Allianz Health Insurance for Spanish Residency: Meeting 2026 Visa Requirements in Murcia

Yes, private health insurance is mandatory for obtaining Spanish residency in Murcia unless you're a registered worker paying social security or a UK state pensioner with an S1 form. Allianz health insurance satisfies all Spanish immigration requirements with comprehensive coverage exceeding €50,000 limits, zero co-payments, and emergency repatriation included. Our exclusive Allianz agency in Murcia specialises in preparing visa-compliant policies for British expats applying for non-lucrative visas, digital nomad visas, golden visas, and family reunion permits.

Spanish immigration law requires proof of comprehensive health insurance to ensure foreigners don't burden the public healthcare system whilst contributing minimally through taxes. Post-Brexit, British citizens face the same requirements as non-EU citizens, making private insurance mandatory for most residency applications. Understanding exactly what immigration authorities need prevents application rejections and delays.

Why Spanish Immigration Requires Health Insurance

Spain's residency system aims to attract financially self-sufficient foreigners who won't strain public resources. Since you're not paying into Spanish social security through employment, you must arrange private healthcare coverage independently to demonstrate you can afford medical care without depending on public services.

Post-Brexit changes affected British citizens significantly. Previously, EU reciprocal arrangements provided automatic healthcare access—now British expats must arrange private insurance just like Americans, Canadians, or Australians applying for Spanish residency.

Spanish law specifies strict requirements for residency insurance. Your policy must cover all medical eventualities throughout Spain without limitations or exclusions, include emergency repatriation coverage for serious illness or death, have zero co-payments or deductibles (immigration offices reject policies with excess charges), remain valid for the entire residency period you're requesting, and come from a Spanish or EU-licensed insurance provider.

Allianz meets every requirement automatically. As one of Spain's largest insurers with over 130 years of experience, immigration offices recognise Allianz policies immediately and rarely question coverage adequacy when properly documented.

Which Visa Types Require Allianz Health Insurance?

Different Spanish visa categories have specific health insurance requirements. Allianz policies satisfy all common visa types British expats pursue.

Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement/Financial Independence)

The non-lucrative visa allows British expats to live in Spain without working, typically used by retirees or those living off savings and investments. Health insurance is absolutely mandatory, and immigration offices scrutinise coverage carefully.

Your Allianz policy must cover all medical treatment in Spain with zero co-payments, emergency repatriation to the UK if medically necessary, unlimited hospitalisation coverage, and remain valid for at least 12 months from your residency start date. We provide official certificates from Allianz in English and Spanish confirming all these elements, formatted specifically for immigration submissions.

Minimum coverage is €30,000, though many consulates now recommend €50,000 or higher. Standard Allianz policies provide €150,000-200,000 coverage, far exceeding any immigration requirement. This eliminates potential questions about adequate protection.

Annual prepayment is typically required for initial non-lucrative visa applications. We arrange this with Allianz and provide payment receipts proving you've secured coverage for your entire first year in Spain. After approval and renewal, monthly payments become acceptable.

Digital Nomad Visa

Spain's digital nomad visa (launched 2023) allows remote workers to live in Spain whilst working for foreign companies or clients. Health insurance requirements mirror non-lucrative visas exactly.

You need Allianz comprehensive health insurance covering all eventualities, minimum €50,000 coverage (standard Allianz policies exceed this), valid throughout your initial 12-month visa period, and from a Spanish provider like Allianz. International "digital nomad insurance" policies are categorically rejected by Spanish immigration, even if comprehensive. You must use Spanish private insurance.

Allianz's telemedicine services particularly benefit digital nomads. Video consultations allow you to see doctors without interrupting your work schedule, and the 24/7 English-language support means you can address minor health concerns quickly without visiting a clinic.

Golden Visa (Property Investment)

Golden visa applicants investing €500,000+ in Spanish property also require health insurance, though enforcement can be slightly less rigid given the substantial investment. Requirements include comprehensive Allianz coverage for all family members included in your application, valid for the residency period, and meeting minimum coverage thresholds.

Some golden visa holders maintain primary residence elsewhere and visit Spain periodically. Immigration still requires continuous Spanish health insurance coverage, even if you're only in Spain part-time. Allowing your Allianz policy to lapse complicates visa renewals, so maintaining coverage year-round is essential.

Family Reunion Visas

If you're bringing family members to Spain under family reunion provisions, each family member requires separate insurance or coverage under a family policy. This includes spouses, dependent children under 18 (or under 26 if students), and dependent parents in some cases.

Allianz family policies offer significantly better value than individual policies. A family of four might pay €180-280/month for comprehensive family coverage versus €300-440/month for separate individual policies. We structure family coverage to minimise costs whilst ensuring every family member satisfies immigration requirements.

