Compare travel insurance for Spain
Warm weather, fabulous food and stunning beaches – the Spanish mainland and its surrounding islands are the perfect paradise for millions of Brits looking for sun and fun. From the Canaries to the Costas, we can help you find the right travel insurance for your Spanish holiday.
Warm weather, fabulous food and stunning beaches – the Spanish mainland and its surrounding islands are the perfect paradise for millions of Brits looking for sun and fun. From the Canaries to the Costas, we can help you find the right travel insurance for your Spanish holiday.
Do I need travel insurance for Spain?
Spain is a top holiday spot for Brits, with around 17 million visiting each year. Whether you’re exploring the art and culture of Barcelona and Madrid or soaking up sun in the Canaries or the Balearic Islands, you’ll need to make sure you have the right travel insurance.
Standard Spain travel insurance usually offers protection for medical emergencies, baggage theft, delays and cancellations. However, you might want to consider extra cover if you’re planning a golfing holiday or are into winter sports, extreme sports and adventurous activities.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
How much is travel insurance for Spain?
If you’re looking for cheap travel insurance for Spain, a European travel insurance policy could cost as little as £6.89 for a week’s stay.[1] To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.
The cost of your travel insurance will also depend on:
- Activities you plan to do – you may need to pay more to cover certain sports and activities.
- Your health – if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might need to look for specialist cover, which could cost you more.
- Whether you buy an annual or single-trip policy – a multi-trip policy could work out cheaper if you visit Spain more than once a year.
[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of April 2025.
What does travel insurance to Spain cover?
A travel insurance policy for Spain typically covers:
- Emergency medical care and repatriation costs – when you consider treatment for a broken leg and a medically escorted flight back to the UK from Spain could cost thousands of pounds, this cover is vital.
- Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and passports – street crime is a risk in Spain, with pickpockets specifically targeting money and passports.
- Flight disruptions – if strikes or bad weather disrupt your flight, for example.
- Holiday cancellation – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened for a reason covered by your insurance, you could claim to recover any resulting costs.
Policies and levels of cover can vary among providers, so check the terms and conditions carefully before deciding on the right policy for you and your family.
What won’t Spain travel insurance cover?
While travel insurance can provide cover for many of the unexpected costs you might face while in Spain, there may be some exceptions:
- Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions – If you need cover for pre-existing conditions, you might have to pay more for your insurance. At Compare the Market, any medical conditions declared will be covered by the policies shown to you.
- Incidents related to alcohol abuse – it’s nice to have a few drinks on holiday. But in places like Ibiza and Magaluf, things can quickly go wrong after too much alcohol. If you’re injured or lose something due to too much alcohol, your claim will likely be rejected.
What activities will I be covered for?
Spain offers plenty of great activities for adventure seekers and sports enthusiasts. Make sure you have the right level of travel insurance cover for your holiday. These could be selected as policy extensions:
- Extreme sports – Engage in high-adrenaline activities like paragliding over the Costa Almería, rock climbing in Turégano, or bungee jumping in Madrid. Ensure your policy covers these exciting activities.
- Adventure sports – Enjoy hiking in the Pyrenees, mountain biking in Sierra Nevada, or horse-riding in Andalucía. These activities often require additional cover.
- Water sports – Whether you’re jet-skiing in Benidorm, surfing in San Sebastián, or rafting the Sierra de Guara gorge, water sports insurance can provide the extra protection you need.
- Golf – For those planning to tee off at one of Spain’s many golf courses, such as those in Costa del Sol, specialist golf travel insurance can offer more extensive cover for your equipment and any interruptions to your game.
- Winter sports – If you’re heading to the Sierra Nevada for skiing or snowboarding, make sure your policy includes winter sports cover to protect against injuries and equipment loss.
Does the EHIC card still cover travel to Spain?
If you have a valid EHIC card, issued before the end of 2020, you can still use it in Spain, up until its expiry date.
Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It gives you the same right to Spanish state medical treatment as the EHIC. Spanish citizens receive guaranteed access to universal healthcare, similar to the NHS.
You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website and it should arrive within 10 days.
Be aware, though, that an EHIC/GHIC is no substitute for travel insurance. It won’t cover repatriation, baggage loss or flight disruptions.
Healthcare
Spain offers state and private healthcare. If you’re visiting Spain, you can use your EHIC or GHIC to get the same state healthcare as locals. You can’t use an EHIC or GHIC for private treatment.
