If you’re planning a holiday to Spain, arranging Spain travel insurance should be one of the first things you do. Whether you’re heading to the beaches of the Costa del Sol, exploring Barcelona’s architecture, or enjoying tapas in Madrid, having the right cover gives you peace of mind from the moment you book.
Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers thanks to its Mediterranean climate, culture, short flight times and excellent food. Whatever type of trip you’re planning, reliable Spain travel insurance ensures you’re protected against unexpected costs or disruptions.
Do I need Spain travel insurance?
Yes. You should always arrange Spain travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday.
Although Spain has good healthcare facilities and the GHIC/EHIC offers limited access to state medical care, you should still have insurance in place to cover:
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Trip cancellation
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Curtailment (cutting your trip short)
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Medical expenses
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Repatriation
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Lost, stolen or damaged belongings
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Personal liability
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Travel delays
Cover limits, terms and conditions apply. Please read the Policy Wording carefully to make sure the cover meets your needs.
The GHIC/EHIC is helpful, but it does not replace Spain travel insurance, as it won’t cover things like private medical care, emergency repatriation, or your personal possessions.
What type of travel insurance do I need for Spain?
You’ll need a European travel insurance policy for Spain.
If you’re planning multiple holidays this year — especially outside Europe — a Worldwide annual multi-trip policy might offer better value.
Covered2Go offers three main types of policies:
Ideal if you only want cover for your holiday to Spain.
Perfect if you’ll take several trips within a year. Policies can cover Europe only or worldwide.
For extended visits, backpacking, or trips covering multiple countries.
Whatever your travel plans, you can tailor your Spain travel insurance to meet your needs with optional upgrades such as gadget cover, business cover or sports/activity cover.
What should my Spain travel insurance include?
A good Spain travel insurance policy should offer:
Emergency Medical Cover
Covered2Go provides up to £10 million for medical expenses.
GHIC/EHIC information
A valid GHIC/EHIC can provide some state healthcare access, but it does not cover every cost. Insurance is still essential.
Cancellation Cover
If you need to cancel your holiday due to unforeseen circumstances. Covered2Go offers up to £10,000 per person on Platinum policies.
Repatriation
Cover to bring you back to the UK following serious illness or injury.
Personal Possessions Cover
Protection if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged.
Gadget Cover
For phones, tablets, cameras or GoPros.
Covered2go offers Silver, Gold and Platinum cover levels with varying limits and excess options — including £0 excess on Platinum.
What isn’t covered by Spain travel insurance?
All policies have exclusions. Make sure you review these before you travel.
Sports & Activities
Higher-risk sports such as extreme cycling, canyoning or certain water sports may need additional activity cover. Check our sports and activities guide.
Pre-existing medical conditions
You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions to ensure full cover. A medical screening will determine eligibility and any additional premium.
Civil unrest, war or terrorism
Most insurers — including Covered2Go — exclude these events.
Alcohol or drug-related incidents
Claims may be refused if an incident is linked to excessive alcohol or drug use.
Full details of exclusions are listed in the Policy Wording. Please ensure you review these before travelling.
When should my Spain travel insurance start?
You should start your Spain travel insurance from the day you book your holiday, not the day you travel.
This ensures you are protected if you need to cancel before departure.
Health information & dengue fever
Spain’s healthcare system is high-quality, similar to the UK. English-speaking staff are common in tourist areas, but if needed, interpreters can cost around €20 per hour.
Dengue fever has been reported in some southern regions. There is no vaccine, so use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
For health updates and vaccination guidance, check the FCDO website.
Useful travel information for Spain
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Language: Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque
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Currency: Euro
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Dialling code: +34
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Plug type: C & F (adapter required)
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Emergency services: 112
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British Consulate (Madrid): +34 917 14 63 00
Top travel tips for Spain
Stay safe in the heat
Summer temperatures can exceed 40°C. Use sunscreen, drink water, and rest in the shade.
Tipping
Not compulsory, but appreciated. Around 10% is common.
Siestas
Outside tourist areas, shops may close around 2–5pm.
Late-night culture
Meals often start around 9pm, and nightlife continues late into the evening.
Eat local
Try regional dishes beyond paella — sobrassada in Majorca, pintxos in the Basque Country, or fresh seafood along the coast.
Get a quote for Spain travel insurance
Cheap travel insurance isn’t always the best option.
Covered2Go offers three cover levels — Silver, Gold and Platinum — so you can find the protection that suits your holiday.
You can get a quick quote in minutes. Simply tell us:
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Where you’re going
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How long for
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Who’s travelling
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Any additional options you need
👉 Start your Spain travel insurance quote now
