Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
“Healthcare question. My mom has type 2 diabetes and my dad has high blood pressure, are they not eligible for private health insurance, for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa?
Would they still have to pay out of pocket for medications with or without insurance? Would they get healthcare coverage still, but will they not help them with their conditions? Thanks in advance ☺️ My mom is 70 and my dad turns 69 this year”
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“Meds are not covered regardless but blood pressure meds cost about 5€. If his pressure is controlled by meds he is fine. One of my good friends is diabetic and got his NLV.”
“If your Parents are British and retired they will be entitled to an S1 form from the UK which will give them entitlement to public healthcare here in Spain. Once in the system they will pay a small percentage of prescription costs usually 10% depending which area they are locating to it maybe free as each autonomous region have different percentages. It’s definitely worth having the S1 form.”
“No, unfortunately. From the US.”
“I’m diabetic, 50 and on NLV, can buy meds, sometimes with a private prescription, but private insurance will not cover anything related to the diabetes, after the first yr, you can start laying into the Spanish system, and that’s when you can use them to help.”
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Explore Cities →“So you’ve never had to worry about getting your insulin? Or meds?”
“I knew I was coming for 2 yrs and managed to squirrel away loads of meds, I should be fine, one way to get more from NHS is to tell them, when you decide to come full time, that you’re just travelling for 3 months, and they will give you the meds you need.”
“Oh okay, cool. Yeah they would be moving there permanently.”
“We have ASSSA. After one year you can enter the Spanish healthcare system which covers everything for a small monthly fee.”
Conclusion
Based on the experiences shared by the Spainguru community, having type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure does not automatically disqualify someone from obtaining private health insurance for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa.
However, private insurance typically excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. Medications, particularly for blood pressure, are generally inexpensive in Spain, and some expats bring a stockpile of medication when they first move.
After one year of residence, it’s possible to transition into the Spanish public healthcare system by paying a monthly fee, which then offers comprehensive care. Although the S1 form is not available to Americans, it is an option for British retirees.
Planning ahead and understanding the regional differences in public healthcare coverage and costs is key for managing chronic conditions when relocating under the NLV.
Disclaimer
This article is based on a public Facebook group discussion among individuals sharing personal opinions and experiences about the Spain Non Lucrative Visa and healthcare. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult with a licensed immigration advisor or healthcare provider familiar with Spanish regulations.
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