Digital Nomad Visa Insurance Spain

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Digital Nomad Visa health insurance Spain (Ley 28/2022 Startups Law) — Generali EXPAT Medcare in English satisfies the consular health insurance requirement. Full Spanish coverage, telemedicine in English, no co-payments. Certificate issued within 24–48 hours. Authorised Generali agents in Javea.

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By Andrew Turner · In insurance since 2001, exclusive Generali agent since 2007 · DGS Registry C0467B54657010 · Last reviewed May 2026

Quick Answer — Digital Nomad Visa Health Insurance

Mandatory?Yes — required by Ley 28/2022

Typical premium€38–€145 / month

Co-payments?None

Spain-wide cover?Yes — all 17 autonomous communities

English certificateProvided alongside Spanish

Spanish Insurance Law: Digital Nomad Visa Health Insurance — Key Facts, Limits & Exclusions

The legal framework, specific waiting periods, exclusions and citations every prospective policyholder should know. Sources are linked inline to the BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado) and Spanish regulators.

The legal framework

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) was created by Ley 28/2022, de 21 de diciembre, de fomento del ecosistema de las empresas emergentes (Ley de Startups), in force since 23 December 2022. The visa is for non-EU nationals working remotely for non-Spanish employers, or freelancers with international clients (max 20% of income from Spanish sources). Health insurance is mandatory.

Health insurance requirements

Under Ley 28/2022 and the implementing Orden 110/2023, DNV applicants must hold private health insurance with a DGS-registered insurer providing full Spain-wide coverage equivalent to the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), no co-payments (sin copago), and waiting periods waived. This is the same standard as for the NLV. The certificate provided to the immigration authority must explicitly state these conditions.

EXPAT Medcare — the English-language pathway

Many DNV applicants prefer Generali EXPAT Medcare because the entire policy operates in English: documentation, app, claims and customer service. The certificate is issued in both English and Spanish for the immigration paperwork. EXPAT Medcare is available up to age 74 across three tiers (Standard, Prime, Top) — at present, however, the residency / visa certificate is being issued via Salud Opción Premium while a temporary administrative situation is resolved. We arrange the certificate switchover as part of the application.

Tax — the Beckham Law option

DNV holders can elect to be taxed under the regime for displaced workers (Beckham Law, Ley 35/2006 IRPF Article 93), paying a flat 24% on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years, instead of progressive IRPF rates. This is a major tax advantage. To qualify: have not been Spanish-tax-resident in the previous 5 years (recently relaxed from 10 years), be employed by a non-Spanish employer or have a Spanish employer agreement, and apply within 6 months of starting Spanish residence. Tax planning should accompany the visa application — talk to a Spanish gestor before deciding.

Validity and family members

The DNV is initially issued for 3 years (longer than the 1-year NLV) and renewable for 2-year periods. Family members (spouse and minor children) can be included as familiares dependientes and require their own private health cover meeting the same standards. After 5 years, the path to permanent residence is the same as for other long-term residents.

Income requirements

Minimum income is 200% of the SMI (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional). The 2025 SMI is €1,184/month × 14 payments, so the minimum is approximately €2,368/month or €33,150/year for the main applicant, plus 75% for the first dependent and 25% for each additional. Demonstrate via 3 months of pay slips or 12 months of business invoices.

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Important update — Visa & Residency Certificates Due to a temporary administrative situation, Generali is currently not issuing residency / visa certificates for EXPAT Medcare policies (Standard, Prime or Top). For NLV, DNV, Student visa or residency renewal, the only Generali plan currently providing the certificate is Salud Opción Premium — the Spanish-language no-copayment plan. Certificates take a few days to process. Please contact our team for advice on the best plan for your situation.

Health Insurance for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa — Complete Guide

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional) was introduced under the Ley de Startups in January 2023 and has quickly become one of the most attractive remote working visas in Europe. It allows non-EU citizens — including British nationals post-Brexit — to live and work in Spain while employed by or providing professional services to companies based outside Spain.

