Travel Insurance For Spain

Travellers often overlook taking out some kind of travel insurance, but for a few pounds per trip, is it really worth taking the risk!

Travel insurance can cover a wide range of hazards and risks that could happen to you before or during your holiday – which could have a severe financial impact.

Many people think that travel insurance just covers your medical bills, in fact, it can cover a whole host of issues including loss and theft of your possessions, baggage, public liability, accidental damage, travel money and more.

Some policies also cover the cost if something happens to your flight, such as the plane company going bust or you being severely delayed.

For pet owners, there are even some travel insurance for Spain policies that typically will cover the cost of cancelling your holiday if your pet becomes ill before you travel.

Simply think about a holiday and what would cause it to be affected and in most cases, the risk may typically be covered by a travel insurance policy (subject to the provider’s own policy terms and conditions etc).

** The following information and guidance is mainly for all EU and UK residents travelling to Spain **

Considerations When Choosing Your Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Spain

When choosing your travel insurance, remember that the policies will vary depending on whom you buy it from as well as the level of coverage offered.

Typically, policies come in a range of options and levels such as basic through to premier cover, this means that you can choose a policy that most suits your budget and your requirements.

If you are looking for cheap travel insurance in Spain, then do note that the perception of ‘cheap’ is based on what you are expecting from your policy and the coverage provided.

When comparing costs, weigh up the policies on a like-for-like basis so you can choose the most cost-effective solution for you.

Don’t forget to choose elements of the cover that are the most suitable for you. For example, if you are taking loads of gadgets on holiday such as your iPad, smartphone etc, you may wish to look out for a policy that offers specific cover for these kinds of items.

Similarly, if you are taking part in sporting activities, do check that the particular activity you want to do is covered by your chosen policy. You may find that you need to take out extra cover to protect yourself if you’re going to be doing what is considered a dangerous or unusual sport such as bungee jumping, canyoning and gorge walking.

This should typically not cost you a lot extra in the grand scheme of things, but will give you valuable protection should something go wrong and you need assistance.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance services for travellers before and during a trip abroad.

For UK residents visiting Spain, a comprehensive policy would typically include health coverage, trip cancellation, lost baggage, theft, travel delays, emergency medical expenses and repatriation.

Health coverage pays for medical treatment in Spain, covering costs for accidents, injuries or illnesses abroad.

Travel delay or trip cancellation allows you to recover pre-paid, non-refundable costs if you cannot travel due to covered circumstances.

Lost baggage benefits compensate for luggage lost or damaged by carriers.

Emergency medical transportation covers the high costs of ambulance transport and evacuations needed overseas.

Comprehensive travel insurance policies would also typically include 24/7 emergency assistance services while travelling.

This provides access to multi-lingual assistance coordinating medical evacuations, locating lost luggage, arranging repatriation of remains, and more.

Legal expenses coverage may be included to help with any legal issues abroad.

Additional coverage like rental car excess waiver, travel delay, travel disruption, and adventure sports is also available.

Comprehensive travel insurance provides complete peace of mind when visiting Spain, protecting from a wide range of potential issues before or during a trip.

Types of Travel Insurance Plans

Insurance providers now offer a wide selection of travel insurance plans to cover the needs of every type of traveller.

Annual travel insurance covers multiple trips in a 12-month period and is ideal for frequent travellers.

Single-trip policies cover one specific trip up to a set duration.

Senior travel insurance covers those aged 65+ with age-specific benefits.

Business travel insurance has coverage for work-related trips, including laptops and business equipment.

Annual multi-trip insurance covers unlimited trips of a certain length during the year.

Backpacker policies are suited for extended trips and budget travellers.

Winter sports coverage provides specific protection for skiing, snowboarding and other snow activities.

Already travelling cover is useful for those who forgot to purchase an insurance policy before their trip. It starts immediately after purchase even if you are already abroad.

Other policy options include coverage for cruises, adventure sports, golf trips, water sports, weddings/honeymoons, and more.

You can also get covered if you plan to take part in extreme sports such as skateboarding, freestyle skiing, BMX biking or skydiving.

