Everything you need to know about insurance in Spain — explained in plain English by our specialist expat team.
We cover the full range of insurance needs for expats and foreign residents in Spain. Our main products are health insurance, car insurance, home insurance, and travel insurance. We also offer dental insurance, life insurance, funeral insurance, and pet insurance.
In addition, we provide specialist advice on reverse mortgages in Spain (hipoteca inversa) — a product of particular interest to retired expats who own their home in Spain. All insurance come with English-speaking support and documents available in English.
We work with both EU and non-EU nationals living in or moving to Spain. This includes British expats, Americans, Canadians, Irish, Dutch, German, French, Belgian, and Nordic residents, among others.
Whether you are a full-time resident, a retiree, a digital nomad, a second-home owner, or a holiday home owner — we can find a policy that suits your situation. We also help people who are in the process of applying for Spanish visas and residency.
Yes. All quotes, policy summaries, and claims assistance are provided in English. Our team speaks English as a first language, and we make sure you understand exactly what you are covered for before you commit to anything. No confusing Spanish-only paperwork, no chasing translations.
You can reach us by phone, WhatsApp, email, or through our website. Our contact details are:
We are open 7 days a week, including Spanish bank holidays — unlike many local insurers.
Yes, and many of our clients do. It is very common for expats in Spain to insure their health, car, and home through us — which means one English-speaking team handles all your renewals, claims support, and queries. It keeps things simple and avoids the confusion of dealing with multiple Spanish-only insurers.
Policy documents typically arrive within 24 to 48 hours of payment being confirmed. If you need an insurance certificate for a visa or consulate appointment, we can often provide this the same day once payment has been processed.
Yes. We operate 7 days a week, including Spanish national and regional holidays. Insurance situations do not wait for working days, and neither do we. If you need a quote, have a question about your policy, or need to make a claim, we are available every day.
Yes, in most cases. Cancellation terms vary between insurers and policy types. Most Spanish insurance policies run for a 12-month term, and early cancellation may mean a short-payment charge or loss of a portion of the premium. We will always explain the cancellation terms clearly before you take out a policy, so there are no surprises.
Most premiums increase modestly with age or in line with general inflation. We will always explain how and when your premium may increase when we present your quote. If your premium increases significantly at renewal and we can find a better alternative, we will let you know and help you switch.
It depends on your situation. If you are applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Student Visa, private health insurance in Spain is a mandatory requirement. If you are an EU citizen with an EHIC or S1 card, or if you are already contributing to Spanish social security, you may have access to the public health system — but many expats still choose private cover for faster appointments, English-speaking doctors, and broader access.
For retirees, holiday home owners, and anyone not contributing to social security in Spain, private health insurance is highly advisable.
A co-pay (or copago) policy charges you a small fee each time you visit a GP, specialist, or use other covered services. These policies tend to have lower monthly premiums. A no co-pay policy means all covered consultations and treatments are free at the point of use — you pay nothing extra on top of your monthly premium.
If you are applying for a Spanish visa, the consulate will almost always require a no co-pay, no waiting period policy. For everyday expat use, no co-pay is also by far the most popular choice.
Most comprehensive private health insurance policies in Spain include GP consultations, specialist referrals, diagnostic tests and scans, surgical procedures, hospitalisation, maternity cover, emergency care, and mental health support. Some include basic dental cover and international emergency coverage for travel outside Spain.
The exact inclusions depend on the policy level and the insurer. We will always go through what is and is not included before you sign up.
This depends on the insurer and the specific condition. Some insurers exclude pre-existing conditions entirely, while others may cover them after a waiting period or charge a supplementary premium. A small number of policies may cover certain pre-existing conditions from day one.
We work with multiple insurers, which means we can often find a policy that offers reasonable cover even for clients with medical history. Always declare pre-existing conditions honestly — non-disclosure can invalidate a claim.
Spain has an extensive private medical network. Depending on the insurer, you may have access to over 45,000 doctors and 13,000 private clinics and hospitals across the country, including leading hospitals in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Alicante, and other major cities. Most areas popular with expats — the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands — have good private healthcare coverage.
With most standard policies, you can choose any GP or specialist within the insurer's approved network. Some premium policies also allow you to visit private doctors and hospitals outside the insurer's network and claim reimbursement. We will explain the network access for each policy when we present your options.