For British travellers, the healthcare system in Spain might feel different from the NHS back home. While the NHS provides free healthcare at the point of use, in Spain, you might need to pay upfront for certain treatments and then claim the costs back. This is where travel insurance becomes crucial, as it can cover these upfront costs and ensure you get the care you need without financial stress.
In a medical emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, which will connect you to local emergency services. It's wise to have your travel insurance details and EHIC/GHIC card handy when seeking medical assistance.
Do I need a visa to go to Spain?
Brits can stay in Spain without a visa for up to 90 days. However, if you’ve visited any other Schengen-region countries in the 180 days leading up to your visit to Spain, these count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
Make sure your passport is valid for the full length of your trip and at least three months after the day you plan to leave Spain. Your passport must also have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before your arrival date.
More details about the entry requirements for Spain can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Risks of travelling in Spain
While Spain is a beautiful and popular destination, it's important to be aware of potential risks:
- Crime: Street crime, particularly pickpocketing, is a common issue in tourist areas. Barcelona, for example, is notorious for pickpockets targeting money and passports. Always be vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and keep your belongings secure.
- Natural Disasters: Spain has experienced natural disasters such as flash flooding and forest fires. In 2024, flash floods caused significant damage in parts of Spain, and the hot summer months often bring the risk of forest fires, especially in regions like Andalusia and Catalonia.
- Terrorism: While Spain is generally safe, it has been the target of terrorist attacks in the past. The most notable recent event was the 2017 van attack in Barcelona, which resulted in multiple casualties. Always stay informed about the current security situation by checking updates from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Driving
Driving in Spain can be a great way to explore the country at your own pace. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- European car insurance: if you’re going to be driving your own car on holiday, you need to make sure you have the right level of cover. You should also consider European breakdown cover if you don’t already have it.
- Driving on the right-hand side: In Spain, you drive on the opposite side of the road to the UK. This can take some getting used to, especially at roundabouts and junctions.
- Drink driving: The legal blood alcohol limit in Spain is lower than in the UK. For most drivers, the limit is 0.05%, but for new drivers (with less than two years of experience) and professional drivers, it is 0.03%. Penalties for drink driving are severe and can include heavy fines, licence suspension, and even imprisonment.
- Documentation: Always carry your driving licence, passport, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration documents when driving in Spain. If you’re using a hire car, ensure you have the rental agreement and contact details for the rental company.
- Tolls: Many motorways in Spain are toll roads. Be prepared to pay tolls, either in cash or by card. Some rental cars come equipped with electronic toll devices for convenience.
By being aware of these driving rules and regulations, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Spain.
Nightlife
Spain has a vibrant drinking culture that varies by region. Party destinations like Ibiza and Magaluf are famous for their nightlife. They attract many young Brits looking for a good time. However, if excessive drinking leads to an accident or injury, any claim will likely be rejected.
As you’d expect, the use of recreational drugs is strictly prohibited in Spain. Being caught with drugs can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. Additionally, any incidents related to drug use will not be covered by your travel insurance.
Other tips for travelling in Spain
- Climate: summer temperatures regularly exceed 40ºC, so slap on the SPF, drink plenty of water and try to stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day.
- Time differences: Spain has two time zones – most of the country is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), the exception being the Canary Islands, which keeps to GMT.
- Tipping: it isn’t a core part of Spanish culture to tip. However, a gratuity of 5-10% will be appreciated.
- Pickpockets: bag-snatching and pickpocketing is a big risk in tourist areas. Barcelona, particularly, has a reputation for light-fingered thieves targeting money and passports. Avoid wearing jewellery and high-end watches in crowded tourist hotspots, don’t put your wallet or phone in your back pocket, and be extra vigilant on the beaches and when using public transport.
- Cultural etiquette: Spaniards are known for their laid-back lifestyle. Don’t be surprised if shops close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta. Dinner is typically served late, often around 9 or 10pm. When greeting someone, a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks is common.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tenerife classed as Spain for travel insurance?
Yes, Tenerife is classed as Spain for travel insurance purposes.
If your policy covers Spain, it’ll cover Tenerife and the other Canary Islands like Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
Is Majorca classed as Spain for travel insurance?
Yes, Majorca is considered part of Spain when it comes to travel insurance.
Any travel insurance policy covering Spain will cover Majorca, as well as the other Balearic Islands like Ibiza and Menorca.
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