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.

Written by

Josh Daniels

Travel insurance comparison expert

Last Updated

14 JULY 2023

5 min read

Do I need travel insurance for Spain?

Spain is a hugely popular holiday destination for Brits, attracting around 18 million UK visitors annually. 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 can offer 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 extreme sports and 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, don’t lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean your claim is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who 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?

A Europe travel insurance policy for Spain could cost as little as £6.84 for a week’s stay.^[1]

But 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 June 2023.

What will Spain travel insurance cover?

A travel insurance policy for Spain will typically cover:

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 around £15,000, 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.
COVID-19 – many providers now include cover for disruption to your travel plans related to COVID-19. When you get a travel insurance quote with us, it’s easy to compare levels of COVID-19 cover. Just use the ‘more details’ option on the quote results page.

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:

Pre-existing medical conditions that you haven’t told your insurance provider about. If you need cover for these, 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 Ibiza and the resort of Magaluf, popular as party spots, things can quickly go wrong after too much alcohol. If you’re injured or lose something as a result of being intoxicated, your claim will likely be rejected.
Travel to regions which the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has advised to avoid – this may be because of disease epidemics or terrorism threats. Check the FCDO for the latest updates ahead of travel.
Natural disasters – Spain suffered from some flash flooding in 2019, and with summer temperatures often exceeding 40ºC, forest fires can be a risk during the hotter months.

What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance?

With its stunning variety of coasts and mountains, Spain has much to offer those in search of adventure. Just be aware you may need extra cover for certain activities:

Extreme sports insurance can give you the extra cover you need for high-adrenaline activities like paragliding over the Costa Almería, climbing in Turégano or horse-riding in Andalucía.
Water sports insurance – whether you’re jet skiing in Benidorm or rafting the Sierra de Guara gorge, this cover will give you the extra protection you need for fun, but risky, water sports.
Cruise cover – if you’re planning a cruise around the Canaries, you’ll need dedicated insurance to cover your trip.

If you’re intending to enjoy the odd game of golf while you’re away, standard Spain travel insurance may offer sufficient cover. But if you’re planning a dedicated golfing holiday, specialist golf travel insurance can offer more extensive cover.

Did you know?
Spain has the most Blue Flag beaches in Europe, with over 600 receiving the prestigious distinction for cleanliness, safety and excellent facilities.

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. 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 in Spain

Spain offers state and private healthcare. If you’re visiting Spain, you can access state healthcare for medically necessary treatment on the same basis as a Spanish citizen using your EHIC or GHIC. You can’t use an EHIC or GHIC for private treatment.

British citizens who live in Spain need to register for access to state healthcare.

Find out more about healthcare for UK visitors to Spain.

Do I need a visa to go to Spain?

Brits can stay in Spain without a visa for up to three months. 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.

More details about the entry requirements for Spain can be found on the GOV.UK website, including rules on COVID-19 vaccines and testing.

Any 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.