Do I need Spanish residency to get insurance?

No, we help both residents and non-residents. Many of our insurance products are available to non-residents, including car insurance for UK-plated vehicles and health insurance for visa applications.

What languages do you support?

We provide full support in English, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish, and German. All our team members are multilingual, and we can communicate with insurers on your behalf in Spanish.

How quickly can I get insured?

Same-day cover is available for most products. Once you've provided the required documents, we can typically activate your policy within hours. We understand that expats often need quick turnaround times.

Are your broker services free?

Yes, our broker services are completely free. You pay only the insurance premium to the insurer. We're paid commission by the insurance companies, so there's no cost to you for our advice and support.

Can you help with insurance for visa applications?

Absolutely. We specialize in visa-ready health insurance that meets all Spanish visa requirements. We know exactly what documentation immigration offices need and ensure your policy complies.

What if I need to make a claim?

We support you throughout the entire claims process. We'll help you understand what's covered, assist with paperwork, and liaise with the insurer on your behalf in Spanish if needed.

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Understanding Pre-Existing Conditions in Spanish Insurance

A pre-existing condition (condicion preexistente) is any illness, injury, or medical condition that existed before the start date of your insurance policy. Spanish insurers define this broadly -- it includes conditions you have been diagnosed with, received treatment for, or experienced symptoms of, even if not formally diagnosed.

Unlike some countries where health insurance must accept all applicants regardless of health status (community rating), Spanish private health insurance uses medical underwriting. This means insurers assess your health risk and adjust coverage terms, premiums, or acceptance accordingly.

Full Disclosure

Legally required in Spain

6-24 Month Waits

Typical waiting periods

10-40% Loading

Common premium increase

Broker Essential

Specialist help recommended

How Spanish Insurers Assess Pre-Existing Conditions

When you apply for health insurance in Spain, you will complete a health questionnaire (cuestionario de salud). The insurer uses this to decide one of four outcomes:

Acceptance at standard rates

The condition is covered with no extra cost. Common for well-controlled conditions like mild hypertension managed with a single medication, or childhood asthma that is now resolved.

Acceptance with loading (recargo)

The condition is covered but your premium is increased by a percentage (typically 10-40%). Common for type 2 diabetes, moderate asthma, treated thyroid conditions, or stable mental health conditions.

Acceptance with exclusion (exclusion)

You are accepted but claims related to the specific condition are excluded, either permanently or for a set period. Everything else is covered. Common for previous cancer (after 5-year remission), joint replacements, or back surgery history.

Decline (rechazo)

The insurer declines to offer coverage. This is relatively rare but can happen with active cancer, severe organ conditions, or terminal diagnoses. Other insurers may have different criteria -- a decline from one does not mean all will decline.

Common Pre-Existing Conditions: Coverage Outlook

Here is a general overview of how major Spanish insurers typically treat common conditions. Individual results vary based on severity, current treatment, and the specific insurer.

Condition	Typical Outcome	Loading	Waiting Period	Notes
Type 2 Diabetes	Usually covered	10-25%	6-12 months	HbA1c level matters
Hypertension	Usually covered	0-15%	3-6 months	Controlled with medication = better terms
Asthma	Usually covered	0-10%	3-6 months	Mild-moderate well accepted
Thyroid Disorders	Usually covered	5-15%	6 months	Hypo/hyperthyroidism on stable medication
Depression/Anxiety	Varies	10-30%	6-12 months	Mild-moderate often accepted; severe may be excluded
Back Problems	Varies	15-30%	12-24 months	Previous surgery may lead to exclusion
Cancer (5+ years remission)	Varies	20-50%	12-24 months	Cancer-related exclusion common; other coverage normal
Cancer (active/recent)	Often declined	50-100%+	24+ months	International plans may offer better options
Heart Disease	Varies	25-50%	12-24 months	Severity and treatment history key factors

Important: This table provides general guidance only. Each insurer has different underwriting criteria, and outcomes depend on individual medical history, current medication, and overall health profile.

The Disclosure Process: What to Expect

The health declaration process in Spain follows a standard pattern. Here is what to prepare for:

Complete the health questionnaire (cuestionario de salud)

This form asks about your current conditions, medications, surgeries, hospital admissions, and family medical history. Answer every question honestly and completely. If a condition is borderline or you are unsure, declare it.

Provide supporting documentation

For declared conditions, the insurer may request medical reports, test results, or a letter from your current doctor. Having recent reports (within 6-12 months) in English or Spanish speeds up the process significantly.

Wait for underwriting decision

Standard applications take 2-5 business days. Complex medical histories may take 1-3 weeks if the underwriter requests additional information. A broker can follow up and provide context that helps your case.

