Life Insurance with Pre-Existing Conditions in Spain (2026): What's Possible, What Gets Excluded & How to Get Approved
If you're an expat in Spain with a pre-existing condition, you can often still get life insurance—but you need to approach it differently. The insurer's decision is rarely 'yes or no' based only on the condition name. What matters is severity, stability, treatment history, and time since diagnosis.
Can Expats with Pre-Existing Conditions Get Life Insurance in Spain?
In many cases, yes. Most insurers will review your health profile and decide based on stability, treatment history, and risk level. Outcomes range from standard approval to approval with exclusions, higher premiums, or decline.
- Approved at standard price (low-risk, stable condition)
- Approved with exclusions (specific condition excluded from cover)
- Approved with a higher premium (risk loading)
- Declined (high risk / unstable / recent major event)
What Counts as a "Pre-Existing Condition"?
A pre-existing condition usually means any illness or diagnosis you had before the policy starts, especially if:
You have ongoing medication
You're receiving active treatment
You have regular follow-ups
It has long-term implications (e.g., cardiovascular risk)
Note: Even common issues (high blood pressure, anxiety treatment, thyroid medication) can be considered pre-existing conditions by insurers.
How Underwriting Works in Spain (What Insurers Look At)
Spanish insurers don't just look for a diagnosis—they look for risk signals. The most important factors are:
Stability
- • Have symptoms been controlled?
- • Have you had complications recently?
- • Has treatment changed in the last 6–12 months?
Time Since Diagnosis or Major Event
- • Longer time since diagnosis = better
- • Longer time since hospitalisation or surgery
- • Longer time since flare-ups (for inflammatory conditions)
Medication and Intensity of Treatment
- • One stable medication vs multiple changes
- • Dosage stability
- • Specialist care and follow-ups
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
- • Smoking status
- • Obesity
- • Uncontrolled cholesterol/blood pressure
- • Alcohol issues
Coverage Size
The higher the requested capital, the stricter the underwriting. Larger policies invite more scrutiny.
Conditions That Are Often Easier to Insure (If Stable)
These are often insurable when controlled and stable (insurer-specific):
Important: "Easier" does not mean guaranteed. It means insurers commonly offer either standard or slightly adjusted terms if everything is stable.
Conditions That Are Often Harder (And Why)
These tend to trigger exclusions, higher premiums, or declines—especially if recent or severe:
The key isn't the label—it's the risk profile (recent events, complications, ongoing instability).
What "Exclusions" Actually Mean (And Why They Matter)
If a policy is "approved with exclusions," it usually means:
The policy is active, but claims linked to the excluded condition may not be paid
Example: If heart disease is excluded, a death claim linked to cardiac causes may be rejected (depending on wording).
You must read exclusions carefully. A vague exclusion can make the policy less useful than you expect. Ask for clarification if needed.
Mortgage Life Insurance and Pre-Existing Conditions
If you're buying property in Spain, the bank may push life insurance. If you have a pre-existing condition, three things matter:
The bank's minimum requirement
Coverage amount + structure required by the lender
Whether the bank accepts an external insurer
Some banks require their own policy; others accept alternatives
Whether you can meet the requirement with a policy that has exclusions
A bank-linked policy may approve with limitations; an external insurer may offer more flexibility
Best approach: Compare both bank-linked and external options. The right choice depends on your specific health situation.
How to Apply Strategically (So You Don't Get Stuck)
Apply Before You "Need It Urgently"
If you wait until the mortgage signing or visa deadline, you lose negotiating time. Apply early.
Know Your "Clean Story"
You don't need to overshare, but you do need consistency:
- • Date of diagnosis
- • Current medication
- • Last major event
- • Current status ("stable", "no hospitalisations in X years")
Choose a Realistic Coverage Amount
If you request a very high capital, you increase underwriting friction. Consider mortgage balance coverage + small buffer, then optional separate family protection later if needed.
Don't Hide Information
Incorrect disclosures can lead to claim disputes later. The goal is approval on terms you can trust.
Compare Insurers (Very Important with Conditions)
Different insurers have different risk appetite. A decline from one does not mean a decline from all.