Travel insurance can also cover pre-existing medical conditions with proper underwriting.

Companies like Globelink and Heymondo offer comprehensive plans and policies tailored to a wide range of travellers and trips.

Annual Travel Insurance

Annual multi-trip travel insurance provides coverage for multiple trips over the course of a year.

It is ideal if you plan to have two or more trips a year.

With this type of policy, you will be covered for unlimited trips up to 120 days per trip, this allows you the flexibility to go on as many trips as needed within a 12-month period, without having to purchase a separate policy each time.

Annual multi-trip policies cover the same wide range of benefits as single-trip insurance, including emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and more.

With a single annual premium, global multitrip travel insurance gives peace of mind to frequent travellers taking several trips abroad each year.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Girl Lone Travel

Single-trip travel insurance provides coverage for one specific trip up to a set duration, giving you protection tailored to that particular holiday or journey to Spain.

 Policies allow you to select the exact start and end dates of your upcoming trip when applying online.

Single trip insurance will cover you for emergency medical costs, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, and other travel mishaps during the dates of travel you select.

Various add-on covers may also be chosen to customise your policy to your specific trip.

Single-trip travel insurance gives peace of mind from the time you purchase coverage until the date you return home.

For a one-off holiday or short-term overseas stay, a single trip is often the best value travel insurance option versus paying for annual cover.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance provides reimbursement if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen covered circumstances.

Policies typically cover cancellation for reasons such as illness, injury, death of a relative, jury duty, work reasons, terrorist incidents, and more.

It reimburses any non-refundable deposits and payments for flights, hotels, tours, and other trip-related costs that are lost if the trip cannot proceed.

Trip cancellation insurance is often an optional add-on, but is highly recommended in case an unexpected event leads to cancelling before departure.

It can help recover hundreds or thousands paid in advance if a last-minute cancellation is required.

Coverage amounts vary based on the policy and trip cost. Some policies also cover cancellation or interruption for reasons like severe weather, natural disasters, or political unrest at the destination.

Having a comprehensive trip cancellation policy provides financial security if you plan to invest in a holiday or trip abroad.

It gives peace of mind knowing that pre-paid trip expenses can be reclaimed if the worst happens before departure or during the trip.

Cover for Medical Emergencies

Emergency medical coverage is one of the most important benefits of travel insurance.

Travel insurance policies from leading providers offer coverage for medical treatment you may need while travelling to Spain.

This includes the costs of public or private hospitals, surgery, ambulance transportation, emergency dental care, and prescription medications.

Emergency medical insurance protects you in the event of an unexpected injury, illness, or medical crisis abroad that requires treatment from a doctor, hospital visit, or admission.

Policies have set coverage amounts that can reach £10 million or more. This ensures you won't face the high medical costs of an emergency room visit or surgery overseas.

Other emergency medical protections often included are evacuation coverage, which pays to medically transport you back home when hospitalised abroad, and repatriation coverage which covers the costs to return your remains home in the unfortunate event of death overseas.

Having robust emergency medical and evacuation coverage will give you vital protection from potentially ruinous medical bills when travelling.

It provides critical assistance in getting you proper medical care and safely home again in a medical emergency.

Backpacker Insurance

Travel Backpack

Backpacker travel insurance provides protection tailored to budget travellers to Spain.

Policies like Globelink's backpacker insurance are designed for trips lasting up to 18 months. Coverage can be customized for the specific destinations on your itinerary.

The type of cover included in Backpacker insurance includes key protections like emergency medical expenses, emergency dental treatment, ambulance transportation, and 24/7 travel assistance.

It can also cover adventure sports and activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and whitewater rafting which typical policies may exclude.

Coverage for lost or stolen passports, travel documents, and luggage is included.

Trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay benefits protect prepaid travel costs if plans suddenly change.

Some policies offer extendable duration coverage if you decide to travel longer while abroad.

Adventure Activities Insurance

Scuba Diving Spain

Adventure activities travel insurance provides coverage for those participating in high-risk sports and adventurous pursuits while travelling.