Yes. We can arrange family health insurance policies covering a couple or a full family with children and dependents. Family policies are often more cost-effective than insuring each member individually. We can also arrange policies for just one or two people if that is what you need.
Many policies include access to psychologists and psychiatrists within the insurer's network. The depth of cover varies — some policies include a limited number of sessions per year, others offer broader ongoing access. If mental health cover is important to you, tell us when you request a quote and we will specifically check what is included.
Some policies include international emergency cover, typically for short trips of up to 90 days outside Spain. This is different from travel insurance, which is designed specifically for trips away from your country of residence. We recommend taking out separate travel insurance if you travel frequently — especially for annual multi-trip cover.
Yes. We arrange health insurance for expats of all ages, including retirees over 65, 70, and beyond. Premiums are higher at older ages, but cover is available from multiple insurers. Some policies have an upper entry age limit, so the earlier you arrange cover the more options you have. We can advise on the best policies for older expats and retirees moving to Spain.
Premiums vary based on your age, the level of cover, and the insurer. As a general guide, a healthy adult in their 30s or 40s might pay from around €50 to €100 per month for a comprehensive no co-pay policy. Premiums increase with age. The best way to find out what you would pay is to request a quote — we can usually provide options within the same day.
The cost of NLV health insurance in Spain varies by age, but as a rough guide a solo applicant in their 50s can typically expect to pay anywhere from around €80 to €160 per month for a comprehensive no co-pay, no waiting period policy that meets consulate requirements. Couples and families will pay more in total but may benefit from multi-person pricing. Age is the biggest variable — premiums rise significantly from the mid-60s onwards. We can give you exact quotes for your age group quickly.
The S1 form is a document issued by the UK government that entitles UK state pension recipients (and some other benefit recipients) living in Spain to access the Spanish public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) at Spanish expense. If you receive a UK state pension and have registered your S1 with the Spanish health authorities, you will have access to public healthcare in Spain.
However, many S1 holders still choose private health insurance because the public system involves waiting times, language barriers, and limited specialist access. Private cover gives faster appointments, English-speaking doctors, and access to a wider network of hospitals and clinics. We can arrange cover for S1 holders who want to top up their NHS entitlement with private access.
Brexit changed the rules significantly. UK nationals who were legally resident in Spain before 31 December 2020 and who registered under the Withdrawal Agreement (obtaining a TIE or green residency certificate) generally retained their rights, including S1 access if they receive a UK state pension. UK nationals who moved to Spain after that date are not entitled to S1 coverage under the same terms and need to arrange their own private health insurance — including as a condition of most post-Brexit visa routes such as the Non-Lucrative Visa.
If you are unsure of your position, contact us and we will help you work out what you need.
Most comprehensive private health insurance policies in Spain do include oncology cover — diagnostic scans, specialist consultations, and treatment within the insurer's approved network. The depth and limits of cancer cover vary between insurers and policy levels. If cancer cover is a priority, tell us when you request a quote and we will specifically compare what each policy offers in terms of oncology access and limits. Pre-existing cancer diagnoses are typically excluded, but new diagnoses after the policy starts are usually covered.
Spanish consulates require private health insurance that provides full coverage in Spain with no co-payments and no waiting periods. The policy must cover the main applicant (and any dependents included in the application) for the full period of residency applied for — typically one year initially, renewable.
The insurance certificate is usually required in both English and Spanish, and must confirm the specific policy features the consulate is looking for. We provide NLV-compliant certificates accepted by Spanish consulates worldwide, and we can confirm whether a specific consulate has any additional requirements.
"No copayment" means you pay nothing each time you visit a doctor or use a covered service — there is no per-visit charge on top of your monthly premium. "No waiting period" means cover begins from the start date of the policy, with no delay before you can access treatment.
Spanish consulates require both of these features to be confirmed on your insurance certificate. Policies that have co-pays or waiting periods — even small ones — are typically rejected. We only present NLV applicants with policies that meet both requirements.
The Digital Nomad Visa requires private health insurance in Spain that covers you fully during your stay. The requirements are similar to those for the Non-Lucrative Visa — full coverage, no co-payments, no waiting periods. As a newer visa type, consulates may have slightly varying interpretations of requirements, so we always confirm the latest position when arranging DNV insurance.
