Monthly or Annual Payment? What Spanish Consulates Really Require

If you're preparing your visa to move to Spain, you've probably read every possible answer: you can pay monthly, you can't, it depends… It's one of the most common questions, and the internet is full of contradictory information.

Here's the clear answer, the same one I give my clients before they sign anything.

The short answer

When you present your health insurance for the first time at the consulate or immigration office, it must be paid annually.

Having a policy isn't enough. The consulate needs to see that your coverage is guaranteed for the full visa period.

Why doesn't monthly payment work?

Two simple reasons:

• The certificate is issued once the year is paid. The insurer only issues the certificate the consulate asks for (confirming the policy is active, with no copays and no waiting periods) once the full annual premium has been paid.
• The consulate wants real guarantees. With monthly billing, someone could stop paying the day after their visa is approved and be left without coverage. Annual payment protects you and removes that risk.

That's why, along with the certificate, you'll usually also submit proof of payment of the annual premium.

What if I already live in Spain with a NIE?

That's a different situation. If you already live in Spain and aren't presenting the insurance for a first-time application, there are plans that allow monthly payment. Every case is different, so it's best to review yours together before choosing.

What you need to get your certificate ready

To set up your policy, I'll ask for:

• Passports for everyone being insured.
• Your address in Spain.
• Phone number and email.
• Height and weight for each person.
• Information about any pre-existing conditions or ongoing treatment.

One important detail: policies always start on the 1st of the month. Keep this in mind when planning around your consulate appointment.

My advice: sort out insurance first

Many people leave insurance until the end, and then the rush begins. If you have a pre-existing condition, the insurer needs to assess it before issuing the policy, and that takes time. Get it done early and avoid surprises.

Before you buy

Each consulate may have slight differences in its document checklist, so always check the official page of the Spanish consulate that covers your area.

And if you'd like someone to review your case with you, with no call centers and no middlemen, I'm Angélica Melo, an exclusive Sanitas agent based in Úbeda, Spain. I'll guide you in person or by video call, from the first step until your certificate is in your hands.

This article is for information only and does not replace legal advice from an immigration lawyer.