If You're Declined: What to Do Next
Being declined is frustrating, but it's not always the end. Options include:
Try another insurer (different risk appetite)
Reduce coverage amount
Remove disability add-ons
Consider simplified/senior products
Consider alternative protection (funeral insurance, savings buffer) if life insurance isn't feasible. If your condition stabilises over time, you may be able to reapply later.
Common Mistakes Expats Make
Expert Insight: The Truth About Pre-Existing Conditions
"The biggest mistake I see is people not applying because they assume they'll be declined. In reality, most common conditions—diabetes, thyroid issues, controlled blood pressure, even treated anxiety—are often insurable. The key is applying to the right insurers, being completely honest, and having your medical documentation ready. A broker who knows which insurers are flexible for specific conditions can dramatically improve your outcome."
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
Decision Framework: Your Pre-Existing Condition Application Strategy
Follow this 5-step strategy to maximize your chances of approval:
Document Your Stability
Before applying, gather:
- • Latest blood test / check-up results
- • List of current medications with dosages
- • Letter from your doctor confirming condition is stable
- • Timeline of diagnosis, treatment changes, hospitalizations
Assess Your Risk Category
Lower Risk
Thyroid, mild asthma, controlled BP, anxiety with stable treatment
Medium Risk
Type 2 diabetes, history of depression, high cholesterol
Higher Risk
Heart disease, stroke history, cancer in remission
Choose the Right Coverage Amount
Lower coverage = easier approval. Start with what you absolutely need:
- • For mortgage: Match the outstanding balance
- • For family: 2-3 years of essential expenses
- • Avoid padding with "nice to have" amounts
Apply to Multiple Insurers
Different insurers assess conditions differently. One may decline while another offers standard rates. A broker can submit to multiple insurers simultaneously.
Understand Your Options If Declined
If you're declined, you can:
- • Wait 6-12 months and reapply with updated medical evidence
- • Try specialist insurers that focus on higher-risk profiles
- • Accept a policy with exclusions (better than no coverage)
- • Apply for lower coverage amounts
Golden Rule
Always disclose everything honestly. Non-disclosure can void your policy at claim time—when your family needs it most. A policy with exclusions or higher premiums is infinitely better than one that doesn't pay out.
Next Step
If you tell us:
- • Your age range
- • The coverage amount you want
- • Your condition category (e.g., heart / diabetes / thyroid / mental health) and whether it's stable
- • Whether this is for a mortgage
…we can recommend the cleanest application strategy and the most realistic structure.
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German, Swedish
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Can I get life insurance in Spain if I have a chronic condition?
Often yes, especially if the condition is stable and controlled. Terms may vary—you might be approved at standard rates, with a loading, or with certain exclusions.
Will I always pay more with a pre-existing condition?
Not always. Some conditions may be accepted at standard rates if low risk. Others will require a loading or exclusion depending on severity and stability.
Can insurers exclude only the condition but still insure me?
Yes, that's common. The policy is active, but claims linked to the excluded condition may not be paid. Always read exclusion clauses carefully.
What if I had cancer?
It depends on the type, stage, treatment, and how long you've been in remission. Some cases can be insurable after a number of years in remission.
Should I apply through the bank or privately?
Get both options. Banks may bundle insurance with mortgages, but external insurers may offer better underwriting flexibility for complex health situations.
Do I have to disclose all my medical history?
Yes. Non-disclosure can void your policy. Be complete and accurate—insurers often verify claims against medical records.
How long do I need to be in remission for cancer to be insurable?
Typically 3-5+ years, but it varies by cancer type, stage, and insurer. Some low-grade cancers may be insurable sooner.
Can I get life insurance with diabetes in Spain?
Often yes, especially Type 2 if well-controlled. Expect detailed health questions and possibly higher premiums or exclusions if there are complications.
What happens if my condition improves after I get the policy?
You can request a review, but insurers aren't obligated to change terms. Some may reduce exclusions or premiums with documented improvement.
Is mental health history a barrier to life insurance?
Not necessarily. Mild, stable conditions with consistent treatment are often insurable. Severe or recent episodes may lead to exclusions or higher premiums.
Can I appeal if my application is declined?
You can ask for reconsideration with additional medical evidence, or apply to a different insurer. Some specialize in higher-risk profiles.
Should I use a broker for pre-existing condition applications?
Often yes. Brokers know which insurers are more flexible for specific conditions and can present your case more effectively.
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