Question
I am under the assumption that those with Spain Non Lucrative Visa must have their own private medical insurance until they gain residency. Is this accurate, and how much are ‘healthy’ 60-something couples paying for medical insurance, please?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group members:
“If you do not have an S1 (Uk retirees may use this form to access Public Healthcare in Spain), then you do need private healthcare for the first year, which would be in the region of €3,000+ for two healthy 60-somethings.
For year 2 onwards, you can join the Spanish system ‘Convenio Especial‘, which is a monthly payment, the amount of which changes depending on age, unless, in the meantime, you are in receipt of an S1. Hope this helps.”
“I thought we needed private insurance to last for five years on the NLV.” – “No, after the first year, you then have the option to join the Convenio Especial system, which provides full coverage.
If you or your husband receive a state pension, you can get full coverage via S1, and the other person can piggyback on the S1.”
“Does the Spanish Convenio Especial cover pre-existing conditions?” – “Yes, it is full coverage. Medicines are not covered though and you must pay full retail price.”
“If you are in receipt of a state pension, you can apply for an S1 and transfer into the Spanish medical system.”
“Thank you, is that before receiving residency?” – “Yes.”
“My husband would qualify for an S1, but I wouldn’t yet. How much does private insurance cost roughly, does anyone know?” – “You may be able to go on the back of his S1.”
“You can definitely piggyback on your husband’s S1. I was in exactly the same situation. When applying for the S1 from the NHS, your husband needs to apply for the S1 by telephone and mention that you require an S1 as well.
The NHS will then send an S1 to each of you. You will both need to take these S1s with you as part of the necessary paperwork to get your visa approved (instead of private insurance).”
“If your husband is of state pension age, then you would qualify as his dependent.”
“We paid €2,200 for the first year, ages 57/59, with Caser private insurance.”
Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, private health insurance is required for the first year under the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) unless the applicant qualifies for an S1 form through a state pension.
The cost for private insurance varies, but estimates suggest €3,000+ per year for a healthy couple in their 60s.
After the first year, NLV holders can join Spain’s public healthcare system through the Convenio Especial, which provides full coverage, including pre-existing conditions.
Alternatively, if one spouse receives a UK state pension, they can apply for an S1 form, and the other spouse can often be added as a dependent.
Applying for an S1 before the NLV application eliminate the need for private insurance, but the process involves submitting paperwork to Spanish authorities once in Spain and effective access to healthcare may take some time, from weeks to months. Prescription costs in Spain may still apply even with S1 coverage, depending on the circumstances.
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