Student Visas

Students require health insurance throughout their studies, with slightly more flexible requirements than other visa types. Student-specific policies with lower coverage limits may sometimes be acceptable, policies can occasionally include co-payments, and some universities offer group schemes.

However, if you're a mature student over 30-40, student policies may be unavailable or expensive. Standard Allianz comprehensive coverage often proves more cost-effective than limited student policies whilst providing superior benefits.

What UK State Pensioners Need to Know

UK state pensioners moving to Murcia have a different pathway that doesn't require Allianz insurance—if they follow the correct process and obtain an S1 form.

The S1 certificate proves you receive a UK state pension and entitles you to Spanish public healthcare equivalent to Spanish citizens. You must apply for the S1 from NHS Overseas Healthcare Service before leaving the UK, register it with your local Spanish health authority (INSS office) after arriving in Murcia, and then receive a Spanish health card (tarjeta sanitaria) providing public healthcare access.

This process takes 4-8 weeks after arriving in Spain. During this transition, we recommend maintaining UK travel insurance or temporary Allianz coverage, as you're not covered until your S1 is registered and health card issued.

Important limitation: The S1 only covers public healthcare, not private hospitals or Allianz facilities. Many UK pensioners still choose Allianz insurance alongside their S1 coverage for English-speaking doctors, no waiting lists, and superior facilities. This is optional for residency compliance but highly recommended for quality-of-life reasons.

If you receive UK private pensions but not yet the state pension, you don't qualify for an S1 and must arrange Allianz health insurance like any other expat.

Allianz Coverage That Meets All Requirements

Allianz policies are specifically designed to satisfy Spanish immigration requirements without modification. Here's what immigration authorities need and how Allianz provides it.

Comprehensive medical coverage includes all services immigration expects: emergency hospitalisation without limits, outpatient consultations and specialist appointments, diagnostic tests (blood work, imaging, endoscopies), surgery and anaesthesia with prosthetics, emergency ambulance transport, prescription medications, and emergency repatriation for serious illness or death.

Coverage limits in standard Allianz policies range from €150,000 to €200,000 annually, far exceeding the €30,000-50,000 minimums immigration requires. This substantial cushion eliminates any potential questions about adequate protection.

Zero co-payments mean you never pay out-of-pocket for covered services. Immigration offices specifically check for this—policies requiring you to pay €10-20 per doctor visit or annual deductibles of €100-500 are frequently rejected. Allianz "sin copago, sin franquicia" (without co-payment, without deductible) policies satisfy this requirement completely.

Emergency repatriation is included automatically in all comprehensive Allianz policies. If you become seriously ill or injured and medical authorities determine you should return to the UK for treatment or recovery, Allianz covers repatriation costs. This specific clause is legally required by Spanish immigration and appears explicitly on all our policy certificates.

Territorial coverage extends throughout Spain, not just Murcia. Immigration requires coverage valid anywhere in Spain since residency permits allow you to travel freely within the country. Allianz's nationwide network of 51,000+ doctors means you're covered whether you're in Murcia, Madrid, Barcelona, or anywhere else in Spain.

Documentation We Provide for Your Visa Application

As your exclusive Allianz agent, we prepare all documentation immigration authorities require, formatted correctly and translated appropriately for smooth application processing.

Official policy certificate issued by Allianz in English and Spanish clearly states your coverage start and end dates, confirms zero co-payments and zero deductibles, lists coverage limits (€150,000-200,000 typically), includes emergency repatriation coverage, identifies all covered individuals (you plus family members), and displays official Allianz seals and signatures.

Proof of payment demonstrates you've paid for your insurance, whether annual prepayment for initial visa applications or evidence of established monthly direct debit payments for renewals. We provide official receipts from Allianz showing payment dates and amounts.

NIE number registration ensures your policy clearly shows your Spanish identification number, required by immigration to match insurance documentation with other application materials. We verify this matches exactly across all documents to prevent administrative complications.

Sworn translations for certain consulates that require specific documentation in Spanish. We work with official sworn translators recognised by Spanish authorities, ensuring translations meet legal requirements and aren't questioned during application review.

Application summary in English explaining your coverage simply and clearly, highlighting how your Allianz policy satisfies every immigration requirement. This one-page summary helps gestoría professionals and immigration officers quickly verify compliance without reading through lengthy policy documents.

Application Timeline for Visa Insurance

Timing your Allianz insurance purchase correctly ensures you're covered when needed without paying unnecessarily early.

Initial visa application (from the UK): Purchase Allianz insurance 2-4 weeks before your visa appointment. Your coverage start date should align with your intended arrival date in Spain, typically within 30 days of application. We coordinate exact dates to minimise cost whilst ensuring documentation is ready for your appointment.

