We bought an apartment and realised we had no life cover in Spain. They helped us choose a term life policy tied to our mortgage, explaining everything in English. It feels like a big weight lifted.
Protect your family's futureTailored for expats in Spain
Life insurance in Spain for expats
Life insurance is about more than money – it's about knowing your family will be taken care of if something happens to you. We help expats in Spain arrange life cover through Caser, one of Spain's longest-established insurers with over 75 years in the market. Clear explanations in English, realistic cover suggestions, and expert guidance for international families, mortgages, and changing plans.
From €10 /monthExample for basic term life cover. Final price depends on age, health and sum insured.
4.8/5
15,000+ expats helpedEN • ES • DE • FIFrom
€10/month
Example for basic term life cover. Final price depends on age, health and sum insured.
Licensed Agent
DGSFP #C0031B93323293
Life insurance at a glance
Who is it for?
Expats, couples, parents, business owners and mortgage holders in Spain who want to make sure their loved ones are financially protected if something happens to them.
Activation time
Once your application is accepted and the policy is issued, cover can usually start within days. Some insurers may require a short underwriting process or medical checks.
Documents needed
ID or passport, residency details, income information, basic health questionnaire and the amount of cover you'd like.
Languages available
We explain everything in clear English and Spanish. Some insurers also provide policy documents and support in other languages.
Life insurance plans for expats in Spain
Choose the level of protection that matches your family's needs and budget
Tier 01
Term Life – Essential
€10–€20/month
- Fixed sum insured (e.g. €50,000–€200,000)
- Cover for death during the selected term (e.g. 10–25 years)
- Option to match term to your mortgage duration
- Premiums often lower at younger ages
- Beneficiaries chosen by you
- No critical illness cover
- No cash value or savings component
Best for
Young professionals or couples starting out in Spain · People who mainly want to cover a mortgage or basic family expenses
Not recommended for
Those wanting combined life + critical illness cover · Very large families or complex financial situations
Most Popular
Tier 02
Term Life – Family Protection
€20–€40/month
- Larger sum insured (e.g. €100,000–€500,000)
- Flexible term options (10–30 years)
- Designed to help cover living costs, debts and education expenses
- Optional add-ons available (accident, disability, etc.)
- Choice of level or decreasing cover
- Cash value normally not included
- Some medical underwriting may be required
Best for
Families with children or dependants in Spain or abroad · Main earners who want enough cover to replace several years of income
Not recommended for
People looking for investment/savings elements · Very short-term expats staying only 1–2 years
Tier 03
Life & Critical Illness – Premium
€40–€80+/month
- Life insurance with chosen sum insured
- Lump-sum payout if diagnosed with a covered serious illness
- Option to use payout for medical costs or to replace income
- Possibility to include total permanent disability cover
- Often includes access to second medical opinion services
- Conditions and illnesses covered vary by insurer (we explain in detail)
- Premiums higher than basic term life
Best for
Families who want broader protection beyond death cover · Main earners worried about the impact of serious illness on income
Not recommended for
Tight budgets focused only on basic death cover · People with complex existing health issues (needs individual review)
Life insurance cost in Spain – what affects your premium
Life insurance premiums depend on your age, health, the coverage amount you choose, and the term length. Request a quote and we'll find the best-fit policy for your situation.
Price drivers
- Age: younger applicants typically pay lower premiums
- Health status: pre-existing conditions may increase costs or require underwriting
- Sum insured: higher coverage amounts mean higher premiums
- Term length: longer terms generally cost more per month
- Smoking status: smokers pay significantly higher premiums
- Add-ons: critical illness, disability cover add to the cost
Example profiles
30-year-old non-smoker, €100k cover: term life, €10-20/month
40-year-old with family, €250k cover: family protection, €25-40/month
45-year-old with mortgage, €300k cover: term life + critical illness, €50-80/month
Couple with joint policy, €400k cover: joint life, €60-100/month
Request a quote and we'll find the best option for your family's protection.
Protect what matters most
Life insurance gives your family financial security if something happens to you
How it works
Getting started is simple with our streamlined process
01
Talk through your situation and goals
We start with a short conversation to understand your family, income, debts, children, and plans. You don't need exact numbers yet – we help you estimate a sensible level of cover.
02
Review your Caser options
We explain the available Caser life insurance plans in plain English — cover levels, terms, exclusions and pricing — so you can make an informed choice.
03
Apply and complete any health questions
We support you through the application process, including health questionnaires and, if required, basic medical checks. You always see the terms clearly before accepting.
04
Your family is protected
Once the policy is active, your beneficiaries will receive a lump-sum payout if something happens to you during the term, according to the policy conditions. We're here to help them navigate the claim process if it's ever needed.
