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Date Published: 08/05/2026

Common mistakes when choosing health insurance and how to avoid them

Choosing health insurance is one of the most important decisions for ensuring wellbeing and peace of mind. However, many people make mistakes when taking out a policy that can result in less security when facing unforeseen circumstances.

Mistake 1: Choosing based solely on price

One of the most common errors when taking out a medical insurance policy is being swayed by low cost offers without analysing the guarantees and benefits. Health insurance should be considered an investment in peace of mind.

How to avoid it:

Clearly define what you need.
Check the medical centres included and the access to specialists.
Understand the guarantees and exclusive advantages.
Assess the customer service the company offers.
Make sure that the insurer does not increase the price due to age, as is the case with ASSSA.

Mistake 2: Not finding out information about the insurer

It is important to choose an insurer that inspires confidence.

How to avoid it:

Check how many years of experience it has. The insurer ASSSA, for example, has more than 90 years of experience.
Look into its website and the activities it carries out.

Mistake 3: Not checking for lifelong coverage

This could result in a person, already with developed illnesses and of advanced age, having to find another insurer willing to accept them, which can be very difficult.

How to avoid it:

Look for health insurance policies with lifelong coverage, such as those offered by ASSSA.
Make sure they guarantee, by contract, that the policy cannot be unilaterally cancelled.

Mistake 4: Ignoring what co payments are

Co-payments are an amount that must be paid in order to use services included in the policy. They are usually applied to services such as general medicine and specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and therapeutic procedures, and even to hospital admissions and emergencies. Therefore, they can considerably increase the overall cost of the insurance.

How to avoid it:

Check whether the policies do or do not have co payments. In the case of ASSSA, all their insurance policies are without co payments.
Consider options without co payments if you are looking for stability or if you need a Visa or Residence permit.

Mistake 5: Not checking whether it is valid for a Visa or Residence permit

This is an especially relevant mistake for expatriates.

How to avoid it:

Make sure that the insurance meets the legal requirements.
Confirm that it is valid for Residence or Visa procedures in Spain. ASSSA health insurance policies meet the requirements of Consulates and Immigration Offices.

Mistake 6: Filling in the health questionnaire incorrectly

This step is key in the contracting process and is not a mere formality. Answering imprecisely or failing to include medical history can cause problems later on.

How to avoid it:

Answer with complete honesty.
Include the relevant medical history.
Consult the insurance company if you have any doubts.

Mistake 7: Taking out a policy while still having doubts

It is necessary to understand all aspects and concepts clearly.

How to avoid it:

Prioritise insurers that offer personalised assistance and support in several languages, such as ASSSA.
Understand all the conditions.

Choosing well is an investment in peace of mind

ASSSA is a health insurance company with more than ninety years of experience and a high level of specialisation in expatriates. It offers a variety of policies and, in addition, its insurance policies are valid for obtaining a Visa or Residence permit in Spain.

They provide medical, surgical and hospital coverage in all their modalities, as well as lifelong coverage, insurance without co payments, and no increase in the premium due to age. They also have an extensive medical directory with high quality centres, international hospitals with language services, and immediate access to specialists.

Taking out suitable medical insurance not only protects you against unforeseen circumstances, but also guarantees access to quality medical care at the different stages of life.

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