Having private health insurance when applying for residency

Unfortunately you need it before

You need it active at the time of the application - and it needs to be paid upfront for the whole year (i.e. not 12 monthly direct debits).

Yeah found out properly today. So much for solicitor saying hang fire the Spanish won't shoot themselves in the foot. Now we're scrambling renting in England and gotan empty apartment in spain you can't make it up. Even the removals is an nightmare if you use a firm as the red tape is manic. But were gonna get there once we're allowed just gonna be a load of faff instead of getting on a plane 

Hopefully you can prove you were living in Spain prior to the end of December last year. Yes you need health care in place for the appointment. Make sure you buy the correct policy as loads were rejected. You need to ensure you buy one for the residencia process.

We went through Tailor Made Healthcare Solutions Spain who were very helpful and will advise you on the correct policy for your residency. We are with DKV and pay monthly and did not have to pay a year in advance. Hope this helps. Good kuck