Like the Non-Lucrative Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa requires private health insurance in Spain with no co-payments, issued by a DGS-registered Spanish insurer. Turner Insurance specialises in arranging the correct Generali cover for DNV applicants, with certificates available for urgent applications.

Key difference from the NLV: Digital Nomad Visa holders are legally working — they are either employed by a foreign company remotely, or self-employed (autónomo) providing services to international clients. This makes plans with telemedicine, mental health support and flexibility for European travel particularly relevant. Generali EXPAT Medcare Prime is our top recommendation for digital nomads. Get a quote →

Who Qualifies for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

The DNV is open to non-EU/EEA nationals (including UK nationals post-Brexit) who meet all of the following criteria:

Remote worker: You work remotely — either as an employee of a company outside Spain, or as a self-employed freelancer or contractor providing services to clients outside Spain
Experience or qualifications: You have at least 3 years of professional experience in your field, or hold a university degree or postgraduate qualification
Income threshold: You earn at least 200% of Spain's minimum wage (the SMI) per month — approximately €2,650/month for 2024. If accompanying family members are included, additional income is required per dependent
Not previously resident in Spain: You must not have been a tax resident in Spain in the 5 years before the application
Clean criminal record: No criminal convictions in Spain or your home country in the 5 years before application
Health insurance: Valid private health insurance in Spain with no co-payments from a DGS-registered Spanish insurer — arranged through Turner Insurance

Step-by-Step: Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa

The DNV can be applied for either from outside Spain (at the Spanish consulate in your home country) or from inside Spain if you are already legally present (at the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos — UGE-CE). The consulate route is most common for UK applicants.

Step 1 — Arrange your Generali health insurance

Contact Turner Insurance for a Digital Nomad Visa health insurance quote — specify your age and number of dependants if applicable
We recommend Generali EXPAT Medcare Prime — fully English-language, no waiting periods, no co-payments, includes 20 psychology sessions/year, telemedicine and out-of-network reimbursement
Complete application and payment — done entirely remotely by phone or email
Receive your Generali certificate same business day — in Spanish with English translation available

Step 2 — Gather your supporting documents

Completed DNV application form (Form EX01 — same form used for other national visas)
Valid passport — at least one year validity beyond your intended stay
Criminal record certificate — issued by the UK police (ACRO) within the last 3 months, apostilled
Proof of remote employment or self-employment:
- If employed: a letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming remote work is permitted, your salary and that the company is based outside Spain
- If self-employed: contracts with clients, invoices, company registration documents, or a letter from an accountant confirming your business activity and income
Proof of income: Bank statements for the last 3 months showing income of at least €2,650/month (approximately — check current SMI), payslips, or tax returns
Professional qualifications or experience: University degree certificate (apostilled if required), or documentation confirming 3+ years of professional experience (CV and employer reference letters)
Generali health insurance certificate — from Turner Insurance, confirming no co-payments and full Spain coverage
Passport photographs — two recent passport-sized photos
Accommodation proof — property deed, rental contract or hotel booking for your initial period in Spain

Step 3 — Submit your application

Book an appointment at the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh via the online cita previa system
Attend in person with all originals and one photocopy of each document
Pay the visa application fee at the appointment
Processing time is typically 10–30 working days — significantly faster than many other Spanish visas
You will receive written confirmation of the decision by email or post

Step 4 — Enter Spain and register

Enter Spain within the visa validity period (usually 90 days from issue)
Within 30 days of arrival: register at your local Ayuntamiento for the Padrón Municipal
Within 30 days of arrival: apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the nearest Comisaría with a cita previa appointment
You will also need a NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — usually obtained at the same appointment or in advance at the consulate
If self-employed (autónomo): register with the Spanish Tax Authority (Agencia Tributaria) as an autónomo and enrol in the Spanish Social Security system (RETA)

Step 5 — Renew after year 3

The DNV initial permit is valid for 1 year if applied for from outside Spain, or 3 years if approved from inside Spain via UGE-CE
It can be renewed for further 2-year periods as long as you continue to meet the income and activity requirements
After 5 years of continuous legal residency, you may apply for long-term EU residency or Spanish citizenship
Health insurance must be maintained throughout — Turner Insurance will contact you before your policy renewal date

Digital Nomad Visa vs Non-Lucrative Visa — Which is Right for You?

