Spain Travel Insurance
Everything you need to know before your trip
Healthcare Cost Level
Free Reciprocal
Avg. ER Visit
Free (EHIC)
Recommended Coverage
$100,000
Evacuation Risk
Low
Healthcare in Spain
What to expect if you need medical care
Spain's healthcare system is excellent, particularly in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. You'll find modern facilities with well-trained medical professionals, and English availability is generally good, making communication easier during medical emergencies. If you're from an EU country, your EHIC or GHIC card covers necessary and emergency treatment at public facilities, though you'll still need insurance for repatriation or private care. Non-EU visitors pay out-of-pocket, with an average ER visit costing $200 and hospital stays running $800 per day. While these costs are lower than many countries, they can still strain your budget. Remote areas in the Pyrenees mountains and certain islands have limited facilities, potentially requiring helicopter evacuation to reach proper medical care.
Reciprocal Healthcare Available
Citizens of AT, BE, BG, HR, CY, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HU, IS, IE, IT, LV, LI, LT, LU, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SK, SI, SE, CH, GB may have partial coverage through reciprocal agreements.
EHIC/GHIC covers emergency and necessary treatment only, not repatriation or private healthcare
What Your Policy Should Cover
Country-specific considerations for Spain
Your Spain policy should address the country's specific adventure activities and environmental risks. If you're planning rock climbing or mountaineering in the Pyrenees, verify your policy explicitly covers high-altitude activities, as these are sometimes excluded. Water sports enthusiasts need confirmation that jet skiing, parasailing, and diving are included—don't assume they are. Avoid the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona unless you have extreme sports coverage, as standard policies typically exclude this activity. Given Spain's year-round UV exposure and moderate summer heat risks, ensure your policy covers heat-related illnesses and sun damage treatment. The low evacuation risk means helicopter transport from remote mountain or island areas is unlikely but possible, so confirm emergency evacuation coverage is included.
Heat Exhaustion/heat Stroke
Moderate Risk
Peak: summer
Sunburn And Uv Exposure
Moderate Risk
Peak: year-round
Jellyfish Stings
Low Risk
Peak: summer
Activity-Specific Coverage
Rock Climbing And Mountaineering: Verify coverage for high-altitude activities in Pyrenees
Water Sports: Confirm coverage for jet skiing, parasailing, and diving activities
Running Of The Bulls: Often excluded from standard policies as extreme sport
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Our recommendation based on Spain's healthcare costs
The recommended $100,000 coverage provides substantial protection for Spain's healthcare costs. While a single ER visit averages $200 and hospital days cost $800, serious injuries or illnesses requiring multiple days of care, surgery, or intensive treatment can quickly escalate. A week-long hospitalization alone could reach $5,600, and complications requiring specialized care or extended stays would cost significantly more. The low evacuation risk means helicopter transport from remote Pyrenees or island locations is uncommon but expensive when needed. The $100,000 level ensures you're covered for worst-case scenarios while the $50,000 minimum handles most standard medical situations.
Minimum
$50,000
Basic emergencies only
Recommended
$100,000
Full protection
Making a Claim in Spain
Tips for smooth claims processing
Documentation Required: Medical reports, receipts, proof of travel, police report if applicable for theft/accidents
- Keep all medical reports and receipts (recibos) from Spanish healthcare providers, as these are essential for claims processing—documentation requirements are straightforward in Spain
- If you experience theft or accidents requiring police involvement, obtain a 'denuncia' (police report) immediately, as insurers commonly request this documentation
- Save proof of your travel dates, including boarding passes and accommodation confirmations, to support your claim timeline
- For EU visitors using EHIC/GHIC, keep records of any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by reciprocal healthcare, as your insurance should cover these gaps
- Claims processing in Spain is generally easy, but submit documentation promptly while details are fresh and all receipts are organized
Get Covered for Spain
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