Non-Lucrative Visa holders in Spain can access public healthcare, like Spanish citizens, but may need to register with the social security system and pay for certain services.
Non-Lucrative Visa holders in Spain have access to healthcare services, but their healthcare rights differ based on several factors.
1. Private Health Insurance Requirement:
- As part of the Non-Lucrative Visa application process, applicants must provide proof of private health insurance from a provider that operates in Spain. This insurance must offer full coverage equivalent to that provided by Spain's public health system and cannot have any copayments.
- This means that during your stay in Spain, your primary access to healthcare services will be through the private health insurance you purchase.
2. Access to Public Healthcare:
- Non-Lucrative Visa holders are generally not automatically entitled to public healthcare (known as Seguridad Social) since this visa does not allow for employment, which is the usual way to contribute to and access the public healthcare system.
- However, there are exceptions. In some cases, Non-Lucrative Visa holders may gain access to the public healthcare system after registering in the local municipality (padrón) and applying for voluntary contributions to the system, known as Convenio Especial. This special agreement requires a monthly payment, and in return, it provides access to the public healthcare system.
3. Emergency Services:
- Regardless of your insurance status, emergency healthcare services are provided to everyone in Spain, including Non-Lucrative Visa holders. However, costs associated with emergency services might be covered by your private insurance or may need to be paid out-of-pocket.
4. Temporary Access to Public Healthcare:
- Some Non-Lucrative Visa holders who come from countries that have bilateral agreements with Spain may have temporary access to public healthcare services. For example, European Union citizens who hold an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) may access public healthcare under certain conditions.
5. Retirees:
- Retirees from certain countries may be eligible to access Spain's public healthcare if their home country has an agreement with Spain that allows for the transfer of healthcare benefits.
6. Registration with the Local Health Center:
- If you are eligible to access public healthcare through any of the means mentioned above, you would need to register with your local health center (Centro de Salud) and obtain a health card.
In summary, while Non-Lucrative Visa holders must initially rely on private health insurance, they may have options to access Spain's public healthcare system through voluntary contributions, bilateral agreements, or specific circumstances like retirement.