Comparison

Non-Lucrative Visa: For people who do not work — retirees, people living on pension, savings or investment income. You cannot work for any employer, Spanish or foreign, under this visa
Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers and freelancers employed by or serving clients outside Spain. You can work for non-Spanish employers and clients only. Working for Spanish clients or employers is limited to 20% of total income
Health insurance requirement: The same for both — no co-payments, full Spain cover, DGS-registered Spanish insurer
Income requirement: DNV requires demonstrable active income (salary or freelance). NLV requires passive income (pension, savings, investments)
Processing time: DNV is generally faster (10–30 working days vs 1–3 months for NLV)
Tax: DNV holders can opt into the Beckham Law (Ley Montoro) for the first 6 years, paying a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-sourced income instead of the progressive rate (up to 47%)

How to Get a Quote

Call or email us — ring 966 461 625 or email info@turnerinsurance.es. Our English-speaking team is available Monday to Friday, 09:30–15:00.
Tell us your situation — we will ask a few quick questions about what you need to cover, your age, location, and any existing policies you hold.
We compare options — as authorised Generali agents, we present the plans that match your needs and budget. No pressure, no obligation.
Your policy is set up — once you are happy, we arrange everything and send your certificate and English-language policy documents promptly.

Digital Nomad Visa Insurance Options

🛂 Visa eligibility key NLV Non-Lucrative Visa DNV Digital Nomad Visa Residency TIE / Spanish residency renewal

Cover level	What is included	Best for
EXPAT Medcare Standard ✗DNV✗NLV✗Residency	Full private hospital access, no waiting periods, certificate provided	Single applicants needing basic visa compliance
EXPAT Medcare Prime ✗DNV✗NLV✗Residency	Wider hospital network, enhanced specialist access, no co-payments	Applicants wanting broader coverage
EXPAT Medcare Top ✗DNV✗NLV✗Residency	Unlimited cover, private rooms, worldwide emergency cover, dental option	Full-time remote workers seeking premium protection
Salud Opción Premium ✓DNV✓NLV✓Residency	Zero co-payments, no waiting periods — Spanish embassy preferred option	Applicants whose consulate specifies co-payment-free cover

✓ Currently only Salud Opción Premium qualifies for residency / visa applications Salud Opción Premium meets all Spanish consulate requirements: zero co-payments (sin copagos), full territory of Spain coverage, DGS-registered Spanish insurer, annual policy term, and the official certificate accepted by Spanish consulates worldwide. The certificate is issued in a few days from policy purchase.

❌ Plans currently NOT available for Spanish visa or residency certificates Spanish consulates reject policies with co-payments, reimbursement-only structures, regional limits, or annual maximums. Plus, due to a temporary administrative situation, Generali is currently not issuing residency certificates for EXPAT Medcare policies. The following are not suitable for visa certificates right now:

EXPAT Medcare Standard, Prime and Top — temporarily unavailable for residency / visa certificates (administrative issue, expected to resolve)
Salud Opción Plus / Salud Plus con copagos — Spanish co-payment plans (cheaper, but not visa-compliant)
UK private health insurance (Bupa UK, Vitality, AXA UK) — wrong jurisdiction; not DGS-registered in Spain
EHIC / GHIC card — public emergency cover only, never sufficient for a visa
Travel insurance — short-term emergency cover, not full residency cover
"Reimbursement only" international plans — the consulate requires direct-billing in Spain

Approximate DNV Health Insurance Pricing

Digital Nomad Visa cover follows the same rules as NLV. Premiums by age:

Frequently Asked Questions — Digital Nomad Visa Health Insurance

The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) under Spain's Ley 28/2022 (Ley de Startups) opens Spain to remote workers from non-EU countries. The health insurance requirement is similar to NLV but the typical applicant is younger and more international.

