Although not always mandatory, having travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling to Spain. It can save you thousands of euros in case of medical emergency, trip cancellation or loss of luggage.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Spain?
The mandatory nature of travel insurance depends on your country of origin and the type of visa you need.
- You are a citizen of the EU/EEA
- You have a European health card (EHIC/GHIC)
- You don't need a visa to enter
- You need a Schengen visa (minimum coverage €30,000)
- Your country of origin requires it
- You travel with certain types of visa
Important: Even if it's not mandatory, a complete travel insurance is highly recommended. The European health card only covers basic medical care and does not include repatriation, trip cancellation or other important coverages.
What a good travel insurance should cover
A complete travel insurance should include the following basic coverages:
Medical expenses and hospitalization
Coverage of medical emergencies, hospitalization, surgery and medical treatments during your stay in Spain. Minimum recommended coverage: €100,000.
Medical repatriation
Transport back to your country of origin in case of serious medical emergency. Includes air ambulance if necessary.
Trip cancellation
Refund of non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip for covered reasons (illness, family death, etc.).
Loss or delay of luggage
Compensation if your luggage is lost, delayed or damaged during the trip.
Civil liability
Coverage if you cause damage to third parties or their property during your trip.
Additional recommended coverages
- Trip interruption: If you have to return home early
- Flight delay: Compensation for significant delays
- Loss of documents: Help to replace passport, visa, etc.
- 24/7 assistance: Emergency line available at all times
- Adventure sports: If you plan to do activities like hiking, diving, etc.
- Sports equipment: If you travel with valuable equipment
European health card (EHIC/GHIC)
Citizens of the EU/EEA can apply for the European health card, which allows receiving medical care in Spain under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.
- Emergency medical care
- Necessary medical treatments during your stay
- Treatment of pre-existing conditions
- Maternity and emergency dental care
- Medical repatriation
- Private treatments
- Trip cancellation
- Loss of luggage
- Non-urgent treatments
Recommendation: Even if you have the EHIC/GHIC, take out additional travel insurance to cover what the card doesn't cover.
How much does travel insurance cost
The price of travel insurance depends on several factors: trip duration, age, included coverages and country of origin.
Basic medical and cancellation coverage
€2-5/day
All coverages and 24/7 assistance
€5-10/day
Factors that affect the price:
- Age: Those over 65 pay more
- Duration: Annual insurance is usually more economical per day
- Country of origin: Some countries have higher prices
- Coverages: More coverages = higher price
- Activities: Risk sports increase the price
How to choose travel insurance
Points to consider:
- Read the fine print: Make sure you understand what is and isn't covered
- Compare options: Don't settle for the first option
- Check limits: Make sure coverage limits are sufficient
- 24/7 assistance: Must be available in Spanish and English
- Claims process: Must be clear and simple
- Reputation: Choose companies with good reputation and reviews
When to buy insurance
It's recommended to buy travel insurance as soon as possible, ideally at the same time you book your flights and accommodation.
Advantages of buying early:
- Cancellation coverage: If you cancel before the trip, you're covered
- Lower prices: Some companies offer discounts for buying in advance
- Peace of mind: You know you're protected from the start
Need more information?
Compare different travel insurance options and choose the one that best suits your needs. Remember that it's better to have coverage and not need it than to need it and not have it.