Yes. Students applying for a Spanish student visa must provide evidence of health insurance covering their stay. Policies must typically demonstrate comprehensive coverage with no significant gaps. Requirements can vary between consulates and by the length of study. We can arrange student visa health insurance with certificates in the correct format for your consulate appointment.
In most cases, we can provide your certificate the same day that payment is confirmed. We understand that visa appointments often have fixed dates and tight deadlines, so we prioritise urgent certificate requests. If you have an appointment coming up soon, contact us directly by phone or WhatsApp and we will do our best to turn it around as quickly as possible.
Yes. Our health insurance policies meet the standard requirements used by Spanish consulates in the UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh), Ireland (Dublin), the USA (New York, Miami, Los Angeles), Canada (Toronto), Australia (Sydney), and others. Each consulate can have slightly different preferences in terms of wording, so we tailor the certificate language accordingly.
Yes. Whether you are renewing your Non-Lucrative Visa, your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE), or another type of residency, we can provide a renewal-compliant health insurance certificate. The requirements are broadly the same as for the original application — full coverage, no co-payments, no waiting periods. Let us know your renewal date and we will make sure the policy covers the correct period.
Yes. Health insurance for spouse visas and family reunification applications in Spain follows similar requirements to other residency visas — full coverage, no co-payments, no waiting periods, with a certificate confirming the required features. We can arrange cover for the applicant and any dependents included in the application.
Home insurance is not legally mandatory in Spain unless you have a mortgage — most lenders require it as a condition of the loan. That said, it is strongly advisable for all property owners. The cost of fire damage, flooding, burst pipes, burglary, or third-party liability claims in Spain can be very high, and without insurance those costs fall entirely on the homeowner.
Yes. We specialise in home insurance for expats, and that includes second homes, holiday homes, Airbnb rentals, and short-term let properties. Holiday home insurance has specific features that standard home insurance does not always include — such as cover during extended periods of vacancy and protection relevant to letting activity. Tell us how the property is used and we will find the right policy.
Some home insurance policies include a legal defence element that can help with the costs and process of dealing with illegal occupation (okupa). This is not a standalone product — it is a feature of certain home insurance policies that provides legal cover and sometimes compensation. If okupa cover is important to you, we can specifically look for policies that include this protection. We do not sell dedicated anti-okupa insurance as a separate product.
This is a common situation for holiday home owners and second-home owners in Spain, and standard home insurance policies often restrict cover during extended periods of vacancy. We offer specialist cover for homes that are unoccupied for weeks or months at a time — including seasonal properties only visited during summer or Easter. Always tell us honestly how the property is used so we can find a policy that actually covers you.
A standard home insurance policy in Spain typically covers the structure of the building (fire, flood, storm, subsidence, escape of water), the contents (theft, vandalism, accidental damage), and third-party liability — for example if a visitor is injured in your home or your property causes damage to a neighbour. Many policies also include emergency assistance such as a 24-hour plumber, locksmith, or electrician.
Yes. We arrange home insurance for villas, apartments, fincas, rural properties, and outbuildings. Rural and agricultural properties sometimes require specialist underwriting — particularly if the property has land, animals, or is in a more isolated location. We have experience arranging cover for a wide range of property types across Spain.
Third-party liability cover in most home insurance policies in Spain does include pool-related incidents — for example if a guest is injured. Some policies specifically mention pool coverage; others include it within general liability. If your property has a pool, mention it when you request a quote so we can confirm the cover is adequate.
Yes. We can arrange landlord insurance for properties rented on long-term contracts, including liability cover and, in some cases, rent guarantee insurance. For short-term holiday lets, we recommend a specific holiday home or rental property policy. Tell us about your letting arrangements and we will advise on the right type of cover.
Yes. High-value items — jewellery, art, electronics, bicycles — can usually be added to a home insurance policy as specified items with their own insured values. This ensures they are properly covered rather than falling within a general all-contents limit. It is worth keeping receipts or valuations for high-value items to support any future claim.
Most home insurance policies in Spain include a 24-hour emergency assistance line, and trades such as plumbers, locksmiths, and electricians are typically dispatched within a few hours of a call being logged. This is particularly reassuring for expats who may be away from the property or who do not have an established local network of trusted tradespeople.
