Pre-Existing Conditions and Health Insurance in Spain
Coverage for pre-existing conditions in Spain varies by health insurance plan. If you qualify for public health insurance in Spain, you will have coverage for your pre-existing conditions. Private health insurance providers may cover pre-existing conditions at a greater cost.
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Are you an expat with pre-existing conditions looking for guidance on how to find health insurance for your move to Spain? This article from the insurance experts at Pacific Prime can help you find the answers you’re looking for.
We will explain what counts as a pre-existing condition, tell how to find coverage in Spain, and recommended health insurance providers. Keep reading to learn more about health insurance in Spain, or use our free quote tool to begin comparing health insurance plans.
What Counts as a Pre-Existing Condition
Any illness, injury, or condition that occurs before an expat starts their new health insurance plan can be considered a pre-existing condition. This also includes any symptoms that expats may have received medical treatment, diagnosis, or advice for.
Pre-existing conditions can include many different conditions, but we have listed a few of the most common below:
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Cancer
- Lupus
- Epilepsy
- Sleep apnea
- Pregnancy
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Less severe conditions, such as asthma and acne, can also be included as pre-existing conditions. What an insurance company deems a pre-existing condition can vary slightly depending on the company.
Challenges with Finding Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions in Spain
It can be difficult to find coverage for pre-existing conditions due to some private health insurance providers denying the coverage. Expats may find the process discouraging.
Insuring a person with a pre-existing condition is a predictable financial risk that some insurance companies do not want to take. They may either exclude coverage for these conditions completely or charge higher premiums.
Finding the right health insurance option for your needs is key to getting coverage for pre-existing conditions in Spain.
Health Insurance Options for Pre-Existing Conditions in Spain
Expats in Spain have the option of using private or public health insurance to cover their pre-existing conditions. Not every expat may qualify for public health insurance, and they may be required to have private health insurance, depending on their visa.
Private Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in Spain
Some private health insurance plans may cover pre-existing conditions in Spain in return for higher premiums, exclusions, or waiting periods. When applying for private health insurance, an expat must disclose their pre-existing conditions to the insurance company.
Once the insurance company has this information, it can decide how to move forward with the coverage. Some options they may take are:
- Exclusion of the Condition: The insurer may cover all of the expat’s medical expenses, but not the pre-existing condition. Any claims related to the pre-existing condition will not be covered.
- Coverage with Higher Annual Premiums: The insurer may provide coverage for pre-existing conditions in exchange for raising the annual premium.
- Waiting Period or Moratorium: The insurer may cover the condition after premiums have been paid for a predetermined waiting period. A moratorium is when the insurer uses the waiting period to determine whether or not it is worth the financial risk to cover the pre-existing conditions.
- Limit of Benefits for the Condition: The insurer may choose to cover the pre-existing condition, but at a lower limit on the benefits that can be claimed relating to the pre-existing condition.
Public Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions in Spain
Expats with pre-existing conditions can find coverage through Spain’s public health insurance, Sistema Nacional de Salud (National Health System). This public health insurance covers all Spanish citizens, permanent residents, and expats who contribute to social security through work.
The Spanish National Health System covers many medical services, with the following being some of the benefits:
- General practitioner and specialist visits
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Emergency care
- Diagnostics
- Palliative care
- Medical transport
Spain’s healthcare system is decentralized, which means that healthcare is overseen by the region. Because of this decentralized system, healthcare services covered by the National Health System may vary by region.
This public health insurance does not cover all medications, dental services, and eyeglasses. Expats looking for a more comprehensive option of coverage can purchase supplemental private health insurance.
Expats who are not working in Spain and aren’t permanent residents will not qualify for this health insurance. They will need to purchase their own private health insurance to stay protected and to meet visa requirements.
They may also apply for Convenio Especial, a paid, voluntary scheme that is offered by the regional healthcare authorities within the SNS. It’s aimed at people who do not qualify for the SNS, but are still legal residents and have been in Spain for a year.