First year in Spain: Your Allianz policy must remain continuously active without lapses. Immigration may request proof of coverage during your TIE (residency card) appointment in Spain, typically scheduled 1-2 months after arrival. We send calendar reminders ensuring you never miss payments that could jeopardise your residency status.

Renewal applications (after year 1-2): When renewing residency, immigration verifies continuous coverage. Murcia immigration offices typically accept proof of monthly payments through bank statements or a certificate from us confirming active coverage. We provide whichever documentation format they prefer.

Long-term residency (after 5 years): Once you qualify for long-term residency after five years of temporary residency, insurance requirements relax if you demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. However, most British expats maintain Allianz coverage regardless for the superior service and English-speaking access.

Common Visa Application Mistakes We Prevent

Many residency applications face delays or rejections due to health insurance issues. Working with our exclusive agency prevents these costly errors.

Starting coverage too early or late wastes money or creates gaps. Some expats purchase insurance months before needing it, paying unnecessarily. Others start coverage after their intended arrival date, creating gaps immigration questions. We calculate exact dates coordinating your insurance with your planned travel, eliminating waste whilst ensuring compliance.

Choosing policies with co-payments or deductibles is the most common rejection cause. Expats sometimes try saving money with co-payment policies (pay €10-20 per service), but Murcia immigration office consistently rejects these applications. We only recommend zero co-payment Allianz policies that satisfy requirements unconditionally.

Using international or UK-based insurers causes automatic rejections. Even excellent global expat policies don't meet Spanish requirements if they're not from Spanish or EU-licensed providers. Allianz is fully Spanish-licensed and recognised by every immigration office.

Insufficient coverage limits occasionally cause questions, though rarely with Allianz. Some expats try minimal policies covering €30,000 exactly—immigration sometimes requests higher limits. Standard Allianz policies provide €150,000-200,000, eliminating this concern entirely.

Not translating documents properly delays applications at some consulates. If your Allianz policy documents come in English (which they do for expats), certain consulates require official Spanish translations from sworn translators. We know which consulates have this requirement and arrange translations preemptively.

Allowing coverage to lapse creates serious problems. Once approved, letting your Allianz insurance expire creates gaps that immigration officers notice during renewals. We set up automatic payments and provide reminders to ensure continuous coverage protecting your residency status.

Costs for Different Visa Types and Ages

Understanding Allianz premium costs helps you budget for residency applications. Here's what you'll pay monthly for visa-compliant comprehensive coverage without co-payments in 2026:

Non-Lucrative Visa (Individual):

• Ages 30-45: €75-110/month

• Ages 46-60: €110-165/month

• Ages 61-75: €165-280/month
  

Non-Lucrative Visa (Couple):

• Both ages 30-45: €135-195/month

• Both ages 46-60: €195-290/month

• Both ages 61-75: €290-485/month
  

Digital Nomad Visa (Individual):

• Ages 25-40: €65-110/month

• Ages 41-55: €110-165/month
  

Family of Four (2 adults ages 35-45, 2 children under 10):

• €180-280/month total family coverage
  

Golden Visa (Family of 3):

• €220-350/month depending on ages
  

These prices reflect comprehensive Allianz Cuadro Médico coverage meeting all visa requirements. Enhanced reimbursement policies providing worldwide flexibility cost 30-50% more but aren't necessary for immigration compliance unless you specifically want that flexibility.

Annual prepayment for first-year coverage (often required for initial applications) means multiplying monthly costs by 12. We can arrange payment plans that satisfy immigration requirements whilst managing cash flow effectively.

What Happens if Immigration Questions Your Insurance

Rarely, immigration officers have questions about insurance documentation, even with Allianz policies. We handle these situations quickly and effectively.

Clarification requests usually involve asking for additional documentation proving continuous coverage, confirming zero co-payments explicitly, or verifying coverage amounts meet current requirements. We provide supplementary letters from Allianz within 24-48 hours addressing any specific concerns raised.

Policy amendments occasionally become necessary if immigration requirements change between application and approval. Allianz allows mid-term policy adjustments, and we coordinate these with underwriters immediately to resolve issues without restarting applications.

Direct communication with immigration officers happens when needed. As your agent, we can call immigration offices, speak with reviewing officers, and explain policy details directly when questions arise. Our 30+ years of experience and established relationships with Murcia immigration staff resolve most issues with a single phone call.

Backup documentation is always ready. We maintain complete files for every client including policy certificates, payment records, coverage confirmations, and translation certificates. If immigration loses documents or needs duplicates, we provide them immediately rather than waiting for Allianz headquarters to reissue paperwork.