Buildings insurance (seguro de hogar — continente) covers the physical structure of the property: walls, roof, floors, fitted kitchens, bathroom fittings, doors, and windows. Contents insurance (contenido) covers the moveable items inside — furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, and valuables. Most home insurance policies in Spain combine both into a single policy, but the sum insured for each part is specified separately. It is important to insure the building for the correct rebuild value, not the market value, and to insure contents for what it would actually cost to replace everything.
Yes, in practice. Spanish mortgage lenders (and Spanish law since 2019) require that the property is covered by at minimum a buildings insurance policy for the duration of the mortgage. The lender will typically offer their own policy, but since 2019 legislation you have the right to arrange equivalent cover through any insurer — you are not obliged to take the lender's product. We can arrange buildings insurance that satisfies your mortgage conditions and is often more competitively priced than the bank's own policy.
This is an important distinction in Spain. Standard home insurance policies cover many weather events such as storms, burst pipes, and escape of water. However, extraordinary natural catastrophes — including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, exceptional flooding, and major storms classified as a "catastrophe" — are covered by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros, a government body. A small compulsory levy included in every home insurance premium funds this cover automatically. You do not need to arrange catastrophe cover separately — it is built in.
The Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros is a Spanish government-backed insurer that provides compensation for extraordinary natural events and acts of terrorism that fall outside the scope of standard private insurance. Every home insurance policy in Spain automatically includes a small mandatory contribution to the Consorcio, giving policyholders a safety net for events like major earthquakes, exceptional flooding, or terrorist incidents. Claims for these events are made directly to the Consorcio. It is one of the features of Spanish insurance that works in the policyholder's favour — and is worth knowing about.
A comunidad de propietarios is the residents' association for a shared building or urbanisation — the collective body responsible for maintaining common areas such as the entrance, stairwells, lifts, gardens, and shared pool. In most apartment blocks and gated communities in Spain, the comunidad holds a communal buildings insurance policy that covers the structure and common areas. As an apartment owner, you still need your own contents insurance and third-party liability cover for your individual unit. If you own a villa on a urbanisation, the comunidad policy may cover certain communal areas but not your individual property. We can advise on what your comunidad may already cover and what you need separately.
We currently insure Spanish-registered vehicles only. If your car is still on UK or EU plates, you will need to transfer it to Spanish registration (matriculación) before we can arrange Spanish car insurance. This is generally required in any case once you become a resident in Spain — you are typically required to re-register a foreign-plated vehicle within a set period of becoming a resident. We can point you in the right direction for the re-registration process.
Third-party liability insurance (seguro a terceros) is the legal minimum in Spain and covers damage or injury you cause to other people and their vehicles or property. However, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle, theft, fire, or vandalism. Most expats opt for comprehensive insurance (todo riesgo) for full peace of mind. We can explain the differences and help you choose the right level of cover for your needs and budget.
In many cases, yes. If you have documentary proof of your claims history from your previous UK, EU, or other insurer — such as a no-claims certificate or a letter from your previous insurer — we may be able to apply a discount to your Spanish policy. Acceptance of foreign no-claims proof varies between Spanish insurers. Bring whatever documentation you have and we will do our best to apply it.
Yes. We offer car insurance for electric cars, hybrid cars, and plug-in hybrid vehicles with Spanish registration. Electric vehicles are increasingly popular among expats in Spain and we can arrange comprehensive cover including battery-related cover where available. Motorbike insurance is also available for Spanish-registered motorcycles and scooters.
Yes, provided the vehicle has been properly imported and registered on Spanish plates. A vehicle that has been brought into Spain and legally matriculado can be insured through us in the same way as any other Spanish-registered car. If the import process is still ongoing, we can advise on when and how to arrange cover.
No, not immediately. Expats from EU countries can generally continue using their existing EU driving licence in Spain. UK licence holders may drive on their British licence for a period after becoming resident, but Spain may require an exchange at some point. Non-EU licence holders may need to exchange sooner. Insurance does not require a Spanish licence, but your licence must be valid and in-date. We can advise on the current position when arranging your cover.