This option allows expats to buy into Spain’s public healthcare coverage for a monthly fee.
Recommended Health Insurance Providers for Pre-Existing Conditions
Some of the top recommended health insurance providers for pre-existing conditions are Cigna Global and Allianz. These health insurance companies require full medical underwriting for all applicants and will decide how to handle applicants’ pre-existing conditions after.
Cigna Global and Allianz may choose to cover the pre-existing condition if it is minor or stable, or they may cover it at a higher premium. It is important for you to disclose your medical information completely and thoroughly when you apply.
Cigna Global Plans for Spain
Cigna Global is one of the most popular international health insurance providers due to their high benefit limits and customizable plan options. After the medical underwriting, they may decide to cover pre-existing conditions depending on their severity.
Expats can choose between Cigna’s Global Health Option plans in Silver, Gold, and Platinum. There is also Close Care plan, a cheaper health insurance plan with a smaller global network, but it may require optional add-ons to fit Spain’s visa requirements.
We have compiled the main core benefits of these plans in the table below.
| Cigna Global Plan Benefits for Spain | ||||
| Platinum | Silver | Gold | Close Care | |
| Annual benefit limit | Unlimited | USD $2,000,000/EUR €1,600,000 | USD $1,000,000/EUR € 800,000 | USD $500,000/around EUR € 422,00 |
| Area of coverage | Worldwide options | Worldwide options | Worldwide options | Spain and home country |
| Hospitalization and surgery | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient care and private room | Covered | Covered | Covered | Covered for a semi-private room |
Allianz Plans for Spain
Allianz Care is a leading international health insurance provider that offers full medical underwriting, meaning some pre-existing conditions may be accepted. They may also use moratorium underwriting, under which previously excluded conditions may become eligible.
Expats in Spain can choose between Allianz’s three Core plans: Care Base, Care Enhanced, and Care Signature. Once you have selected the Core plan you prefer, you can add additional coverage. Additional coverage is available through Allianz Care’s Outpatient plan and Dental plan.
We have listed the core benefits below.
| Allianz Care Core Plan Benefits for Spain | |||
| Care Base | Care Enhanced | Care Signature | |
| Annual benefit limit | EUR € 1,000,000/USD $1,350,000 | EUR € 2,000,000/USD $2,700,000 | EUR € 3,703,705/USD $ 5,000,000 |
| Private hospital accommodation | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient surgical fees | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient prescriptions | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Inpatient diagnostic tests | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can private health insurance cover pre-existing conditions in Spain?
Private health insurance in Spain may cover pre-existing conditions, depending on the provider and the policy. Some private health insurance providers may cover these conditions with higher premiums or with waiting periods for coverage.
Can expats with pre-existing conditions get international health insurance?
Expats with pre-existing conditions can get international health insurance for their time abroad. Depending on their plan, they may have to pay higher premiums for their coverage, or their pre-existing condition may be excluded.
Can American expats in Spain use their US health insurance?
American expats in Spain cannot use their US health insurance to pay medical fees. US health insurance is only valid within the US, and they will need to either pay out of pocket for medical services in Spain or find a private health insurance plan.
Conclusion:
Expats with pre-existing conditions moving to Spain can find health insurance coverage through public or private plans. Not every expat in Spain is eligible for public health insurance and will need to find their own private health insurance policy to stay covered abroad.
Are you ready to find coverage for your pre-existing conditions? Let the insurance experts at Pacific Prime help you find the right health insurance plan. As a global health insurance broker who specializes in expat health insurance, Pacific Prime can offer a wealth of professional expertise.
We offer free and unbiased advice. Contact Pacific Prime to discuss a range of Spain health insurance plans available for you, your loved ones, or your group. To get a no-obligation, free price comparison quote, visit our website today!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our other articles on topics other expats in Spain may be interested in below!
- Health Insurance for Retirees in Spain: Coverage for Over-60s
- How to Get Health Insurance in Spain: Step-by-Step for Expats
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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