IMG Global Health Insurance in Spain

IMG Global in Spain

IMG Global offers the most affordable international health insurance for expats in Spain. Their strategy: high-deductible options that dramatically reduce premiums while maintaining strong coverage limits for major medical expenses.

For Spain specifically, this approach makes sense. Routine healthcare is affordable — a doctor visit costs €50-100, basic lab work €30-60. You can pay these costs out of pocket and save €100+/month on premiums, keeping your insurance for what matters: hospitalization, surgery, serious illness.

Spanish Visa Compliance

IMG Global plans are generally accepted for Spanish visa applications, though you should verify with your specific consulate. Their comprehensive plans include:

• Inpatient and outpatient coverage
• No waiting periods for core benefits
• Coverage valid in Spain for visa duration
• Medical evacuation and repatriation

Documentation

IMG Global provides:

• Certificate of coverage
• Policy documentation showing coverage details
• Letter confirming no waiting periods (upon request)

Request Spanish translation if your consulate requires it.

Network Coverage in Spain

IMG Global's direct-billing network in Spain is smaller than premium competitors. In practice, this means:

• Major hospitals: Some direct billing available in Madrid and Barcelona
• Most care: Pay upfront, then claim reimbursement
• Any provider: You can see any licensed provider in Spain
• Reimbursement: Typically within 5-10 business days

The Reimbursement Reality

Don't let the smaller network deter you. In Spain:

• Doctor visit: €50-100 (pay, then claim)
• Specialist: €80-150 (pay, then claim)
• Hospital stay: IMG can often arrange direct billing for planned admissions
• Emergency: Go to any hospital; sort out payment later

The 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating confirms IMG pays claims reliably. The reimbursement model works fine if you have cash flow to cover upfront costs.

50% Deductible Waiver

Here's a significant benefit for Spain-based expats: IMG waives 50% of your deductible for care received outside the US. If you have a $2,500 deductible, you only need to meet $1,250 before IMG starts paying for care in Spain.

Plans and Pricing

IMG's pricing in Spain is significantly lower than competitors, especially with higher deductibles:

Prices for worldwide coverage excluding USA.

The Math: IMG vs Premium Insurers

Here's what the savings look like compared to premium international insurers:

Over 5 years, these savings add up to $5,000-10,000+ depending on your age and family size.

Choosing Your Deductible

The right deductible depends on your savings and risk tolerance:

• $0-500: Maximum premium, but predictable costs. Good if you use healthcare frequently.
• $2,500: Sweet spot for most expats. Significant savings, manageable risk. With 50% waiver, only $1,250 in Spain.
• $5,000-10,000: Maximum savings. Only makes sense if you have savings to cover the deductible and rarely use healthcare.

vs Spanish Insurers

How does IMG Global compare to Spanish insurers like Sanitas or ASSSA?

Choose IMG Global If:

• Minimizing premium cost is your priority
• You're healthy and rarely use healthcare
• You're comfortable with the reimbursement model
• You might relocate from Spain
• You travel frequently and want worldwide coverage
• You can handle a high deductible financially

Choose a Spanish Insurer If:

• You want the largest local network with direct billing
• You use healthcare frequently
• You're staying in Spain permanently
• You don't travel outside Spain
• You prefer not to pay upfront and claim

See all Spain insurance options →

Using Your Insurance in Spain

For Routine Care

1. See any licensed doctor or clinic in Spain
2. Pay for the visit (€50-150 typically)
3. Get an itemized receipt (factura)
4. Submit via IMG's app or portal
5. Receive reimbursement in 5-10 business days

For Hospital Care

Contact IMG before planned hospitalizations — they can often arrange direct billing with Spanish hospitals. For emergencies, go to the nearest hospital and contact IMG within 48 hours.

IMG Mobile App

IMG's app lets you:

• Submit claims with photos of receipts
• Track claim status
• Access your digital ID card
• Find providers (limited in Spain)
• Contact 24/7 assistance

Language

IMG's customer service is primarily English-based. Spanish documents are accepted for claims without translation.

Who Should Choose IMG in Spain

Common Questions

How does the 50% deductible waiver work?

If your plan has a $2,500 annual deductible, and you receive care in Spain (outside the US), you only pay $1,250 before IMG starts covering costs. This applies to all care outside the United States.

Will my visa application be rejected with a high deductible plan?

It depends on your consulate. Some accept high-deductible plans; others prefer zero or low deductibles. Check with your specific consulate before purchasing. You may need to choose a lower deductible option for visa purposes.

What if I need expensive care in Spain?

IMG covers up to $8M per year. Once you meet your deductible, they cover 100% of eligible costs. For major expenses (surgery, hospitalization, cancer treatment), IMG's coverage is robust despite the budget pricing.

Does IMG cover mental health?

Mental health coverage is limited compared to premium insurers. If mental health care is important to you, consider Allianz Care, Cigna Global, or especially BUPA Global (which offers mental health parity).

Can I increase coverage later?

You can lower your deductible at renewal, but this may require new underwriting. If you develop health conditions while on IMG, upgrading may be difficult. Choose a coverage level you can sustain long-term.

Is IMG financially stable?

Yes. IMG has been operating since 1990 and insures hundreds of thousands of members. Their 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating demonstrates they pay claims reliably. Low premiums don't mean unreliable coverage.