Their premium is usually lower than adults', and typically around 30-50% of the adult rate depending on age. They receive their own insurance card and access to pediatricians and other specialists covered by your plan.
You can add children born after your initial application without reapplying.
Family coverage is significantly cheaper than buying individual plans for each person. For example, a family of two adults and one child might pay 30-40% less total than three separate individual policies. You get one consolidated policy, one payment method, and coordinated care for your whole family.
Learning from others' experiences can save you time and prevent delays in your approval.
Don't skip questions or provide vague answers on the health declaration. If you say "I don't remember" about medications or conditions, Sanitas will follow up asking for clarification. Be thorough—it speeds up the approval process. Even minor health details matter for accurate pricing.
Provide current email and phone number. Sanitas will contact you at these addresses with updates. If your email or phone is incorrect, you might miss important messages. Double-check before submitting.
Enter your passport number exactly as it appears in your passport. Errors here can delay verification. Also provide the correct expiry date and issuing country. Sanitas will verify this information.
Never hide medical conditions. Undisclosed conditions could invalidate your policy or result in claim denials. Sanitas prices fairly for any health situation. Being honest ensures you're properly covered when you need care.
If you need the insurance for a visa appointment, apply at least one week before. This gives time for approval and certificate generation. For urgent visa dates, contact our team immediately—we may be able to expedite.
After approval, you must complete payment setup immediately. Your coverage doesn't activate until payment is processed. Have your credit card or bank details ready when you apply.
Join thousands of expats who trust Sanitas for their healthcare in Spain. No obligation, personalised quote in minutes.