You pay from day one, but can you use it?
You’ve found a health insurance policy, paid your first premium and booked a specialist, only to hear you have to wait. This is a waiting period, called carencia in Spanish, and it catches many newcomers off guard.
What is a waiting period?
A waiting period is the time after your policy starts during which some services aren’t yet available. It varies by test and by policy, and it’s set out in the policy’s terms and conditions.
Waiting periods typically apply to higher-cost care. Examples seen in the market include about 6 months for complex diagnostic tests such as MRIs and 8 to 10 months for childbirth. Exact terms differ by insurer and plan. spainhandbook
What does “no waiting period” mean?
With no waiting period, you can use all the cover in your policy from day one. That means no waiting to see a specialist, schedule a test or access hospital care.
Why it matters for your visa
If you’re applying for residency, this isn’t just about convenience. Consulates generally look for a private policy with full coverage in Spain, no copayments and no waiting periods. A policy that doesn’t meet these criteria can cause problems with your application.
[Add: how Innoinsure’s visa-ready policies meet this requirement, and which visa types it covers, such as non-lucrative, digital nomad and work visas.]
Waiting period vs. no waiting period
|
|
With waiting period
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No waiting period
|
|---|---|---|
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Access to services
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Some services delayed
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All covered services from day one
|
|
Premium
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Often lower
|
Often higher
|
|
Visa suitability
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Often not accepted
|
Generally accepted
|
|
Best for
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People who don’t need the policy for a visa and rarely need specialist care
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Visa applicants, families, and anyone who wants immediate cover
|
What about dental?
Dental waiting periods work differently. Dental plans may have their own conditions, so check:
- Are check-ups and emergencies available immediately?
- When do discounts on fillings, orthodontics or implants start?
- How are existing conditions treated?
Questions to ask before you buy
- Which services have a waiting period, and for how long?
- Does this policy meet my visa’s requirements?
- Can waiting periods be waived if I’m switching from another policy?
- Are there any copayments?
- Does it cover emergencies during the waiting period?
Key takeaways
- A waiting period delays some services after your policy starts.
- “No waiting period” gives you full cover from day one.
- Visa applicants usually need a policy with no waiting periods and no copayments.
- Always read the terms and conditions, not just the price.
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