Requirements and documents
Getting life insurance is straightforward. If you're missing any documents, request a quote anyway and we'll guide you through what's needed.
Checklist
- Valid passport or ID card
- NIE (foreigner identification number) if available
- Proof of residence in Spain (empadronamiento)
- Income information (for higher coverage amounts)
- Basic health questionnaire completion
- Medical exam (for larger sums insured or older applicants)
Have health conditions?
Pre-existing conditions don't automatically disqualify you. Many insurers offer cover with adjusted terms or premiums. Tell us your situation and we'll find the best approach.
Coverage overview
What life insurance covers in Spain
Understanding what's included, what can be added, and what's typically excluded
Standard cover
Included
- Lump-sum payout to your chosen beneficiaries on death during the policy term
- Cover for death due to illness or accident (subject to policy conditions)
- Option to link cover amount to a mortgage or specific debt
- Choice of level cover (fixed amount) or decreasing cover (reducing with mortgage)
- Valid cover while living in Spain, subject to residency and policy rules
- Beneficiaries you nominate (family, partner, children, etc.)
- In combined plans: payout upon diagnosis of certain critical illnesses (if included)
Add to your policy
Optional
- Critical illness cover (e.g. cancer, heart attack, stroke – depending on policy)
- Total and permanent disability cover
- Additional accident death benefit
- Higher coverage amounts for families or business owners
- Indexation (automatic increases to help keep up with inflation)
- Joint life cover for couples (one policy covering two lives)
- Business-related life cover (e.g. key person cover for company owners)
Read carefully
Not covered
- Death due to excluded activities (e.g. certain extreme sports if not declared)
- Fraud, misrepresentation or non-disclosure of important health information
- Death in countries under active war or sanctions (depending on policy)
- Critical illnesses not listed in the policy conditions
- Existing serious conditions that were not declared on application
- Non-payment of premiums leading to lapse of the policy
Who can get life insurance in Spain?
Most residents of Spain can get life insurance. Here are some common scenarios we help with regularly.
Expats living in Spain
Whether you're a long-term resident or recently arrived, we find life insurance plans that work for international families with beneficiaries in different countries.
Read our life insurance guideMortgage holders
Many banks require life insurance linked to your mortgage. We help you find competitive standalone policies that often beat what your bank offers.
Read our life insurance guideFamilies with children
Parents want to ensure their children are financially secure. We help calculate the right coverage to protect your family's future.
Read our life insurance guideBusiness owners
Key person insurance protects your business if something happens to you. We help arrange cover that supports both your family and your company.
Read our life insurance guideLife vs funeral insurance?
Not sure whether you need life insurance, funeral insurance, or both? Our guide compares benefits, costs and helps you choose the right protection for your family.
Compare life vs funeral insuranceFor expats with mortgages in Spain, matching your life insurance term to your mortgage duration is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
Why choose us
Why choose us for life insurance?
Here's why thousands of expats trust us with their family's protection
i.
We specialise in expats and international families
Your life isn't 'typical Spanish' – your family, assets and future plans may span several countries. We help you choose life cover that reflects that reality.
ii.
Clear cover amounts, based on your real needs
We don't push the biggest sum insured possible. Instead, we help you calculate what your family would actually need to stay secure.
iii.
Caser: 75+ years of trust
Caser (Caja de Seguros Reunidos), now part of Grupo Helvetia, is one of Spain's longest-established insurers. Your life cover is backed by decades of financial stability and a nationwide presence.
iv.
Support in English throughout the process
From the first call to possible future claims, you have access to English-speaking support so nothing important is lost in translation.
v.
Help for your family if a claim is needed
If the worst happens, your loved ones can contact us for support with the claim process. We can guide them on which documents are needed and what to expect.
vi.
Flexible options as your life changes
Moving house, having children, starting a business – life changes. We help you review your cover over time, so your life insurance stays aligned with your situation.
Term life vs whole life insurance
Best for most expats – affordable protection for a set period
Term life insurance
- Coverage for a specific term (10, 20, 25 years)
- Lower premiums than whole life
- Payout only if death occurs during the term
- Ideal for mortgage protection or while children are dependants
Best for lifetime coverage and estate planning
Whole life insurance
- Coverage for your entire life
- May include cash value component
- Higher premiums but guaranteed payout
- Useful for inheritance planning
Most expats choose term life because it's more affordable and matches their protection needs during key life stages (mortgage, children, etc.). We'll explain both options clearly.
What happens when a claim is made?
01
Your beneficiaries contact us or the insurer directly
02
We help gather the required documents (death certificate, ID, policy details)
03
The claim is submitted to the insurance company
04
The insurer reviews and processes the claim
05
Payout is made to the named beneficiaries
Most claims are processed within 2-4 weeks once all documents are submitted. We support your family throughout the entire process.
