A previous cancer diagnosis doesn’t automatically prevent you from getting Spanish private health insurance.
Whether you’re applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, a Digital Nomad Visa, or simply moving permanently to Spain, many people are surprised to learn that insurers assess every application individually. The type of cancer, when your treatment ended, whether there has been any recurrence, and your current state of health can all influence the outcome.
If you’re looking for Spanish Health Insurance for a Spanish Visa, you’ll also need a policy that satisfies the immigration requirements as well as the insurer’s medical underwriting. You can read more in our guide to Spanish Health Insurance for a Spanish Visa.
You may also find our guide to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Spanish Health Insurance helpful, as it explains how insurers generally assess existing and previous medical conditions before we look specifically at cancer.
Contents
- Is Previous Cancer a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
- Can You Still Get Spanish Private Health Insurance?
- Legal Protection for Cancer Survivors
- Should You Declare Previous Cancer?
- How We Can Help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Previous Cancer a Pre-Existing Medical Condition?
In most cases, yes.
Even if your treatment has been completed successfully, a previous cancer diagnosis is normally regarded as a pre-existing medical condition.
However, this does not automatically mean your application will be declined.
Spanish insurers usually consider a range of factors rather than making decisions based solely on the diagnosis itself.
These may include:
- The type of cancer.
- How long ago you were diagnosed.
- The treatment you received.
- When treatment finished.
- Whether there has been any recurrence.
- Whether you still require medication or specialist follow-up.
- Your current health.
Someone who completed successful treatment several years ago may be assessed very differently from someone who is still undergoing treatment or investigations. Please refer to the section below entitled Legal Protection for Cancer Survivors.
Can You Still Get Spanish Private Health Insurance?
Yes, many people can.
Every insurer has its own underwriting criteria, so outcomes can vary considerably.
Depending on your circumstances, an insurer may:
- Accept your application on normal terms.
- Request additional medical information.
- Apply an exclusion relating to the previous cancer.
- Decline the application if the cancer is recent or remains an ongoing medical risk.
For this reason, it’s often worth speaking to us before submitting an application.
Legal Protection for Cancer Survivors
Spain has introduced legal protections designed to prevent many cancer survivors from being unfairly disadvantaged when applying for certain financial and insurance products.
The legislation is officially called the Right to Oncological Forgetting (Derecho al Olvido Oncológico).
In general terms, these protections apply where:
- treatment intended to cure the cancer has been completed;
- five years have passed since that treatment ended; and
- there has been no recurrence during those five years.
The five-year period normally begins when curative treatment has been completed, not necessarily when a hospital later issues a discharge letter.
The purpose of the legislation is to help ensure that people who have successfully recovered from cancer are not unfairly discriminated against simply because of their medical history.
Should You Declare Previous Cancer?
This is one of the questions we’re asked most often.
Although Spain now provides important legal protections for many cancer survivors, we generally recommend answering medical questions honestly.
If an insurer specifically asks whether you have previously had cancer or asks about your medical history, it is usually sensible to disclose the information or ask for clarification before submitting your application.
Where the legal protections apply, the insurer may ultimately disregard the previous cancer.
Taking this approach helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures your application is completed accurately.
What If You’re Still Attending Follow-Up Appointments?
Many cancer survivors continue to attend routine hospital reviews for several years after treatment.
This doesn’t necessarily mean your cancer is active.
However, insurers may wish to know:
- whether you’re still under the care of an oncologist;
- whether you’re taking ongoing medication;
- whether further investigations are planned; and
- whether there has been any recurrence.
Every application is assessed individually.
Will Cancer Affect My Spanish Visa Health Insurance?
Not necessarily.
Many people who have successfully recovered from cancer are still able to obtain health insurance suitable for Spanish residency applications.
The key is selecting an insurer whose underwriting approach is appropriate for your circumstances.
From our experience, every application is unique. By looking at your individual circumstances before you apply, we can explain what information is likely to be needed and help you make an informed decision before submitting your application.
What Information Might an Insurer Request?
You may be asked to provide details such as:
- Your diagnosis.
- The date you were diagnosed.
- The treatment you received.
- When treatment finished.
- Whether there has been any recurrence.
- Current medication.
- Recent consultant reports or hospital letters.
Providing accurate information allows the insurer to assess your application fairly.
Every Cancer Is Different
There isn’t a single underwriting rule that applies to every type of cancer.
For example, insurers may assess applicants differently depending on whether they have previously had:
- Breast cancer.
- Prostate cancer.
- Bowel cancer.
- Skin cancer.
- Thyroid cancer.
- Lymphoma.
- Leukaemia.
- Other forms of cancer.
The stage of the cancer, the treatment received, the length of time since treatment finished and your current health can all influence the insurer’s decision.
How We Can Help
If you’ve previously had cancer and are planning a move to Spain, we’d be happy to discuss your circumstances before you apply.
We regularly help English-speaking clients with Spanish private health insurance policies and explain what information insurers are likely to require.
Discussing your circumstances with us before you apply can save time, help you understand what information is likely to be required, and allow us to review your situation before an application is submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Spanish health insurance if I’ve had cancer?
Yes. Many people who have successfully completed treatment are able to obtain Spanish private health insurance. Acceptance depends on your individual medical history and the insurer’s underwriting criteria.
When does the five-year period begin?
It generally starts when curative cancer treatment has been completed, provided there has been no recurrence during the following five years.
Does attending annual check-ups mean I won’t be accepted?
Not necessarily. Routine follow-up appointments are common after cancer treatment, and insurers will consider your overall medical history rather than the fact that you’re still being monitored.
Will every insurer make the same decision?
No. Each insurer has its own underwriting guidelines, which is why seeking advice before applying can be beneficial.
Speak to Us Before You Apply
If you’ve previously had cancer and need Spanish private health insurance, we’d be pleased to discuss your circumstances before you submit an application.
Every situation is different. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances, explain what information is likely to be required and help you make an informed decision before submitting your application.
Contact us today for friendly, independent advice with no obligation.