Guide To Medical Visas For Spain

If you are planning to seek specific medical treatment in Spain, you must apply for a Medical Visa, also known as a Schengen Visa for Medical Reasons. This type of visa is different from a regular tourist visa and requires full documentation proving the medical necessity of your trip. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about obtaining a Medical Visa for Spain.

Spain is renowned worldwide for its exceptional healthcare services and top-notch medical specialists. Many individuals from across the globe travel for medical treatment in Spain due to its excellent public and private healthcare facilities. If you're one of them, it's crucial to understand the process of acquiring a Medical Visa, which grants you temporary access to Spain for your medical needs. This is especially important for those researching medical travel to Spain or a Schengen Medical Visa.

Types of Medical Visas

Visa categories explained

There are two categories of Medical Visas available:

• Category C: This type of visa permits you to stay in Spain for a duration of less than 3 months.
• Category D: If your medical treatment requires a longer stay exceeding 3 months, you should apply for a Category D Medical Visa.

Now, let's take a look at the documentation requirements for obtaining a Medical Visa for Spain.

Required Documents for a Medical Visa to Spain

Key details before applying

Medical Visa applications are relatively straightforward but necessitate specific documents for a successful application process. Typically, the process commences with a Spanish clinic inviting a foreign patient to receive treatment. The clinic must draft an invitation letter detailing the expected duration of the patient's stay. Ensure your chosen clinic is an authorised medical centre, as consulates verify treatment legitimacy.

Before you can travel to Spain for your treatment, you must clarify the following details:

• The nature of your treatment.
• Transportation arrangements.
• Payment method for the treatment.

Documents required

To apply for a Medical Visa, you will need the following documents:

• Invitation Letter: This letter, issued by the clinic in Spain, should state the intended duration of your stay.
• Medical Report: Obtain a medical report from a healthcare professional in your home country, confirming the necessity of treatment in Spain.
• Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport remains valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Spain.
• Two Recent Passport-sized Photos: Submit two recent passport-sized photos of the applicant.
• Medical Insurance: Provide proof of adequate medical insurance coverage for your stay in Spain.
• Payment Confirmation: Include evidence from the clinic in Spain indicating that all treatment fees have been paid.
• Aeroplane Tickets: Present confirmed round-trip plane tickets to and from Spain. In urgent cases, one-way tickets may be accepted if the Medical Visa is issued urgently.

For helpful context when entering Spain for medical treatment, see the guide to Spain entry requirements.

Documents for Companions

Companion requirements

If you are accompanied by someone, this individual must also provide the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Proof of the patient's need for a companion.
• Travel insurance.
• Proof of residence in Spain for the duration of the Medical Visa.
• Round-trip plane tickets to and from Spain.

Employment-Related Documents Required for Medical Visas

Employment and financial proof

If you are employed, you will need to submit:

• Employment contract and Certificate of Employment.
• Permission from your employer allowing you to travel to Spain.
• Payslips from the last 6 months.
• Personal Income Tax Return.

Documents for Self-Employed Applicants

For self-employed individuals, the necessary documents include:

• Business Registration Certificate.
• Business licence.
• Bank statements for the last 6 months.

Those staying longer for major treatment may also find it useful to understand basic financial obligations such as non-resident taxes in Spain.

Documents for Students

Students should provide:

• A letter from their school or university granting permission to travel to Spain.
• Proof of enrollment in the educational institution.

Documents for Retired Applicants

Retired individuals should submit:

• Pension statements from the last 6 months.

Additional Documents for Medical Visas for Minors

Special rules for minors

If the patient is a minor, the following additional documents are required:

• Birth certificate.
• A letter of consent from one or both parents, expressing their consent for the minor to travel to Spain for medical treatment.

It is imperative to note that the document requirements for a Medical Visa are highly specific. Consulates are strict because they must verify treatment necessity, financial ability, and accommodation arrangements. Failure to provide all the necessary documents may result in the rejection of your application by Spanish authorities.

Processing Time for Medical Visas

Visa processing times

Generally, Medical Visas are processed expeditiously, typically taking an average of 15 days to be issued. In urgent situations, Medical Visas can be granted within as little as 3 days. In cases of critical medical conditions requiring immediate attention, a Medical Visa can even be issued within 1 day.

How to Apply for a Medical Visa to Spain

Step-by-step application process

To successfully apply for a Medical Visa, follow these steps:

• Complete the application for a short-stay Medical Visa to Spain.
• Ensure that you have all the required documents for your visa application.
• Schedule an appointment with Spanish authorities.
• Attend the scheduled interview.
• Pay the applicable visa fees. €80 for those over 12 years. €40 for those between 6 and 11 years and free for children under 6 years.

After payment, await a prompt decision from Spanish authorities regarding your visa application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Medical Visa for Spain is a manageable process, provided you gather the required documents and follow the application steps diligently. By preparing the correct documentation and booking your treatment with an authorised clinic, you can ensure a smooth entry into Spain for medical care.

Need visa-compliant private health insurance? Visit the HealthPlanSpain homepage to compare Sanitas plans suitable for medical travel and long-term stays.