Many comprehensive car insurance policies in Spain include roadside assistance and recovery as standard. Some basic policies do not — this can sometimes be added as an optional extra. It is always worth confirming whether breakdown cover is included, particularly if you are driving in rural or remote parts of Spain where recovery distances can be long.
Firstly, ensure everyone is safe and call the emergency services if there are injuries. For damage-only accidents, both parties should complete the European Accident Statement (Declaración Amistosa de Accidente) — this is a standard form that records the details of what happened. Do not admit liability. Contact your insurer's claims line as soon as possible. If you are insured through us, contact our team and we will guide you through the process in English.
Yes. Most policies allow you to name additional drivers. Some policies also include an "any driver" option, typically for drivers over a certain age with a minimum number of years of driving experience. If your partner or family members will be driving the vehicle regularly, it is best to name them on the policy to avoid any complications with a claim.
The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is Spain's mandatory vehicle roadworthiness test — equivalent to the UK's MOT. New cars are exempt for the first four years, then required every two years until the car reaches ten years of age, and annually thereafter. The ITV checks safety systems, emissions, lights, brakes, tyres, and bodywork. Driving without a valid ITV can result in a fine and, in some cases, problems with your insurance claim if an accident occurs. Keeping your ITV up to date is an important part of legal car ownership in Spain.
IVTM (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) is the Spanish annual road tax, similar to the UK's vehicle excise duty. It is administered and collected by your local ayuntamiento (town hall), so the rate varies depending on where you are registered. It is typically billed annually, and many areas allow you to set up a direct debit. Failure to pay IVTM can result in fines and a surcharge. As a resident with a Spanish-registered vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure IVTM is paid each year — your insurer does not handle this for you.
Driving without at least third-party insurance in Spain is a serious offence. The consequences include an on-the-spot fine of up to €3,000, the potential impounding of your vehicle, and personal liability for all damages and injuries caused to third parties — which in serious accidents could be financially devastating. Spanish traffic authorities increasingly use automatic plate-recognition systems to detect uninsured vehicles. If you are between policies or unsure of your cover status, contact us before you drive.
Yes, in most cases. Spanish insurance law gives policyholders the right to cancel and switch providers, though some policies require one month's notice and there may be a small cancellation charge depending on the terms. Many expats find they are paying too much with their existing insurer, especially if their circumstances have changed. We can compare your current cover against alternatives and tell you if there is a better or more cost-effective option available. We will also handle the paperwork for a smooth transfer.
Yes. This is a common question because many UK-based travel insurers no longer cover people who are resident outside the UK. We arrange travel insurance specifically for expats and foreign residents based in Spain — covering trips back to your home country, throughout Europe, and worldwide. Living in Spain permanently does not disqualify you.
Yes. Annual multi-trip policies are ideal for expats who travel frequently — for example, those who make regular trips back to the UK or Ireland, or who travel elsewhere in Europe or worldwide throughout the year. An annual policy is typically more cost-effective than buying individual single-trip policies. Cover can be arranged for Europe-only or worldwide depending on where you travel.
Yes. We can arrange specialist cruise travel insurance that covers specific cruise-related risks such as missed ports, cabin confinement, itinerary changes, and emergency medical treatment at sea. Standard travel insurance policies do not always cover these, so if you are planning a cruise it is worth specifically requesting cruise cover when you ask for a quote.
Some policies will cover stable pre-existing conditions, while others exclude them unless they are declared and accepted at the time of application. It is essential to declare any pre-existing conditions when taking out travel insurance — travelling on a policy that excludes a known condition can result in a significant uncovered medical bill abroad. We can advise on which policies offer the best cover for your specific health situation.
Most travel insurance policies now include cover for Covid-related cancellations and medical treatment abroad if you test positive during your trip. The exact scope of Covid cover varies between policies. If this is important to you, let us know when you request a quote and we will confirm what is included.
Standard travel insurance policies typically exclude hazardous activities. Most insurers offer adventure sports or winter sports add-ons for an additional premium. If you are planning a skiing holiday or taking part in watersports, diving, cycling, or similar activities, make sure your policy includes the appropriate add-on. We can arrange cover with the specific activities you need included.
Contact your insurer's emergency assistance line as soon as possible — this number will be on your policy documents. The assistance team can direct you to an approved hospital or clinic, pre-authorise treatment to avoid you paying upfront, and in serious cases arrange repatriation to Spain. Never assume costs will be covered without contacting the insurer first. We will make sure you have all the relevant contact numbers before you travel.
