Question
In applying for an Spain Non Lucrative Visa, will Spain deny me because of the cancer? I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2025 and have had surgery to remove the cancer. Thankfully it was caught early and no other treatment is required. My hope is to be in Spain by October 2025. Has anyone had experience with this?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“We had to disclose all preexisting conditions when applying for insurance.”
“My insurance will not cover anything related to my cancer (it was 7 years ago) but it did not stop me from getting my NLV.”
“The specific cancer was excluded, not all cancers.”
“Five years in remission seems to be what most insurers look for, though that may vary by company.”
“In my case, there were exclusions but it didn’t stop me from getting the visa or renewing it. The immigration office received all documents, including the exclusions.”
“Some consulates require proof that health insurance covers general medicine, specialists, hospitalization, and emergencies with no co-payments or exclusions. Others may not enforce it as strictly.”
“When I applied in 2017, I couldn’t get covered by any Spanish company due to preexisting conditions but got global health insurance instead. It was expensive but acceptable for the visa.”
“Spain doesn’t deny the visa based on medical history, but your health insurance must meet their standards. Whether the insurer accepts your condition is another matter.”
“Private insurance may exclude your recent cancer, but you can still be granted the visa as long as the policy meets the minimum legal requirements.”
“Some policies do exclude pre-existing conditions, but this doesn’t necessarily disqualify your visa application. However, it’s best to disclose everything and work with a qualified broker or attorney.”
“DKV has been more lenient than other companies according to several expats. It may be worth contacting their agents directly.”
“Some insurers may still exclude your condition, but out-of-pocket costs for private care in Spain are relatively low.”
“Be honest in your application and talk directly with brokers who know the Spanish visa requirements. Don’t rely solely on website applications.”
Conclusion
Members of the Spainguru community report that a cancer diagnosis does not automatically disqualify applicants from obtaining the Spain Non Lucrative Visa. What matters most is whether you can obtain visa-compliant private health insurance.
Spanish immigration authorities focus on whether the policy covers general medicine, specialists, emergencies, and hospitalization without copays or exclusions.
However, insurance companies may still exclude pre-existing conditions, including cancer—especially if it’s recent.
Several expats resolved this by either:
- Using global health insurance plans (e.g., Cigna Global), though they are often very expensive
- Working with specific Spanish insurers like Adeslas DKV or Asisa, which are more flexible depending on your health history
While exclusions might not block your visa, transparency and working with the right broker or agent is key. And even if your insurance excludes coverage for past cancer, Spain may still approve your visa if other requirements are met.
Disclaimer
This article is based on contributions from members of a Facebook expat community and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Visa and insurance policies vary by provider and consulate. Always consult with a professional immigration advisor and licensed insurance broker.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group here!
