When you register as an autónomo in Spain, you’ll be assigned a mutua or you will be given the option to choose one. If you are registered as autónomo, you already have one.
A mutua (mutua colaboradora con la Seguridad Social) is a private, non-profit insurance association that works with the Spanish Social Security system.
Your mutua is responsible for managing and paying certain benefits that you’re entitled to as a self-employed worker. These include sick pay, work-related injury cover, parental leave, and in some cases, unemployment support (cese de actividad).
Can I choose my mutua?
Yes, in most cases, you can choose your mutua when you register as an autónomo — either through your gestor or on the Importass platform. If you don’t choose one, you may be assigned one by default.
Some common mutuas in Spain include:
- Mutua Universal
- MC Mutual
- Fremap
- Ibermutua
- Asepeyo
If you’re already registered and unsure which one you have, you can check by logging into the Seguridad Social portal or asking your gestor.
I don’t know the difference between any of them, but it seems like some are related to region and industry.
What does the mutua do for autónomos?
Your mutua handles specific cover and financial support that you pay for through your monthly cuota. This includes:
- Temporary incapacity: If you’re too sick to work (including common illness and injury), they process your sick leave and pay the benefit
- Work-related accidents or occupational illness: If you’re injured on the job or suffer a condition directly linked to your work, they cover related healthcare and compensation
- Parental leave: They manage maternity and paternity benefits
- Cese de actividad: If you close your business and meet the conditions, they process your claim for autónomo unemployment benefit
It’s important to notify your mutua immediately if you fall ill or suffer a work accident. They handle the paperwork and determine whether you’re eligible for payment, and how much you’ll receive.
Can I change my mutua later?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. You can typically request a change at the end of the calendar year, with at least 1 month’s notice. The new mutua will take over from 1 January of the following year. You’ll need to complete a form and notify both your current and chosen mutua, usually through Seguridad Social or your gestor.
My experience getting sick pay
I’ve used my mutua a total (so far) of one time. I had COVID and while I would usually suffer and not claim, I decided to try out the system. I had to go to the CAP first and get a certificate which said how many days off they recommended. Then I went in person to the mutua (mine is Fremap if it makes any difference to the story) and filled in a form. I was paid like €150 a few weeks later.
I think the amount they pay you depends on how much you pay each month. It was during COVID and I couldn’t lodge online at that time. Hopefully the process is updated to digital now. Please feel free to share your experience in the comments or in a message and I could publish it anonymously here to help others.
Bottom line
Mutuas are an essential part of your social protection as an autónomo. Even though they aren’t widely discussed, they’re the ones handling your sick pay, accident cover, and other support when you need it.
If you don’t know which one you’re with, it’s worth finding out because if you ever need to make a claim, they’re the ones who will process it.