We can insure cats and dogs as standard. Cover for other animals may be possible depending on the insurer — contact us to discuss your specific pet. Dog breeds classified as potentially dangerous (PPP — perros potencialmente peligrosos) in Spain may need specific third-party liability cover, which is a legal requirement for those breeds.
Many comprehensive pet insurance policies cover routine check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive treatments. Basic policies may cover accidents and illness only. We will explain what is and is not included for each option when we present your quote, so you can choose the level of cover that suits your pet's needs and your budget.
Yes, in most comprehensive policies. Cover typically includes surgical procedures, treatment for chronic illnesses, cancer care, and diagnostic tests. Policies generally have an annual benefit limit, and some place sub-limits on specific types of treatment. We will make sure you understand the limits before you take out a policy.
Third-party liability is included in many comprehensive pet insurance policies and is particularly important for dog owners in Spain — especially for certain larger or classified breeds. It covers you in the event that your dog injures someone or causes damage to property. For breeds classified as PPP in Spain, third-party liability cover is a legal obligation.
Some policies include short-term cover for vet fees incurred abroad, for example if your pet is taken ill during a trip to the UK or another European country. This is not universal, so if you travel frequently with your pet it is worth checking whether travel cover is included or can be added.
Funeral insurance in Spain covers the costs associated with a person's final arrangements. Depending on the policy, this can include the coffin, funeral ceremony, burial or cremation, transport of the body, and the associated legal and administrative paperwork. Many policies designed for expats include the option of repatriation — transporting the remains back to your home country if that is your wish.
Funerals in Spain happen very quickly — typically within 24 to 48 hours of death, which is much faster than the UK, Ireland, or North America. This can be a shock for families who are not prepared, and the costs can be significant. Funeral insurance means the arrangements are pre-planned and pre-paid, which removes a huge practical and financial burden from loved ones at an already difficult time. Repatriation adds a further element of cost that can surprise expat families — insurance covers this too.
Yes, many policies include repatriation cover, allowing your remains to be transported back to the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or wherever your home country is. This is one of the main reasons expats take out funeral insurance in Spain specifically — the cost of repatriation without insurance can be several thousand euros. If repatriation is important to you, confirm it is included when you take out the policy.
In Spain, it is customary and common for funerals to take place within 24 to 48 hours of death. This is very different from most Northern European countries, where families may have a week or more to make arrangements. Having funeral insurance in place means the arrangements can proceed smoothly without the family needing to find significant sums of money at very short notice.
Funeral insurance is one of the most affordable types of insurance available to expats in Spain. Policies can cost as little as a few euros per month depending on age and the level of cover required. Given the peace of mind it provides — both for the policyholder and their family — it represents excellent value. Contact us for a specific quote based on your age and requirements.
Yes. We arrange life insurance for foreign residents of all ages in Spain. Policies are available for individuals and couples, and can be tailored to provide a lump sum payment to your beneficiaries in the event of death, or to cover a specific liability such as a mortgage. There is no requirement to be a Spanish national to access life insurance in Spain.
Many life insurance policies in Spain can be extended to include critical illness cover, disability, or accident protection. This means the policy pays out not only on death but also in the event of a serious illness diagnosis or a disability that prevents you from working. The exact conditions covered depend on the policy and insurer.
Most life insurance policies in Spain have an upper entry age limit, generally between 65 and 75 depending on the insurer and policy type. Some insurers will consider applications above this range, often with a higher premium or reduced benefit. If you are older, we will look at all available options and be transparent about what is and is not available to you.
Yes. Life insurance payouts in Spain can be directed to beneficiaries living anywhere in the world — in the UK, Ireland, USA, or elsewhere. The claim process for overseas beneficiaries can involve some additional administrative steps, but this is entirely standard. We can advise on the practicalities when arranging your policy.
Yes. Spanish mortgage lenders often require life insurance as a condition of the loan — though they must by law allow you to arrange this through any insurer, not just their own in-house product (which is typically more expensive). We can arrange mortgage-linked life insurance for expats in Spain as a more competitive alternative to bank-tied policies. The cover amount is usually set to match the outstanding mortgage balance.