The DNV (Visado de Teletrabajo Internacional) was introduced in January 2023 under the Ley de Startups to attract remote workers and freelancers to Spain. Open to non-EU citizens working for non-Spanish companies, or freelancers with international clients. Allows residence in Spain for 1 year initially, renewable in 3-year blocks up to 5 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence. Brings 24% Beckham Law tax regime in some cases.

Same requirements as NLV: private health insurance with no co-payments, full Spain coverage, from a DGS-registered insurer, with certificate in Spanish. The cover must be valid for the visa period (1 year minimum, renewable). Generali EXPAT Medcare is the most popular plan among DNV applicants because everything is in English and includes telemedicine, mental health and digital-friendly access.

Digital nomads are typically internet-fluent, English-first, and want digital tools rather than paperwork. EXPAT Medcare delivers all of this: app-based GP appointments, video consultations, English-language documentation, mental health and stress consultations included, fast certificate issue. Compared to legacy Spanish-only plans, the experience is more like a SaaS product than a traditional insurance contract.

For 2026 the requirement is approximately 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional, SMI) for the main applicant — currently around €31,800/year. For a couple, an additional 75% of SMI (about €11,900/year). For each dependent child, 25% additional. Documented through bank statements, pay slips, contracts. Can be income from foreign employer or freelance clients abroad.

Strictly limited. The DNV is for remote work for non-Spanish companies or freelance work for international clients. You can earn up to 20% of total income from Spanish clients/companies, but the majority must be from outside Spain. Working for a Spanish employer instead requires a different work visa. Insurance compliance is the same regardless.

Ley Beckham is a special tax regime where new Spanish residents pay a flat 24% income tax on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 (47% above) for 6 years, instead of normal Spanish progressive rates. DNV holders may be eligible if not previously tax-resident in Spain. The savings can be substantial for higher earners. Health insurance choice doesn't affect Beckham Law eligibility but Beckham residents are excluded from public healthcare and must hold private insurance.

DNV applications are typically processed within 20 working days of submission, much faster than the NLV. Some are approved in 7-10 days. Insurance certificate is needed before submission. We have processed DNV insurance for clients with appointments next-day where required.

Yes — spouse/registered partner and dependent children join the application. Each must have their own visa-compliant insurance, normally on a single family policy. The income requirement increases per dependant (75% of SMI for spouse, 25% per child). All family members are issued individual certificates within the family policy.

Switching residence routes is sometimes possible at TIE renewal time, but with specific conditions. DNV → NLV (you stop digital work and live on savings/pensions): possible if income requirements are met. NLV → DNV (you start digital work for international clients): possible. Both routes lead to permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years. Insurance cover is the same regardless of which route you're on.

DNV renewal is at year 1 (first renewal lasts 3 years if approved), then years 4 and 7 (each lasting 3 more years up to year 10 cumulative). At each renewal you need: continued income proof, valid health insurance certificate, no criminal record updates, and proof of continued remote work. We provide renewal certificates as standard.

Yes — and most modern Spanish insurance reflects this. EXPAT Medcare and similar plans include: 24/7 telemedicine (video consultations with GPs and many specialists), mental health sessions (typically up to 20-25 per year), psychology and psychiatry, online prescription renewal. For digital nomads moving frequently between cities, telemedicine is much more practical than finding a local in-person GP.

Many DNV holders maintain home-country insurance for visits home, particularly Americans who need Medicare/Medicaid records continuity. Spanish DNV insurance covers you in Spain (and during emergencies on travel abroad up to 60-90 days). Home-country insurance for trips home or possible permanent return is a personal choice. The two don't conflict.

Family visiting from abroad need their own travel insurance — they are not covered by your DNV insurance. UK family on a short visit can use their UK travel insurance (or GHIC for state emergency only). DNV insurance covers your dependents who are formally on the visa, not extended family or visitors.

