Question
I have pre-existing existing conditions covered by the Veteran’s Administration (US military Healthcare). The VA would cover these conditions while I am in Spain also on a Spain non lucrative visa? If I apply for the NLV how would this work when trying to find a Healthcare plan for the NLV? Has anyone gone through this or have any tips to go about this?
Answers
“No the VA health plan does not qualify. It must be a plan to cover all your medical needs with 0 copay or deductible. VA FMP does not meet this as it only covers service connected disabilities but you must also pay out of pocket first and then get reimbursed by the VA.”
“You need to get a private Spanish health insurance plan. Only list the VA Disabilities that are actually issues not everything you claimed as some claims with the VA could be irrelevant. Those conditions you list will be excluded but the letters will not state that for the visa so you will be fine.
Enroll in FMP as soon as you have a Spanish address. It’s not great, it’s painfully slow reimbursement and they will knit pick it apart for what they will cover. In addition you will have to pay for translations of everything before submitting it to the VA! but fortunately healthcare here is not expensive compared to the US so sometimes it’s not even worth paying for the translations if it was a minor thing.”
“Yes we moved last January and love it. We will never go back to the US. Even vacationing there isn’t appealing now. Eyes have been opened to the world that’s for sure and the US is low low low in comparison to quality of life in Spain and any of the other countries we have traveled to over the last year. Pretty sad actually.”
“I’m planning to move there on VA disability at 100% which is like 4200$ for a family of 3. You think that’s enough for a modest life? I wouldn’t be staying in like Barcelona or Madrid.”
“Its plenty. You will be very comfortable.”
“The IPREM for a family of three is 3,600 Euros. You need to show enough passive income to cover that. At the actual exchange rate, 4,200 USD are 3,614 Euros or almost exactly as the actual IPREM requirement for three people. Now, keep in mind that if the IPREM requirement goes up, or if the U.S. Dollar loses any more value against the Euro, you will not qualify for the NLV with that income.
Do you, or your partner receive or will receive in the near future Social Security? if any of you do, then that could be added to the total family passive income to qualify without any issues, at least on the financial requirement.”
“I didn’t think about the dollar losing value but you are right. Do savings count toward the income? I have about 350k in a 401k and like 100k in money market account.”
“The IPREM has already been adjusted for this year and next in legislation. So for application purposes he’s good to apply. IPREM is also 400% of a local salary. So it’s more then enough to live off.”
“Yes, savings, or liquid cash on hand can be used. You will be fine then.”
“The IPREM did not change with the update to legislation.”
“Absolutely. Your biggest expense is going to be rent.”
“I have fepblue that works in Spain but not for the visa. I have to get private insurance that has zero deductibles and zero grace period. It’s about $125 a month.”
Conclusion
Spainguru community members confirm that for the Spain non lucrative visa, U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) healthcare, including the Foreign Medical Program (FMP), does not meet the visa’s private insurance requirements. The visa demands a zero-copay, zero-deductible Spanish health insurance policy, even if the VA continues to cover certain service-connected conditions while abroad.
Our recommended compliant health insurance.
While VA FMP can be helpful after arrival for service-related treatments, it involves upfront payments, complicated reimbursements, and translation costs. Fortunately, private health insurance in Spain is relatively affordable, and several members mention it costs around $125 per month.
In terms of finances, a VA disability income of $4,200 per month is currently sufficient for a family of three to meet the IPREM financial threshold, but it’s wise to monitor exchange rates and potential changes to income requirements. Savings, such as a 401k or money market accounts, can also support the application.
