Moving to Spain with Pre-Existing Conditions: What Expats Need to Know

Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Moving to Spain with Pre-Existing Conditions: The Question

I am applying for the Spanish Non-lucrative visa. My only concern with moving to Spain is my medical pre-existing conditions.

All insurance companies say they do not cover pre-existing conditions BUT you can still see a doctor and get your medications (if they’re available in Spain). This is so confusing to me.

Does anyone have real experience with this to help ease my anxiety? (I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Mild Depression & Anxiety)

Moving to Spain with Health Conditions: Expat Advice

These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:

“Even if your Spanish insurance will not cover a pre-existing condition, you can always go to a private doctor and pay out of pocket. Seeing a private doctor and paying out of pocket is MUCH less expensive than it is in the U.S. (I have psoriatic arthritis and see a rheumatologist privately.)”

“The cost of medications is typically not covered by private health insurance, but in most cases, they cost far less than in the U.S. However, doctor office visits for doctors in the insurance company’s network are covered without a deductible or copay.”

“Paying out of pocket for things excluded as pre-existing conditions will cost you some money but it won’t bankrupt you. Private pay visits range from 50€ to possibly 200€ in some areas. Medications are, in general, reasonably priced at the pharmacies here. Also, be prepared for changes.

Within a short time of living here in Spain we became much healthier and did not need many of the things that were prescribed in the US. After living in Spain legally for 1 year you will be eligible to buy into the public health system if you choose to. They cover everything, no pre-existing condition exclusions. Great system here, both public and private.”

“I just did some research as we are looking into moving to Valencia this year. I have Adult Onset Dermatitis and am on 2 drugs: Dupixent (injectable) $4k/mo. Currently my work HI pays for it and Opzelura (atopic cream) $2300 and my HI will NOT pay for it.

So I found an allergist who will see me when we go there in 2 weeks for $85 and will give me a prescription for Opzelura which I will get from a hospital pharmacy for $880. If we move I will have to pay for my injectable out of pocket $1300/mo until I get on the government healthcare.

So as you can see, drugs and even an appointment with a private doctor are way less than what we pay here. Btw, I pay for my allergist visit with my health insurance $156 out of pocket.”

“You will need private Spanish health insurance to get the NLV.”

Here’s a curated list of trusted health insurance providers specializing in visa-compliant policies for Spain. These brokers and exclusive agents offer policies tailored to meet the requirements for Spanish visas, including the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV):
[Link to Spainguru’s recommended health insurance providers]

“Yes, some of those brokers do cover people over 65.”

Moving to Spain: Key Takeaways

When moving to Spain with pre-existing conditions, the biggest concern for expats applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is health coverage. While private Spanish health insurance typically excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions, the cost of seeing private doctors and purchasing medications is significantly lower than in the U.S.

Many expats report being able to manage their conditions affordably with out-of-pocket payments. Doctor visits can cost as little as €50–€200, and medications—even expensive ones—are often available at much lower prices through hospital pharmacies.

An added benefit: after legally residing in Spain for one year, NLV holders may be eligible to join the public healthcare system, which does cover pre-existing conditions.

Choosing the right insurance provider and preparing for out-of-pocket medical expenses is key to a smoother transition. Spainguru offers a helpful list of brokers experienced in visa-compliant health plans.

Here are Spainguru’s recommended private NLV compliant health insurances.

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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