Review the offer carefully

Check what is covered, what is excluded, any loadings applied, and waiting periods. If the terms are not acceptable, your broker can approach other insurers or negotiate better conditions.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Visa Applications

If you need health insurance for a Spanish visa (non-lucrative, digital nomad, Golden Visa), pre-existing conditions add complexity. Here is what you need to know:

What Consulates Require

*No copays (sin copagos) on all covered services
*No waiting periods -- or a written waiver
*Some consulates insist pre-existing conditions are covered
*Others accept exclusions if everything else is compliant

Strategies That Work

*Request a "coverage confirmation letter" explicitly listing covered conditions
*If exclusions exist, get them documented separately from the visa letter
*Apply to multiple insurers simultaneously for the best terms
*Start early -- underwriting with pre-existing conditions takes longer

Important timing note: If you need visa-compliant insurance with pre-existing conditions, start the process at least 6-8 weeks before your visa appointment. Medical underwriting with supporting documentation takes 2-4 weeks, and you may need to approach multiple insurers to find the best terms.

Tips for Getting the Best Coverage

Prepare recent medical reports

Reports from within the last 6-12 months showing your condition is stable and well-managed carry significant weight with underwriters. Include blood test results (HbA1c, cholesterol, etc.), specialist letters, and current medication lists.

Use a specialist broker

A broker who understands medical underwriting can present your case in the most favourable light, knows which insurers are more flexible with specific conditions, and can negotiate on your behalf. This is not the time to compare quotes online without context.

Consider the public healthcare option

Spain's public healthcare system (Seguridad Social) does not exclude pre-existing conditions. If you become eligible through employment or the Convenio Especial (voluntary contribution), this can be a valuable safety net alongside private insurance.

Investigate international health plans

For conditions that Spanish domestic insurers struggle to cover, international health insurance (from providers like Cigna Global, Bupa International, or Allianz Care) may offer more flexible underwriting. These plans tend to cost more but can be essential for complex medical histories.

Next Steps

Having a pre-existing condition does not mean you cannot get good health insurance in Spain -- it means you need the right approach. The difference between a EUR 50/month policy with full coverage and a EUR 120/month policy with exclusions often comes down to which insurer you approach and how your case is presented.

We work with multiple Spanish and international insurers and understand their medical underwriting criteria. Share your medical history with us in confidence, and we will identify the insurers most likely to offer favourable terms for your specific situation. Our service is free -- we are paid by the insurer, not by you.

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.

Will my pre-existing condition be covered by Spanish health insurance?

It depends on the condition and the insurer. Common conditions like well-controlled diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders are often accepted with coverage, sometimes with a loading (premium increase of 10-40%). More complex conditions like cancer history, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders may be excluded, covered after a waiting period, or declined entirely. Each insurer has different underwriting criteria.

Do I have to declare pre-existing conditions?

Yes, absolutely. Spanish insurance contracts require full disclosure of your medical history (declaracion de salud). Failing to declare a known condition is considered fraud and can result in your entire policy being voided, not just the claim related to that condition. If in doubt, declare everything and let the insurer decide what to include or exclude.

What happens if I do not disclose a pre-existing condition?

Under Spanish insurance law (Ley de Contrato de Seguro), non-disclosure of material health information can result in the insurer voiding the contract entirely. They can refuse all claims -- even those unrelated to the undisclosed condition. In serious cases, they may seek recovery of claims already paid. The risk of non-disclosure far outweighs any perceived benefit.

Can I get visa-compliant insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Yes, though it requires more careful planning. Some Spanish insurers offer visa-compliant policies that accept pre-existing conditions with specific exclusions or loadings. For non-lucrative and digital nomad visas, some consulates require that pre-existing conditions are explicitly covered. Working with a specialist broker who understands both visa requirements and medical underwriting is essential.

How much more will I pay with a pre-existing condition?

Premium loadings vary widely. Well-controlled conditions like type 2 diabetes or mild asthma may add 10-20% to your premium. Conditions requiring ongoing treatment (rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease) may add 20-40%. A recent cancer history (within 5 years) may add 50-100% or result in exclusion of cancer-related claims. Some conditions may be accepted at standard rates if well-managed.

What is the waiting period for pre-existing conditions?

Waiting periods (carencias) for pre-existing conditions typically range from 6 to 24 months depending on the insurer and condition. During this period, claims related to the declared condition are not covered, though all other medical needs are. Some visa-compliant policies waive waiting periods entirely, but this must be explicitly confirmed. Maternity typically has a separate 8-12 month waiting period.

Which pre-existing conditions are hardest to insure in Spain?

The most challenging conditions to insure include: active cancer or cancer treated within the last 5 years, organ transplant recipients, severe mental health conditions requiring hospitalisation, advanced chronic kidney disease (stage 4-5), and HIV/AIDS (though acceptance is improving). For these conditions, specialised international health plans may offer better options than standard Spanish domestic policies.

Can I switch insurers if my condition develops after the policy starts?

If a condition develops while you are insured with a Spanish company, it is covered under your existing policy. However, if you try to switch to another insurer, the new insurer will treat it as a pre-existing condition. This is why many expats stay with their initial insurer long-term, even if premiums increase -- because their conditions are already covered without exclusions.

Health Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions in Spain: What's Covered (2026)

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