Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Can you buy UK prescription meds in a pharmacy in Spain or know any private health insurance that take on pre existing health conditions for a non lucrative Spain visa? I have type 2 diabetes and struggling to get cover for this and need it to get NLV visa some will give you the private health care but exclude type 2 diabetes and no medication.
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“You need health insurance that covers everything for a visa. This is because Spain needs to be assured that you won’t need to use public resources. If your T2 isn’t covered & you become ill because of it, then you may have need to use the Spanish health service. Consequently, they will need you to have health cover that includes all existing conditions. I’m sure there’ll be a company that will cover you for at least the first year, then you could pay to join the Convenio Especial, which will provide you with access to the National Health Service (€60 a month below age 65 & €157 over). But that won’t include prescription costs. I’m T2 & on Metformin 850mg – the full cost is €1.94 a month.”
“I buy all my previous medicine, over the counter at the pharmacy, very cheap, also have Spanish medical card, no need of private insurance.”
“I have type II diabetes and my private medical insurance excluded it and also any form of heart disease as I also have high blood pressure. It was still accepted for residency under the wa. I buy all my medication at the pharmacy. I just show them the empty packages. The only problem was that in the UK I was on slow release Metformin which doesn’t exist here so I am now taking the ordinary 1000mg tablets. I see my private GP for my blood tests and my insurance card is accepted as he doesn’t tell them it’s a diabetic check up. My husband also has anything related to stroke excluded and he also buys his medication over the counter. The majority of our medication is cheap but my BP tablets are 30euros per month.”
“If you’re receiving a UK state pension or a dependant of someone who is, you should be entitled to an S1 from the UK. If this is the case, there would be no need for private insurance for NLV. https://www.nhs.uk/…/moving…/planning-your-healthcare/”
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