Ukrainians traveling abroad are often faced with the need to obtain insurance. However, in the conditions of war, loss of housing, work and stable income, a large number of people consider insurance not as a priority, but as a formality. This is a misconception. Especially when it comes to moving to Spain, a country with clear requirements for a medical policy, regardless of the person’s status: tourist, student, employee or refugee. In 2025, the rules remain strict and inspections are regular. Therefore, it is important for Ukrainian citizens to understand exactly which policy they need, in which cases it is mandatory, how to avoid common mistakes, and what you need to know before applying for a visa, boarding a plane, or crossing the Schengen border.
Insurance for those planning a short-term trip
If a Ukrainian enters Spain under the visa-free regime or with a Schengen tourist visa for a period of up to 90 days, he must have a valid medical policy. It is checked both when submitting documents for a visa and at the border at airports or automobile checkpoints. Without it, you may not be allowed to enter the country.
The policy has:
– to cover at least 30,000 euros of medical expenses;
– be valid throughout the territory of the Schengen zone (and not only in Spain);
– include costs related to COVID-19, body repatriation or medical evacuation;
– being without franchises (co-payments) is especially critical for visa cases.
The most affordable basic policies cost approximately from UAH 250 to UAH 700 per week of travel, depending on the age of the person, the company and the amount of coverage. It is important to check the conditions carefully: some inexpensive insurance products do not cover outpatient care or contain a hidden deductible – for example, you pay the first 100 euros yourself.
Insurance for those traveling to Spain for study, employment or family reunification
Applying for a long-term visa to Spain – student, work or reunification – requires private health insurance that meets a number of clear requirements. Standard travel policies are not suitable here.
It is necessary to provide a contract with a Spanish or international insurance company, which:
– provides full coverage without any restrictions on the territory of Spain;
– includes both outpatient and inpatient medical care;
– does not have deductibles, co-payments or exclusions for the main types of treatment;
– valid for the entire period of stay, which is declared in the visa application.
This type of policy costs between €30 and €80 per month, and some private clinics offer comprehensive service packages along with visa support. Spanish consulates avoid cooperation with little-known insurance companies, so it is advisable to take out a policy from a proven provider with a European license.
What to do for those who have received temporary protection in Spain
Ukrainians who received the status of temporary protection (resguardo de protección temporal) have the right to free medical care within the framework of the Seguridad Social system — the Spanish state health care system. After registration and receiving the relevant document, the person is attached to the local medical center (centro de salud) at the place of residence and gets access to a full range of services: general practitioner consultations, prescriptions, vaccinations, laboratory, hospitalization. Additional private insurance is not mandatory in this case.
However, for people who are just planning to apply for temporary protection, having a travel or basic medical policy for the period before the status is issued remains a mandatory condition. This is especially true when traveling by plane or crossing a border from another Schengen country.
What risks should the policy cover and what to pay attention to
A policy that meets the requirements of Spanish law and EU standards must cover:
– medical expenses in case of acute illness or injury;
– hospitalization in a clinic;
– evacuation to Ukraine if necessary (repatriation);
– treatment of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases;
– basic legal assistance or interpreter services in a medical institution.
Particular attention should be paid to the deductible (exceso/franquicia) – this is the amount you pay yourself before the insurance kicks in. For example, a deductible of €100 means that all expenses up to this amount are not covered.
Where to get insurance: proven services and companies
Ukrainians can use both Ukrainian online platforms and websites of international companies:
– VUSO — Ukrainian insurance with online registration, detailed conditions, chat support and a mobile application.
– EKTA — specializes in travel insurance, with a focus on short-term trips.
– AXA Seguros is a Spanish giant of the insurance market, offering both basic and premium policies without deductibles, access to private clinics, dentistry, tests.
– Adeslas, Sanitas, Asisa are large Spanish companies that cooperate with the government and migration services.
Most providers offer an English or Spanish version of the contract – this is a necessary condition for submission to the consulate.
Common mistakes: how not to spoil documents or not be left without help
- The policy is only for part of the trip. If you apply for a visa for 90 days, and the policy is issued for 14 days, the refusal is guaranteed.
- No COVID coverage. Most Schengen countries still require the inclusion of infectious diseases in the policy conditions.
- The selected country is only Spain. If you are entering through Poland or Romania, the policy must cover the entire Schengen area.
- Franchise. This is the most common reason for visa refusal. Only policies without co-payments are suitable for migration cases.
- Unknown insurer. Consulates and border guards may not accept a policy from an unknown or unregistered company.
Health insurance for traveling to Spain is not a formal requirement, but a real protection tool in a new country. For Ukrainian refugees, tourists, students or seasonal workers, the right policy can be decisive: whether you will be allowed into the country or whether you will receive help if you suddenly fall ill. In a situation where every step abroad is a step into an unfamiliar environment, health insurance is your only protection against the unexpected. In wartime, it is also moral support. Don’t neglect something that can save life.