US citizens are popular DNV applicants, particularly remote-working tech employees. Specific points: the consulate certificate must be in Spanish (or with sworn translation); Beckham Law eligibility should be reviewed because of complex US tax situations (foreign tax credits, etc.); medical underwriting may be more thorough due to higher US healthcare claim costs in the past; renewal certificates need to be in your hands before TIE appointments which often have long waits.

If denied before the policy start date — full refund. If denied after policy issue, refund for the unused portion (typically minus a small administrative fee). Most denials are for income or document issues rather than insurance issues. We refund/cancel within 7 days of confirmed visa rejection.

For 2026, the Digital Nomad Visa requires a minimum monthly income of 200% of Spain's monthly minimum wage (SMI) — currently approximately €2,650/month for the main applicant, plus 75% of SMI (approximately €993) for each additional dependent. This income must come from remote work for companies outside Spain, or from self-employment serving clients primarily outside Spain. Unlike the NLV, work income is permitted under the DNV — it just must originate from non-Spanish sources. Income is verified via employment contracts, invoices, bank statements and/or company letters.

You can work for Spanish companies under the DNV, but with a strict cap — no more than 20% of your total income can come from Spanish clients or companies. This is a key difference from the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) where all work income is prohibited. If you plan to work primarily for Spanish clients, you would need a regular work permit or autonomous residency. The DNV is specifically designed for people working remotely for their existing employer abroad, or freelancers with an established non-Spanish client base.

The DNV is initially granted for 1 year for non-EU citizens (or 3 years for EU citizens who just need to register). After the initial year, non-EU citizens can renew for 2-year periods up to a total of 5 years. After 5 years of legal residency, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency. Unlike the NLV, the DNV includes the Beckham Law tax benefit option — a flat 24% income tax rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for the first 6 years, which is significantly lower than the standard progressive IRPF rates.

More questions? Visit our complete FAQ centre with 90+ detailed guides, or contact us for free English-speaking advice.

How This Compares to the Competition

Honest comparisons help you make an informed choice. These figures are typical Spanish-market starting points and depend on age, area, cover level and individual circumstances.

Generali EXPAT Medcare vs International Health Insurance for Expats in Spain

How Generali's English-language expat plan compares to Sanitas Más Salud Plus International and DKV Integral. EXPAT Medcare is built specifically for international residents — full English documentation, claims app and customer service in English.

Feature	Generali EXPAT Medcare (Standard / Prime / Top)	Sanitas Más Salud Plus International	DKV Integral
English-language documentation	Full — policy, app, claims, customer service	Most documents English; calls primarily Spanish	Limited — Spanish primary
Maximum new-applicant age	74	65	70
Co-payments	None	None on Top tier	None on Integral tier
Visa certificate (NLV / DNV)	Currently via Salud Opción Premium only (admin) — we arrange the swap	Yes	Yes
Maternity waiting period	8 months	10 months	8 months
Telemedicine 24/7	Included	Included	Included
Worldwide travel emergency cover	60–90 days/trip, €30,000 cap	Included with international add-on	60 days/trip
Premium 35-year-old (no co-pay)	~€55/month	~€85/month	~€60/month
Premium 65-year-old (no co-pay)	~€140/month	~€220/month	~€175/month

Comparisons are based on publicly available product literature and our experience placing policies across the Spanish market. Premium estimates assume a healthy applicant on the Costa Blanca with no significant claims history. Contact us for a personalised, like-for-like quote.

Sources & References

This page references the following official Spanish regulatory and legal sources. These are the authoritative bodies and laws governing insurance products in Spain:

Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGS) — Spanish insurance regulator. Confirms registration of insurance brokers (Andrew Turner: Registry C0467B54657010) and authorises all insurance products distributed in Spain.
Ley 50/1980 — Ley de Contrato de Seguro (BOE) — Spanish Insurance Contract Law. The primary legal framework governing all insurance contracts in Spain — defines duties, claims, cancellation rights and disclosure obligations.
Ley 28/2022, de 21 de diciembre, de fomento del ecosistema de las empresas emergentes (Ley de Startups) (BOE) — Spanish Startup Law. Created the Digital Nomad Visa with its specific health insurance requirements.