For English-speaking expats and foreign residents in Spain looking to release equity from their Spanish home — including through a reverse mortgage (hipoteca inversa). All information below is general guidance — a free personalised consultation is available from our team.
A reverse mortgage — sometimes referred to as equity release in Spain — (hipoteca inversa in Spanish) is a regulated financial product governed by Ley 41/2007 that allows a homeowner aged 65 or over to release equity from their primary home in Spain — without selling it and without moving out. The homeowner receives money, either as a lump sum, a monthly income, or a combination of both, and the loan plus accumulated interest is only repaid after death, or if the borrower voluntarily cancels the arrangement.
To qualify for a reverse mortgage in Spain, the following conditions generally need to be met:
Yes. A Spanish reverse mortgage requires either Spanish nationality or a valid Spanish residence card. This means:
If you are unsure whether your residency status qualifies, contact us and we can advise based on your specific situation before proceeding.
You choose. The three main options are:
The amount available depends on your age, the value of your property, and the provider. We arrange a free, no-obligation initial study that sets out the realistic figures for your specific situation before you commit to anything.
No. You retain full legal ownership of the property for the rest of your life. The reverse mortgage is a loan secured against the property — not a sale. You continue to live in your home, maintain it as you see fit, and it remains yours. The lender has a charge (hipoteca) registered against the property title, but ownership does not transfer until the loan is settled by your heirs after your death, or unless you choose to cancel it voluntarily.
When the last titleholder dies, the heirs have 12 months to decide what to do. They have three clear options:
The payments you receive from a reverse mortgage are treated as loan drawdowns — not income — and are therefore not subject to income tax (IRPF) in Spain. This is one of the significant advantages compared to other forms of income for retirees. Key tax points:
As tax rules can change, and as individual circumstances vary, we always recommend discussing the specific tax position with an independent Spanish tax adviser before proceeding.
Yes. You are free to cancel the reverse mortgage at any time — in full or partially. Early cancellation means repaying the outstanding loan amount plus accumulated interest, and a cancellation commission typically applies. The arrangement is designed to be flexible, and many people find it reassuring to know they are not locked in permanently. Full details of the cancellation terms will be explained before you sign anything.
Yes, in principle. You can rent out your property while a reverse mortgage is in place, but you are required to notify the lender beforehand. Since the property must be your habitual (primary) residence for the reverse mortgage to be set up, any rental arrangement entered into after the fact would need to be handled carefully. We recommend getting clear legal advice on rental arrangements once a reverse mortgage is in place.
From the initial free consultation and study through to signing at the notary, the typical timeline is one to one and a half months. The process includes a property valuation (tasación), preparation of the offer documents, the legally required independent advisory report, and the notary appointment. There is no pressure to proceed at any stage — the initial consultation and study are free and completely non-binding.
Typical costs include:
The initial study and consultation with us is free. We will provide a clear cost breakdown in your personalised study before you make any decision.
These are two different ways to unlock property value, with a fundamental difference: with a reverse mortgage (hipoteca inversa), you retain full ownership of your home throughout your lifetime. With nuda propiedad, you sell the ownership (the "bare property") to a buyer immediately, while retaining the right to live there (usufruct) until you die.
Nuda propiedad is a sale — your heirs will not inherit the property. A reverse mortgage is a loan — your heirs can still inherit and settle the debt. For most expat retirees with families, the reverse mortgage is the preferred option because it preserves the inheritance. Which option is better depends entirely on your personal and financial situation.
Yes. Under Ley 41/2007, which governs reverse mortgages in Spain, you are legally required to receive independent advisory advice before signing. This means an independent notary (not the one handling the mortgage transaction) must confirm that you have been properly informed of all aspects of the product — including the costs, the implications for your heirs, and the alternatives available.
This is a consumer protection measure, not a barrier. It is designed to ensure that no one enters into a reverse mortgage without fully understanding what they are agreeing to. We handle all the coordination of this requirement as part of the process.
Spanish insurance comes with its own vocabulary. Here are the terms you are most likely to encounter — explained clearly, without the jargon. Use the search box to find a specific term.
36 terms
No terms found matching your search. Try a different word or ask our team.
Our English-speaking team is available 7 days a week — by phone, WhatsApp, or email. No question is too small, and we never rush you.
