Local vs international
The first fork in the road. Reminder: Spanish Social Security doesn't cover you in Thailand (there's no healthcare agreement), so private insurance isn't an extra, it's the entry ticket — the reasoning is in the healthcare guide. With that settled, the decision is local or international:
| Local | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Pacific Cross, Luma, AXA TH | Cigna, April, Allianz |
| Coverage | Inside Thailand | Also outside / worldwide |
| Price | Cheaper | Pricier |
| For whom | Most people | Frequent travelers or those who want treatment in Spain |
The four coverages that really matter
- Annual coverage limit: a reasonable minimum is €100,000. An ICU stay or a serious operation can eat through a low limit in days.
- Pre-existing exclusions: whatever you already had before signing up can end up excluded. Read it closely and declare honestly.
- Copays and deductibles: how much you put in per claim. A high deductible lowers the premium but exposes you more; balance it against your cushion.
- Medical evacuation: key on the islands, where serious cases get treated by flying to Bangkok. Without this coverage, an evacuation costs thousands of euros out of pocket.
Prices by age
| Age | Local policy | International |
|---|---|---|
| Children | €30–50/mo | €50–90/mo |
| 30–40 years | €40–80/mo | €80–150/mo |
| 50–60 years | €80–170/mo | €150–280/mo |
| 65+ years | €150–300/mo | €250–500/mo |
When to take it out
With your flight date, not "once I'm settled". Most policies have around a 30-day exclusion period and don't cover anything before signing. The classic first-week motorbike accident falls entirely on whoever left the insurance for month two. And if you're going the retirement Non-O or Non-O-A route, some categories require insurance as a condition of the visa itself.
Where Bexpat fits in
We don't sell insurance or take commissions from insurers: we explain what to check — this — include insurance in your move's budget (the calculator already factors it into your monthly cost), and make sure you don't land without coverage. The fine comparison is yours or a broker's to make; we make sure it's not forgotten. Start with the visa test.
Frequently asked questions
Local or international?
Local (cheaper, covers the country) for most people; international (pricier, covers abroad) if you travel a lot or want treatment in Spain. It depends on your life.
What coverages should I check?
A sufficient annual limit (€100,000 minimum), pre-existing exclusions, copays and deductibles, and medical evacuation (key on islands). Don't trust the ones that give free consultations and fall short on hospitalization.
How much does it cost by age?
Local: €30–50 for children, €40–80 at 30–40, €80–170 at 50–60, €150–300 from 65. International, more. Taking out a policy young cuts the lifetime premium.