Switching to Allianz for Renewal Applications

Many British expats initially purchase insurance from other providers then discover Allianz offers better value or service. Switching before renewal applications is straightforward.

Timing coordination requires starting your Allianz policy the day after your current policy expires, ensuring zero-day gaps that could jeopardise renewals. We handle this coordination precisely, eliminating coverage gaps whilst avoiding paying two insurers simultaneously.

Pre-existing condition transfer sometimes occurs when switching between Spanish insurers. If your current insurer covers specific pre-existing conditions without exclusions, Allianz may accept those conditions immediately rather than imposing fresh waiting periods. We negotiate these terms with Allianz underwriters, maximising continuity of your medical coverage.

Cost comparisons often reveal significant savings. Expats sometimes discover they're overpaying with their original insurer, particularly if they purchased insurance years ago without comparing current rates. We provide transparent comparisons showing exactly what you'd pay with equivalent Allianz coverage.

Immigration documentation for renewals requires proof of continuous coverage. We provide letters confirming your switch maintained zero-gap coverage, satisfying immigration requirements that you've been continuously insured throughout your residency period.

Maintaining Coverage After Long-Term Residency

After five years of legal residency in Spain, you can apply for long-term residency (residencia de larga duración), which provides permanent status. Insurance requirements change at this point.

Long-term residents don't need private insurance if they demonstrate sufficient financial means without burdening public services. However, accessing public healthcare requires contributing to Spanish social security through employment or autónomo (self-employment) registration.

Many British expats maintain their Allianz policies even after obtaining long-term residency for English-speaking doctors, superior service, no waiting lists, and convenience factors. Once you've experienced Allianz healthcare in Murcia, many find public system service inferior even when theoretically eligible.

Premium reductions sometimes become available after long-term residency since you're no longer locked into zero co-payment requirements for immigration purposes. We review your coverage after five years and identify opportunities to reduce costs whilst maintaining excellent healthcare access if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Allianz insurance directly online instead of through your agency?

Yes, you could purchase directly from Allianz online. However, you'd lose personalised English-language support, expert guidance on which policy matches your visa type and personal situation, assistance with documentation and translations for immigration, ongoing local support in Murcia, and advocacy if claims issues arise. Our services cost you nothing extra—Allianz pays our commission—so there's no financial reason to forego expert assistance.

What if I'm rejected by Allianz due to pre-existing conditions?

We work with Allianz underwriters to present your medical history in the best possible light, maximising acceptance chances. If Allianz cannot accept you under standard terms, we negotiate premium surcharges or exclusions that might make coverage possible. In rare cases where Allianz truly cannot provide coverage, we discuss alternative paths for obtaining visa-compliant insurance or strategies for your immigration application.

How quickly can I get policy documents for an upcoming visa appointment?

Once your Allianz application is approved and you've made your first payment, we provide policy certificates within 24-48 hours in English and Spanish. For urgent visa appointments, we can expedite documentation through direct contact with Allianz headquarters. We've never had a client miss a visa appointment due to insurance documentation delays when working with reasonable timelines.

What happens if I need to cancel my residency plans?

Allianz allows policy cancellation with 30 days' written notice. If you've prepaid annually for immigration purposes, refunds for unused months depend on timing—typically, Allianz doesn't refund after coverage has started, though exceptions exist for extenuating circumstances. We help you understand cancellation terms when purchasing insurance so you're not surprised if plans change.

Can my policy start before I arrive in Spain?

Yes, your Allianz coverage can start before your physical arrival in Spain, which some visa applications require. However, you won't be able to use medical services in Spain until you're actually there. We time coverage start dates to minimise this gap whilst satisfying immigration documentation requirements.

Do I need separate travel insurance when visiting family in the UK?

Your Allianz policy includes international travel coverage for emergency medical care abroad (up to €12,000), which covers you when visiting the UK or travelling elsewhere. For most short visits, this suffices. If you're planning extended stays in the UK or want comprehensive travel insurance beyond emergency medical coverage, we can recommend supplementary travel policies.

What if immigration requirements change after I'm approved?

Spanish immigration policy evolves slowly, and changes rarely affect existing residency holders. If requirements change, we monitor developments and notify you proactively if your Allianz coverage needs adjustment before renewal applications. Changes typically apply only to new applicants, not current residents renewing under previous rules.

Can I add family members to my policy after initial approval?

Yes, Allianz allows adding family members mid-term with premium adjustments. New family members may face waiting periods for their pre-existing conditions even if your original policy has passed those waiting periods. We structure family additions cost-effectively whilst ensuring everyone meets immigration requirements for family reunion applications if applicable.