Activities like scuba diving, mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, and parachuting typically carry a greater risk of injury.

Standard policies may exclude these activities, but specialised adventure travel insurance covers emergency medical costs resulting from them.

Policies can offer protection for over 70 adventurous activities worldwide.

Coverage includes emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation, giving peace of mind if an injury occurs.

Adventure travel insurance may also cover costs for trip cancellation, delays or interruptions, lost luggage, and equipment rental.

Additional cover can be included for skiing, snowboarding, superbikes, triathlons, and other extreme hobbies while travelling abroad.

Adventure travel insurance policies extend all the typical benefits of travel insurance to high-octane vacations and daring activities.

If your seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, adventure travel insurance safeguards you from potential financial loss or medical emergencies that higher-risk activities may bring.

Adventure travel insurance allows you to pursue your bold travel dreams with greater confidence and security.

Seniors Travel Insurance

Travel insurance designed for seniors takes into account the unique needs and considerations of older travellers to Spain.

Typically, coverage will be offered up to 79 years of age or more.

Senior travel insurance often comes with higher coverage limits for emergency medical expenses, recognising the increased likelihood of illness or injury.

Protection for pre-existing medical conditions may be included, unlike standard policies.

Additional benefits tailored for mature travellers may cover needs like emergency medical evacuation back to their home country, trip cancellation due to illness/injury, and protection for lost or stolen hearing aids or dentures.

Travelling to Spain from the UK later in life comes with different risks and rewards.

Senior travel insurance provides peace of mind through benefits and coverages aligned with the needs of mature travellers.

Gap Year Travel Insurance

Girl Camping In Spain

Gap year travel insurance provides important protections for students taking a year off between high school and college to travel or pursue other experiences. It covers the extended trip with benefits tailored to gap year needs.

Policies generally allow gap year coverage for up to 18 months. This provides coverage throughout the travel journey.

Key protections include emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation, and interruption to safeguard health and prepaid costs.

Backpacker-style coverage for adventure sports and lost/stolen property is included.

Budget-friendly gap year policies offer discounted rates to students and young travellers.

Some allow trip duration to be extended while abroad if plans change.

Having comprehensive gap year insurance prevents financial loss from unexpected medical costs, travel mishaps, or events forcing early trip returns.

Gap-year travel insurance gives both students and parents peace of mind.

It allows focusing on amazing travel experiences knowing health and travel risks are covered by tailored gap year protection.

What About Covid Cover?

EU Difgital Covid Certificate

Most travel insurance policies provide coverage for Emergency Medical Treatment, Repatriation, and Trip Cancellation or Interruption if you contract COVID-19, as long as your government legally allows you to travel.

You  may not not be covered if you travel against a compulsory or legal ban imposed by your government (unless you have a permitted reason to travel).

It is advisable you check thoroughly the conditions of your travel insurance the inclusions and exclusions when it comes to Covid cover.

If you travel to a country that your own government advises against visiting, either directly or indirectly due to COVID-19, you can still purchase insurance and your coverage will remain valid for all insured events unrelated to COVID-19.

For example, if you need to cancel or cut short your trip, or have a medical emergency that is not COVID-related, you can have peace of mind that your coverage remains active.

However, you will not be covered for claim costs associated with COVID-19 in destinations your government warns against visiting, such as 'Amber' and 'Red' locations for UK residents (unless you have a legally permitted reason for travel).

Always verify your own government's restrictions and the restrictions of your planned destination before booking and travelling to Spain.

European Health Card

It has been announced that people who have an existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can continue to use it in Spain after 1st January 2021. The benefits will continue as normal until the expiry date on the card.

If you don't have an EHIC, or it's expiring soon you will need to replace it with the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

How to apply for a GHIC?

To apply for a card simply go to the NHS website. Application sections website.  The card is free so no need to pay some online operators who are charging £35 upwards for the privilege!

UK GOV Recommendations

When you travel to Spain you should have either:

  • a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
  • a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
  • Travel insurance with appropriate healthcare cover

An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Make sure you have both before you travel.

