It may be possible to get private health insurance in Spain with a pre-existing condition — but it depends on the condition, severity, treatment history, medication, recent tests, current symptoms and the insurer's underwriting decision. Some conditions may be accepted, some may be excluded, some may need more information, and some may lead to refusal. This page explains the reality honestly, so you know what to expect before you apply.
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The honest answer
Yes, sometimes — but it is not guaranteed. Whether you can get cover, and on what terms, comes down to your medical history and the insurer's underwriting decision. The factors that matter most include:
Definition
A pre-existing condition is generally any medical condition you have, or have had, before taking out a new policy. Common examples include:
Underwriting
Sanitas assesses applicants with medical history through underwriting — a review of your declared conditions and supporting medical information. Depending on the condition, Sanitas may ask for:
Based on that review, there are several possible outcomes — explained in the next section.
Outcomes
It helps to know the realistic range of outcomes before you apply, so there are no surprises:
| Outcome | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Accepted normally | Policy issued without a specific exclusion |
| Accepted with an exclusion | Policy issued, but treatment related to the condition may not be covered |
| More information requested | The insurer needs reports or test results before deciding |
| Postponed | The insurer may want more stability or more time since treatment |
| Declined | The insurer is not willing to offer cover |
Exclusions
An exclusion means the policy may still cover unrelated healthcare, but it may not cover treatment, tests, complications or follow-up related to the excluded condition.
Example: if a heart condition is excluded, the policy may not cover cardiology consultations, tests, treatment or hospitalisation linked to that condition — while still covering other, unrelated healthcare.
Visa impact
This needs care. A policy can be issued and still carry exclusions — it is still private insurance, but it may not always be ideal for a visa file if the exclusion is significant. For routes such as the NLV, Digital Nomad Visa, Student Visa, EU residency and family applications, you may need a policy that clearly satisfies the healthcare requirement.
Switching
Switching insurer with pre-existing conditions can be more complicated than applying with a clean medical history. If you are switching from another Spanish insurer or from Bupa, continuity may help in some cases — but it does not guarantee automatic acceptance or full cover.
Bupa transfer
If you already have Bupa cover and are moving to Spain, a Bupa to Sanitas transfer may help preserve continuity, subject to documentation and approval. Because Sanitas is part of Bupa, your previous membership may be taken into account. However:
By condition
Every case is individual, but here is the kind of information Sanitas typically wants to see for some of the conditions we are asked about most. This is general guidance, not a coverage promise.
May require details of type (1 or 2), medication, recent HbA1c, control, and any complications affecting the eyes, kidneys or heart.
Often depends on how well it is controlled, current medication and any wider cardiovascular history.
May depend on current medication, cardiovascular risk factors, whether there is any related heart history, and whether it is controlled.
Common and usually straightforward to declare. The condition, the medication and the fact that it is stable are the main points.
If you are waiting for tests, scans, specialist results or a diagnosis, Sanitas may ask for the outcome before confirming terms. Applying while something is unresolved can be more difficult than applying once the situation is clear.
Even if your condition is well controlled, mild, historic or managed with medication, it may still be relevant to the health declaration and should be declared.
May need cardiology reports, test results, the diagnosis, treatment history and any surgery or procedure details.
Usually depends on the cancer type, stage, treatment, time since remission, latest scans and oncology reports.
May require specialist reports, current medication, flare history and any hospitalisation history.
May require MRI reports, treatment history, surgery history, pain management and current symptoms.
May depend on the diagnosis, medication, any hospitalisation history, stability and ongoing treatment.
Pregnancy is not treated like a standard pre-existing condition in every context, but maternity cover has strict rules, waiting periods and limitations. If you are already pregnant, you must check cover carefully before applying.
Be honest
Yes — always. You should answer medical questions honestly and fully. If a condition is not declared and later comes to light, the insurer may refuse related claims, apply exclusions, amend the policy, or cancel cover depending on the circumstances.
Prepare
Having these details ready makes the check much faster and more accurate:
Info needed
A quick reference for the documents Sanitas commonly asks for, by condition type:
| Condition Type | Information Often Requested |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Type, medication, control, complications, HbA1c |
| Heart condition | Cardiologist report, tests, diagnosis, treatment |
| Cancer history | Oncology report, stage, treatment dates, latest review |
| Digestive conditions | Diagnosis, medication, flare history, specialist report |
| Spine / back issues | MRI report, symptoms, treatment, surgery history |
| Mental health | Diagnosis, medication, stability, hospitalisation history |
| Pregnancy | Due date, pregnancy stage, maternity cover check |
Mistakes
These are the mistakes that most often cause problems — every one is avoidable:
How we help
Spanish Health Insurance helps English-speaking applicants with medical history understand what options may be realistically worth checking in Spain — before they apply. We will review your situation, explain what Sanitas may ask for, check visa or residency suitability, and look at whether a Bupa transfer could help with continuity. We never promise acceptance, and we never tell you to cancel existing cover too early.
Why Sanitas
Sanitas is one of Spain’s largest private insurers and has been part of the Bupa group since 1989. For people arriving from abroad, the practical draw is usually the size of the medical network and how much of it works in English.
Network access, benefits and available services depend on the plan you hold and where you live.
The process
Most people arrive here unsure whether they are ready to buy anything. You do not have to be — the first two steps cost nothing and commit you to nothing.
Very fast and responsive to my requirements. Neil was an excellent communicator who guided me through the process with ease.
Alan B. · Verified Google review
No. There is no additional fee for using our service — our remuneration is paid by Sanitas. We will confirm the exact premium for your circumstances when we prepare your quote.
We help you choose the right plan, explain the differences, assist with the application, help with visa certificates where applicable, and remain your point of contact after your policy starts.
Yes. We are an Official Exclusive Sanitas Agent and work directly with Sanitas.
Yes. We are native English-speaking advisers and handle everything in English, from your first enquiry through to your policy and its renewal.
Yes. Once your policy is active you can use all normal Sanitas services, including the Mi Sanitas app, customer service and your local medical network. We are also here if you need assistance.
Sanitas sets the premiums. We do not create special pricing, but we can help make sure you are applying for the most suitable plan for your circumstances.
Why request a quote from us?
With a pre-existing condition, the smart first step is not a quote — it's a check. Send us the basics and we'll tell you what Sanitas may ask for, and what options may be realistically worth checking, before you apply. Acceptance and exact terms depend on the insurer's underwriting.
Ask first. Free, honest, no-obligation advice from English-speaking advisers before you apply.
FAQs
Honest answers to the questions people with medical history ask most before applying for private health insurance in Spain.
Whether you are applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, moving to Spain permanently, retiring, studying or working remotely, we will help you compare the right Sanitas options in English.