Job Discussion Forums

[Kate58]

I'm going to Spain to teach from Jan-June and am responsible for buying my own health insurance. Does anyone have experience with specific companies to purchase the insurance from? Thank you!

[spiral78]

Please forgive me if this is overly negative, but you indicate that you are posting from the US.

If your citizenship is US only (no additional passport from an EU member country):
Potential serious problems with health insurance (among other things).

January - June will be significantly over the 90 days you get in the Schengen zone as a tourist (google Schengen zone rules if you're not already familiar - you probably are).

Unless you are going on a student visa, or somehow have an employer who has promisted you a legal work permit (and if so, how did he/she do this? it's essentially impossible), you'll be illegal 90 days after you land at the airport.

The problem with health insurance is that, in the case of some problem while you are living/working illegally - they have the option to refuse to pay - regardless.

If you had an emergency, you would be treated (Spanish hospitals aren't going to let you die on the sidewalk like some US ones would) but you could easily be liable for all the bills.

If you are going legally (for sure) it would be very interesting for others if you'd post how you found a legal route. There are very, very few exceptions to the EU-only hiring laws for English teachers.

[Grimace420]

If you are thinking of coming to Spain and spending time here illegally, I would advise against it. You'd better believe that if Spanish insurers have a reason not to cover you, they'll take it.

However, it is true that hospitals will treat you no questions asked. I had severe gastroenteritis with a 40�C fever a few years back and in my delirious state simply went to the nearest hospital available (hardest 400 metres I've ever walked), got seen straight away and was put on a drip and had the normal battery of tests performed. As I was in Spain as a student and with health insurance from MAPFRE, I made the mistake of going to a public hospital instead of a private one that was included in my policy. They sent me a letter charging me 160 euros, which I paid as MAPFRE wouldn't cover me, but not once was I asked if I had insurance or about my legal status in Spain when I was at the hospital and the treatment was prompt and of good quality.

[Kate58]

Thanks for your concerns. I'm going with the CAPS programs on a student visa. It is 100% legal. Just looking for some advice on health insurance. Thanks!

[jr1965]

Kate,

Do you currently have health insurance in the US? If you do, phone your provider and see if your plan covers certain healthcare expenses while you�re abroad. If not, the insurance company may offer a certain type of travel insurance that you can buy.

Keep in mind that there are private options if you need to see a doctor while you�re in Spain (esp if you�re in Madrid), and fees are generally very reasonable, particularly by US standards.

Good luck!

[pr455]

Kate58,

There are MAPFRE, SANITAS, ADESLAS and CASER. Do a search and find out about each one to find quotes.

Suerte,

Shawn