Generali EXPAT Medcare Standard — Health Insurance Spain

Yes — Standard meets all Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa requirements: no co-payments, full Spain coverage, DGS-registered insurer (Generali España), and we issue the official certificate in Spanish and English in 24-48 hours of policy purchase. It is one of the most cost-effective NLV-compliant plans on the Spanish market and the most popular Generali option for new visa applicants.

Most basic services have no waiting period — GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and emergency care are covered from day one. Hospitalisation and surgery have a 6-month waiting period for non-emergency procedures (emergencies are covered immediately). Childbirth has an 8-month waiting period from policy start. Switching from another Spanish insurer typically waives all waiting periods on production of a continuity letter.

Both are full-service no-copayment plans on similar provider networks. EXPAT Medcare Standard is typically 10-15% cheaper at younger ages, but Sanitas tends to be slightly more competitive past age 65. EXPAT Medcare's key differentiator is fully English-language documentation, app and customer service — Sanitas remains primarily Spanish-language. For visa applicants, both plans qualify.

Yes — you can upgrade tiers at policy renewal each year, or mid-year on request (subject to underwriting). Upgrades preserve continuity of cover, so any waiting periods you have already served on Standard apply automatically to the upgraded tier. Many clients start on Standard for visa purposes and upgrade to Prime once they decide to settle long-term and want broader hospital choice.

Standard is available for new policies up to age 74 at policy start. Once issued, the policy renews annually for life — your cover does not stop at 75. Some specific benefits may adjust as you age, but the core plan continues. For new applicants over 74 we offer alternative options including Generali international plans and dedicated senior cover.

Standard includes basic dental at the standard tier — annual check-ups, cleaning, and X-rays at no charge with network dentists. More advanced treatment (fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions) is available at agreed network rates with member discounts but is not fully covered. For comprehensive dental cover, an optional dental add-on at €5-€15/month gives you real reimbursement on a full range of treatments. We can quote this alongside the main policy.

Yes — EXPAT Medcare Standard includes full diagnostics: blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, endoscopies. Most of these are covered with a simple referral from a network GP or specialist. There is no fee at the point of use. For major scans (MRI), referral protocols may apply but waiting times are typically much shorter than Spanish public healthcare (days, not weeks).

Standard includes a comprehensive network of Spanish private hospitals, clinics and specialists. On the Costa Blanca specifically: HCB Hospital Dénia, HLA Vistahermosa Calpe, Clínica Benidorm, plus a wide GP and specialist network in every major town from Altea to Dénia. The premium tiers (Prime, Top) add more elite hospitals; Standard covers all the everyday needs of most expat residents.

Standard includes basic emergency travel cover — up to €15,000-€25,000 of emergency medical treatment for trips abroad up to 60-90 days. This is enough for most short trips back to the UK, Ireland or within Europe. For frequent travellers, longer trips, or US/non-EU destinations, dedicated travel insurance is more comprehensive. We can quote travel insurance alongside Standard.

Family policies (you + partner + children) typically attract a 15-25% combined discount versus separate individual policies. All family members are on a single contract with one renewal. Children typically have lower premiums than adults. Newborns can be added at no immediate cost (added at next renewal). Adult children up to 25 in full-time education can usually stay on the family policy.

Maternity is fully covered on Standard after the 8-month waiting period: pregnancy monitoring, ultrasounds, blood tests, hospital admission for delivery, neonatal care for the newborn. Pre-existing pregnancy at policy start is excluded. The newborn is automatically covered for the first 30 days under the mother's policy and should then be added as a dependent. C-section and complicated births are covered at the same level as routine delivery.

Yes — Standard covers the whole of Spain. Moving from the Costa Blanca to Andalucia, Madrid or anywhere else within Spain doesn't affect cover. Update us with the new address so we can update the policy and ensure you receive renewal correspondence at the right address. The hospital network adjusts automatically — you'll have access to your new region's Generali-network providers.