Spanish insurance terms explained in English: the glossary every expat needs
Agency Director | Wealth Protection & Expat Specialist
Spanish policies are usually written in Spanish, and even with a translator app some words are confusing because they don’t match the terms you know from home. Here are the ones our expat clients ask about most.
The people in the policy
Spanish | English | What it means |
|---|---|---|
Tomador | Policyholder | The person who takes out and pays for the policy |
Asegurado | Insured person | The person or thing covered, who may differ from the policyholder |
Beneficiario | Beneficiary | Who receives the payment, for example in life insurance |
Mediador / agente | Intermediary / agent | The person who advises you and manages the policy, like us |
Money terms
Spanish | English | What it means |
|---|---|---|
Prima | Premium | What you pay for the insurance |
Franquicia | Excess (deductible) | The part of each claim you pay yourself |
Copago | Co-payment | A small fee you pay each time you use a health service |
Capital asegurado | Sum insured | The maximum amount the insurer pays |
Infraseguro | Underinsurance | When the sum insured is lower than the real value, which can reduce claim payments |
Valor a nuevo | New-for-old | Replacement at the price of a new item, without deduction for age |
Health insurance terms
Spanish | English | What it means |
|---|---|---|
Carencia | Waiting period | Time after taking out the policy before some services are covered |
Cuadro médico | Medical network | The list of doctors and clinics you can use |
Preexistencias | Pre-existing conditions | Illnesses you had before taking out the policy, often excluded |
Reembolso | Reimbursement | Cover that pays back part of the cost of doctors outside the network |
Our health insurance for expats is issued without waiting periods.
Home insurance terms
Spanish | English | What it means |
|---|---|---|
Continente | Buildings | The structure: walls, roof, fixed installations |
Contenido | Contents | Your belongings and furniture |
Daños por agua | Water damage | Leaks and bursts, one of the most common claims |
Responsabilidad civil (RC) | Liability | Damage you cause to others |
See our home insurance for expats.
Claims and paperwork
Spanish | English | What it means |
|---|---|---|
Siniestro | Claim / incident | The event covered by the policy |
Parte | Claim report | The notification of a claim; parte amistoso is the accident statement |
Perito | Loss adjuster | The expert who assesses the damage |
Condicionado general | Policy wording | The general terms and conditions |
IPID | Product information document | A short standard summary of the main covers and exclusions |
Vencimiento | Expiry date | When the policy ends or renews |
Anulación / baja | Cancellation | Ending the policy; notice is usually required, see how to cancel a policy in Spain |
How we can help
The best glossary is someone who explains your own policy. We go through every clause in English before you sign, at our office in central Murcia or by WhatsApp or video call.
Understand what you’re signing
Contact us and send us any policy you’d like explained.
The second generation leading the agency’s innovation and its national and international growth. He specialises in business protection and investment strategies, and personally leads our advice for the expat community in Spain.
MiFID II certified financial adviser