For more details visit the UK GOV website which offers guidance for Healthcare for UK Nationals visiting Spain.

Heymondo Travel Insurance

HeyMondo is a reputable travel insurance company known for its comprehensive coverage and user-friendly services.

With a focus on providing peace of mind to travellers, HeyMondo offers a range of insurance plans tailored to different travel needs. The company stands out with features like a 24-hour online doctor chat through its handy app, ensuring travellers can access medical assistance anytime.

HeyMondo is particularly good for its no out-of-pocket fees policy, which covers costs in advance, making it convenient for emergencies in expensive destinations.

Established in 2016, HeyMondo has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to customer satisfaction.

We have consistently found that Heymondo has beaten the competition for price and cover in over 90% of the quotes we have obtained via their website in the last 12 months.

What Heymondo is noted for:

User-Friendly App with 24-Hour Online Doctor Chat:

Access a convenient app featuring a 24-hour online doctor chat for medical assistance anytime, anywhere.

No Out-of-Pocket Fees:

Call the emergency number, and Heymondo will cover costs in advance, making it ideal for travel to expensive countries.

Affordable Annual Insurance:

Heymondo offers very affordable annual insurance, providing value for money.

Perfect for Long-Term Travelers:

Tailored long-stay cover caters specifically to the needs of those embarking on extended journeys.

Responsive Customer Service:

Experience a highly responsive customer service team for assistance and support.

Generous Medical Expense Coverage:

Benefit from coverage of up to 10,000,000 USD in medical expenses, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Coverage for emergency dental expenses abroad is included to address acute and sudden pain during your trip.

Additionally, this policy offers extended lodging expense refunds in cases of illness or medical quarantine prescribed by a doctor after visiting the insured.

Outpatient physiotherapy treatment expenses are covered for illnesses, accidents, or injuries occurring abroad during the trip.

Moreover, if hospitalisation exceeds 7 days, the policy provides a return ticket for a chosen family member to accompany you.

Furthermore, accommodation expenses for a family member are covered for the same duration, ensuring their presence during your extended hospital stay.

Coverage for Cancellation, Delays, or Interruptions:

Enjoy coverage of up to 7,000 USD for events such as cancellations, delays, or interruptions during your travels.

COVID-19 Coverage:

Heymondo covers medical assistance and expenses, even in the event of COVID-19, providing peace of mind.

Available For Residents in May Countries Around the World.

So whether you are a resident of the UK, the USA, Canada, South Africa or Japan, you will be able to take out a travel insurance policy.

Globalink International Travel Insurer

Globalink is an independent insurance intermediary serving the travel community for over 20 years.

They offer Travel Insurance and Car Hire Excess Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver Insurance). Their products are available to UK and EU residents, including EEA residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Additionally, Australian, New Zealand, and South African passport holders residing in the UK and EU can avail of our services.

Globalink provides Travel Insurance for individuals up to age 89, covering holidays, work abroad, gap year, expat life, one-way trips, or post-travel needs.

Their insurance policies are underwritten by reputable insurers, ensuring quality and reliability.

Globalink provides a variety of insurance policies with different coverage levels, excesses, and sums insured, including single-trip and annual multi-trip insurance.

Policies are available in English, and all documentation and services, including Claims Handling, are provided in English, with applicable law being that of England and Wales.

What Globalink is noted for:

Globelink Travel Insurance is known for providing comprehensive coverage options, including Travel Insurance and Car Hire Excess Insurance, meeting the diverse needs of UK, EU, EEA, Australian, New Zealand, and South African residents.

They have over 20 years of experience, Globelink is recognised as a trusted independent insurance intermediary in the travel community, ensuring reliability and expertise in the industry.

Unlike many competitors, Globelink offers its products to a broad audience, including UK, EU, EEA residents, as well as Australian, New Zealand, and South African passport holders residing in the UK and EU.

Globelink provides various insurance policies with flexible options for coverage, excesses, and sums insured. This includes single-trip and annual multi-trip insurances tailored to suit different travel needs.