The reality at 70+: most insurers close for new applications
There is no point softening this. At 70+, the majority of mainstream NLV-compliant insurers will decline a new application. The age caps are set by underwriting risk models and they are largely non-negotiable:
| Insurer | Max new applicant age | 70 year old — new application? |
|---|---|---|
| ASSSA | 80+ | Yes — primary recommendation |
| Sanitas | ~70 (borderline) | Possible — case-by-case basis. Enquire directly. |
| Caser | 69 (hard cap) | No — closed above 69 |
| DKV | ~70 | Generally no above 70 |
| ASISA | ~70 | Generally no above 70 |
| Adeslas | ~70 | Generally no above 70 (+ 36-mo contract) |
At 69, Caser is still open (hard deadline at 69). At 69, Sanitas, DKV, and ASISA are generally still open. Once you turn 70, ASSSA is your primary mainstream option. Getting insured before 70 gives you access to more insurers, lower premiums, and the ability to renew with your chosen insurer indefinitely.
ASSSA: the primary insurer for over-70 new applications
ASSSA was established specifically with the expat market in mind and is based in Alicante. It is the only mainstream NLV-compliant insurer that accepts new applications from individuals over 70 — with acceptance up to 80 and beyond.
ASSSA — key facts for over-70 applicants
ASSSA from approximately €130–200/month for a 70–75 year old (indicative — your actual premium is confirmed at quotation). This is meaningfully lower than what Sanitas would charge if they accepted you at the same age.
Sanitas at 70 — worth enquiring
Sanitas does not publish a hard age cap in the same way as Caser (69) or Adeslas. Their acceptance at 70 is handled on a case-by-case basis. If you are exactly 70 and in reasonable health, it is worth contacting Sanitas directly or through a broker to enquire. They may accept; they may decline. The outcome will depend on your health declaration and the underwriting decision at the time of application.
Sanitas at 71–74: possible but increasingly unlikely. At 75+, ASSSA is effectively your only mainstream option for a new NLV-compliant policy.
The practical recommendation: try Sanitas if you are at exactly 70 and want the BLUA app and English doctor filter. Have ASSSA as your confirmed fallback. If Sanitas declines, ASSSA will not.
If you already hold a policy and are turning 70
This is an important distinction. Age caps apply to new applications. If you already hold an active policy with Sanitas, Caser, DKV, Adeslas, or ASISA — and you are about to turn 70 or have already done so — you can almost certainly continue renewing your policy annually as an existing customer.
The strategic implication: if you are in your late 60s and currently uninsured, getting a policy now — with Caser, Sanitas, or any other insurer — locks in your relationship with that insurer and your ability to renew past 70. Waiting until you are 71 to start the process means starting from scratch with significantly fewer options.
If you are already renewing with an insurer past 70, there is typically no need to switch. Stay with your current insurer unless the coverage is materially inadequate.
What does health insurance cost at 70+?
Premiums at 70+ are significantly higher than at younger ages. ASSSA, being the primary insurer for this group, is also the most price-competitive option available. Indicative monthly costs for ASSSA at this age:
| Age | ASSSA approx. monthly premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 70–72 | ~€130–165/mo | New application accepted |
| 73–75 | ~€160–200/mo | New application accepted |
| 76–79 | ~€190–240/mo | New application accepted — enquire directly |
| 80+ | Enquire directly | ASSSA specialist — contact for individual assessment |
Indicative figures only. Your actual premium is confirmed at quotation stage based on health declaration and specific plan tier.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — but your options are significantly reduced. ASSSA is the primary mainstream insurer accepting new applicants over 70, with acceptance up to 80+. Sanitas may accept new applicants at 70 on a case-by-case basis. Caser, DKV, and ASISA all close for new applications around 69–70. If you already hold a policy with any insurer, you can typically continue renewing regardless of age.
Yes. ASSSA is specifically designed for expats and accepts new applicants up to 80+. They are the only mainstream NLV-compliant insurer with this level of flexibility. ASSSA has an English-speaking team, no copayments, and strong coverage in SE Spain. From approximately €130–200/month for 70–75 year olds depending on tier and health declaration.
Most mainstream NLV-compliant insurers cap new applications at 69–70. The exception is ASSSA, which accepts new applicants to 80+ — making them effectively the unlimited-age insurer for the expat NLV market. If you already hold a policy, there is typically no maximum age for annual renewal.
Yes — if you already hold a policy, you can almost certainly continue renewing annually. Age caps apply to new applications, not renewals. This is why getting insured before you turn 70 is strongly advised: once you have an active policy, you maintain that relationship with the insurer indefinitely (subject to continuing to meet payment and declaration requirements).
Get insured now, before you turn 70. At 69, Caser is still open (hard deadline). At 69, Sanitas, DKV, and ASISA are still generally open. Once you turn 70, ASSSA is your primary mainstream option. If you are already 70 or over and uninsured, apply to ASSSA. Sanitas may also accept at exactly 70 — worth enquiring.
Yes. ASSSA is a well-established expat specialist insurer based in Alicante. Their plans are NLV-compliant (no copay, no waiting periods, full Spain coverage, repatriation). They have an English-speaking team and strong networks in SE Spain. The absence of a smartphone app equivalent to Sanitas's BLUA is the main practical limitation — but for many over-70 customers, the telephone and email support from an English-speaking team is entirely sufficient.