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Various kinds of insurance are advisable for foreign residents in Spain. Here is a brief overview:

Health Insurance

Foreign residents are eligible for some treatment under the highly-regarded Spanish national health system, but this is limited. You will need private healthcare - a subscription entitles you to free or reduced-price treatment.

Life Insurance

Spanish banks offering mortgages usually insist that you sign a life policy that guarantees full payment of the sum outstanding on your home, should the main wage-earner die or be unable to work. Such a policy will pay money directly to the bank, not the survivors. Spanish life insurance companies tend to offer a choice between an individual policy (covers only one family member) and a family policy, covering (for instance) both spouses. There is sometimes a discount for choosing family cover.