Question
At what point do you have to declare your pre-existing health conditions when applying to a Spanish Non Lucrative Visa? I have quotes from three health companies but none of them have asked for any details of our health.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Typically, health insurance companies require you to complete a medical questionnaire during the application process, where you should disclose any pre-existing health conditions. It’s a bit unusual that the companies you’ve received quotes from haven’t asked for this information yet.
It’s important to check their policy terms or contact them directly to inquire about their process for declaring pre-existing conditions. Not disclosing such information upfront can lead to issues later, such as claims being denied. Have you reviewed all the application documents or spoken to a representative from these companies for clarification?”
“What we learned was once you decide on an insurance provider and plan, they will send you a health questionnaire, which is where you disclose any preexisting conditions. Just be aware that those will then be excluded from coverage.”
“Don’t try to “lie” as they will find out and deny claims.”
“Insurance won’t cover medications; you’ll need to pay for them.”
“Not for pre-existing conditions. However, it’s possible that even if you pay the full retail price, your medication could still be cheaper than the copay in the States.”
“For my first year here, I took our private insurance for the Spanish non lurcrative visa. The quote remained the same but they excluded my pre existing conditions. This year we took out the Spanish Convenio Especial. €60 a month till 65 but covers everything. You have to be resident in Spain for 1 year to qualify.”
“The convenio especial is free in Cataluña.”
“I take medications for blood pressure and cholesterol, but assume those aren’t pre-existing conditions since they vary based more on diet. Anyone know? (I didn’t follow through as initial quote seemed ridiculous at 5600€ for us. I’m 75 and wife is 64 (with no meds).”
Conclusion
The journey to securing health insurance for the Spanish non lucrative visa with pre-existing health conditions involves careful navigation and transparency. Applicants must declare these conditions during the insurance application process, often through a medical questionnaire provided by the insurance company.
Coverage exclusions for these conditions are common, and applicants should prepare for the possibility of paying out-of-pocket for medications related to pre-existing conditions. However, the Spanish healthcare system offers alternatives like the Convenio Especial, providing broader coverage after a year of residency.
It’s essential to communicate openly with insurance providers and understand the terms thoroughly to avoid complications and ensure adequate coverage.
Related reads
What do ‘existing medical conditions’ mean for a Spanish private health insurance cover?
