Our expat health insurance includes a 31-day waiting period, but it may not apply to you.
Does my expat health insurance have a waiting period?
You don't need to start your insurance before entering your country of insurance. As long as your insurance starts within 31 days of arriving in Spain, the waiting period is automatically waived. It's also waived if you're switching from a policy of equal or greater coverage with no gap. Even if neither condition applies, life-threatening accidents and illnesses are always covered from day one.
When is the waiting period waived?
The waiting period is waived in 2 situations:
You sign up within 31 days of arriving: If your expat health insurance policy starts within 31 days of your arrival date in Spain, the waiting period doesn't apply. If you make a claim within the first 31 days of your policy, you'll need to provide proof of your arrival date (such as an airline, train, or bus ticket).
You had continuous prior coverage: If you're switching from a previous policy of equal or greater coverage, and your new policy starts on or before the day your previous policy expires, the waiting period is also waived. If you make a claim within the first 31 days, you'll need to provide proof of your previous insurance showing there was no gap in coverage.
Why does the waiting period exist?
The waiting period protects all policyholders from insurance abuse. Without it, someone could sign up after an accident or illness and immediately make a claim, which would drive up monthly premiums for everyone. Waiting periods are a common feature of health insurance policies across Europe. We also rely on the honor system when issuing policies: we don't require a medical report or doctor's exam before you can get covered, which is why we can get you insured in minutes.
What is covered during the 31-day waiting period?
If you are not in a scenario where your waiting period can be waived and you experience a life-threatening accident or sudden serious illness during that time, the waiting period is waived and we'll cover the necessary treatment.
Can I claim an event that happened during the waiting period once it ends?
No. If the waiting period applies to you, only conditions or incidents that first occur after the waiting period has ended are eligible for a claim, with the exception of life-threatening accidents or injuries.
What can I claim for once the 31-day waiting period is over?
Once the waiting period ends, you have full access to all the benefits of your policy, but only for conditions that first started after the waiting period ended. Any condition or health event that began before or during the waiting period is considered pre-existing and won't be covered, even if you wait until after the period has passed to see a doctor. Only new conditions that arise after the waiting period has fully ended are eligible for claims.
If my waiting period is waived, am I covered immediately?
Yes, if your waiting period is waived, your cover starts from day one of your policy. That said, pre-existing conditions (any condition you were diagnosed with or experienced symptoms of before your policy start date) are not covered, regardless of whether a waiting period applies. In that case, only new conditions that first arise after your policy start date would be eligible for claims.
If you make a claim within the first 31 days of your policy, you'll need to attach supporting documents to your claim so our team can verify your waiver eligibility before processing it:
If your waiver is based on arriving in Spain within 31 days of your policy start date, attach a transportation receipt (such as a flight or train ticket) showing your name and arrival date.
If your waiver is based on having continuous prior coverage, attach proof of your previous insurance showing your name and the dates of coverage, with no gap before your new policy started.
For more information about submitting a claim and what documents are needed, visit this article.