Plan for tomorrow, live today
The right life cover means you can focus on enjoying life in Spain
Key Terms
Key life insurance terms in Spanish
Seguro de vida
life insurance
Suma asegurada
sum insured / coverage amount
Prima
premium (the amount you pay)
Beneficiario
beneficiary (person who receives the payout)
Enfermedad grave
critical illness
Plazo
term (duration of the policy)
Cuestionario de salud
health questionnaire
Invalidez permanente
permanent disability
Fallecimiento
death
Póliza
policy
Suscripción médica
medical underwriting
Período de carencia
waiting period / exclusion period
Common questions
Life insurance FAQs for expats in Spain
Anything more specific — call or WhatsApp, we'll pick up.
Do I need life insurance as an expat in Spain?
If someone depends on your income – a partner, children, or even a mortgage lender – life insurance can help protect them if you die. It's especially important for expats, whose families may live in different countries and face extra costs if something happens.
What's the difference between term life and whole-of-life insurance?
Term life covers you for a specific period (for example 20 years). If you die during that period, it pays out. Whole-of-life is designed to cover you for your entire life and is usually more expensive. In Spain, most expats choose term life linked to key needs such as mortgages or raising children.
How much life cover do I need in Spain?
It depends on your income, debts, number of children, and how long you want to protect them. A common starting point is between 5 and 10 times your annual income, plus any major debts such as a mortgage. We help you estimate a sensible amount instead of guessing.
Is life insurance in Spain valid if my family lives in another country?
Yes, in many policies the beneficiaries can live abroad – the payout can be made to your chosen beneficiaries wherever they live, as long as it complies with policy terms and any tax rules. We always check this detail for you before you sign.
Can I get life insurance in Spain if I'm not a permanent resident?
In many cases, yes, but it depends on your specific situation and the insurer's rules. Your residence status, country of origin and length of stay can affect options. Tell us your circumstances and we'll see which insurers are suitable.
Will I need a medical exam to get life insurance?
For smaller covers and younger ages, a questionnaire may be enough. For higher sums insured or older ages, a basic medical exam or tests may be required. We'll tell you what to expect before you apply.
Does life insurance cover COVID-19 or other pandemics?
Many life insurance policies do cover death due to illnesses like COVID-19, but you must check the specific wording and any exclusions. We review the conditions of each insurer so you know where you stand.
What is critical illness cover and do I need it?
Critical illness cover pays a lump sum if you are diagnosed with certain serious illnesses defined in the policy. This money can help with medical costs, adapting your home, or replacing income while you can't work. It isn't mandatory, but it can add an extra layer of security for families.
What happens if I move away from Spain?
It depends on the insurer and policy. Some allow you to keep the policy if you move within the EU or certain countries; others may require you to inform them and adapt cover. If you think a move is possible, we'll prioritise more flexible options.
Are life insurance payouts taxed in Spain?
Tax depends on the relationship between the insured and the beneficiary, the amount and the region (autonomous community) where they live. We're not tax advisors, but we can point you toward general rules and recommend speaking to a tax professional for your specific case.
Can I change my beneficiaries later?
In most policies, yes – you can update beneficiaries if your family situation changes (marriage, divorce, children, etc.). We recommend reviewing this regularly and keeping your policy details up to date.
What if I already have life insurance in my home country?
That can help, but it may not be enough if your main life and expenses are now in Spain. Currency, tax, and legal issues can also be different. We can review your existing cover and show whether additional local life insurance would make sense.
Related guides
Related guides
Life Insurance for Over 50s in Spain 2026
Costs, eligibility, best options and how to get approved as a senior
Read more →Term vs Whole Life Insurance Spain 2026
Key differences between term and whole life, and which fits your needs
Read more →Mortgage Life Insurance in Spain 2026
Is mortgage life insurance mandatory? Bank vs independent policies and how to avoid overpaying
Read more →Life Insurance Cost in Spain 2026
Real prices by age, what affects premiums, and how expats can save
Read more →Life Insurance Exclusions in Spain 2026
Common exclusions, suicide clauses, pre-existing conditions and how to appeal denied claims
Read more →Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions Spain 2026
How to get covered with diabetes, heart disease, cancer history and other health conditions
Read more →Life Insurance Over 50 in Spain 2026
Best options, guaranteed acceptance policies, and what expats over 50 need to know
Read more →Customer Reviews
Customer reviews
4.8/ 5
Based on 847+ reviews from expats across Spain
As the main earner with two kids, I wanted to know they'd be okay if something happened to me. The advisor helped me find a sensible level of cover without overselling.
We're an international family with relatives in different countries. They understood the complexity and made sure the policy would work for our situation.
