Travel Insurance for Spain

Do I need travel insurance for Spain?

You do not need it to get into Spain, but it is a very good idea. Spain is the most popular holiday destination for British travellers, and it also sees a large number of medical emergencies involving UK tourists every year, from broken bones to heart problems.

A GHIC or EHIC gives you access to Spanish state healthcare, but it has limits. Many clinics in holiday resorts are private and do not accept the card. It will not pay for an ambulance flight home, it does not cover cancellation, and it will not replace stolen phones or cash. Travel insurance is there for all of those.

Is Spain in Europe 1 or Europe 2?

Spain, including the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, is usually placed in Europe 2 because treatment costs there tend to be higher. If you have an annual Europe 1 policy, check the wording, as Spain may not be included. Our FAQ on Europe 1 and Europe 2 explains more. For a single trip, just choose Spain as your destination.

Using your GHIC in Spain

Take your GHIC or EHIC with you. If you need treatment, ask to be seen at a public hospital or health centre, not a private clinic, so the card can be used. Using it can sometimes mean your policy waives the medical excess. If you do not have a card, you can apply for a free GHIC on the NHS website.

If you are taken to a private clinic, contact the emergency assistance number on your policy as soon as you can. They can confirm cover and, where needed, arrange a transfer.

Common claims in Spain

Common reasons UK travellers end up claiming in Spain include:

1. Slips and falls around pools, on wet tiles or on uneven old-town streets
2. Stolen bags and phones in busy places like Las Ramblas or on beaches
3. Sunstroke and stomach illness, especially in summer
4. Travel disruption caused by airline or air traffic control strikes

Keep valuables out of sight, use the hotel safe, and report any theft to the police within 24 hours, as you will need a police report to claim. Claims connected to drinking too much, including falls from balconies, are often refused.

Island holidays and activities

Many activities you might try in Spain, from snorkelling to cycling, are covered as standard on a Direct Travel policy, and others can be added. Check our list of sports and activities before you book anything adventurous. Skiing in the Sierra Nevada or the Pyrenees needs winter sports cover, and a Mediterranean cruise needs cruise cover.

Hiring a car? Your travel policy does not include liability while driving abroad, and car hire excess insurance can cover the excess on the rental car.

Single trip or annual cover for Spain?

A single trip policy is ideal for one holiday. If you go to Spain more than once a year, or have a place there, an annual multi-trip policy with Europe 2 cover can be good value. Trips are limited in length, so choose an option that covers your longest stay. Travelling as a family? A family policy can cover everyone together.

Spain travel insurance with medical conditions

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them in our online medical screening. It only takes a few minutes, and you will see whether we can cover you before you buy.

Before you go

UK visitors can stay in Spain and the rest of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. New EU border checks mean you may need to give fingerprints and a photo on arrival. Read our Europe travel insurance page for more on entry rules, and our Spain country guide for local information.