- The best travel insurance for Spain
- Is it currently safe to travel to Spain?
- Is Travel Insurance Required for a Visa to Spain?
- Why take out travel insurance for Spain?
- Coverage Included in Travel Insurance for Spain
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Spain?
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Spain
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Spain?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Spain: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Spain covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events.
2. Key protection: While not mandatory for US citizens, it protects against high overseas medical and emergency costs.
3. Healthcare cost: A hospital stay in Spain can cost foreign visitors over $1,000 per night without insurance.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance plan for Spain typically costs between $30 and $60 per person.
5. Good to know: Your US health insurance, including Medicare, likely offers no coverage for medical care in Spain.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for your trip to Spain.
The best travel insurance for Spain
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Our top option for trips to Spain. Comprehensive offer with strong limits for medical situations. - high coverage - medical evacuation - flexible contracts |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Recommended for travelers needing strong medical and assistance support. - 24/7 hotline - clear cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $540K | Strong protection for sightseeing in Spain. Simple, practical benefits. - solid medical cover - emergency services - straightforward pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $760K | Balanced solution for stays in Spain with hospital care and emergency repatriation. - high medical cap - hospital costs included - wide territory |
| Globe Partner | $325K | Suitable for international travel and multi-month stays. - medical care in Spain - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | $540K | Affordable plan for short trips, focused on essentials. - basic medical - fast reimbursements - capped medical limit |
- high coverage
- medical evacuation
- flexible contracts
- 24/7 hotline
- clear cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical cover
- emergency services
- straightforward pricing
- high medical cap
- hospital costs included
- wide territory
- medical care in Spain
- repatriation
- civil liability
- basic medical
- fast reimbursements
- capped medical limit
Is it currently safe to travel to Spain?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises increased caution when traveling to Spain following a continued risk assessment related to safety and security events. Travel to Spain is not discouraged; standard requirements apply for entry.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Pickpocketing, theft, and occasional violent crime are common in Spain’s major cities, particularly Barcelona and Madrid. Political protests can disrupt public transit and traffic, especially near city centers.
- Health risks: Medical care in Spain is of high quality, but U.S. insurance is not accepted. Medical evacuation can be very expensive, and outbreaks of norovirus in coastal resorts have been reported.
- Legal constraints: Strict fines apply for smoking in unauthorized public spaces, including beaches. Possession of certain self-defense sprays, legal in the US, is prohibited and may result in confiscation or fines.
- Cultural norms: Quiet hours are enforced in many residential neighborhoods, especially late at night. Public drunkenness can result in fines, especially in tourist zones such as the Balearic Islands.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Spain.
Is Travel Insurance Required for a Visa to Spain?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from the United States to obtain a visa or enter Spain for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Although not required, it remains strongly recommended by official sources, as medical care in Spain must be paid for out of pocket and US health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid do not provide coverage abroad. Travel insurance that includes medical expenses and emergency repatriation offers crucial protection.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Spain, as the country is considered very safe but unexpected medical costs and incidents such as theft or accidents can still occur.
Why take out travel insurance for Spain?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Spain.
In Spain, foreign tourists are only covered in public hospitals for emergencies, and must often use private medical centers such as Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid or Barcelona, where the costs can be high. Private clinics offer advanced care but are significantly more expensive, and even a short hospital stay for travelers can lead to large bills not covered by US insurance.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in case of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Spain.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clínica Universidad de Navarra | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 3,800 € (about $4,100) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 1,600 € (about $1,725) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 28,000 € (about $30,200) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 6,700 € (about $7,225) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Coverage Included in Travel Insurance for Spain
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers urgent care, doctor visits, and hospital stays if you are sick or injured. We recommend a limit of at least $100,000 per trip. |
| 🚑 Emergency repatriation | Pays for return to the US in case of serious accident or illness. Minimum recommended limit is $100,000. |
| 💊 Medications and outpatient care | Covers prescription drugs and care after an accident or illness. We recommend at least $2,000 per person. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss/theft | Reimburses lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal effects. Suggested minimum limit is $1,500 per traveler. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation/interruption | Refunds prepaid, non-refundable costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip for covered reasons. Choose at least $3,000 per person. |
| 🚗 Rental car coverage | Pays for repairs or damage when renting a vehicle. Recommended minimum coverage is $20,000 if you plan to drive. |
| 🦠 Pandemic/epidemic coverage | Covers cancellations or medical care related to pandemics like COVID-19. Look for a policy with specific pandemic clauses. |
| 🕵️♂️ Personal liability | Pays legal expenses or damages if you injure someone or cause property damage. Consider at least $50,000 in coverage. |
We recommend a limit of at least $100,000 per trip.
Minimum recommended limit is $100,000.
We recommend at least $2,000 per person.
Suggested minimum limit is $1,500 per traveler.
Choose at least $3,000 per person.
Recommended minimum coverage is $20,000 if you plan to drive.
Look for a policy with specific pandemic clauses.
Consider at least $50,000 in coverage.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often has very limited coverage, with low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to pick a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Spain?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $22 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $35 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $48 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $89 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your policy is influenced by several key factors. Be sure to consider the traveler's age, the length of your trip, your destination, and any selected add-ons like cancellation coverage. Keeping these elements in mind is crucial for choosing a plan that fits your needs and budget for your upcoming journey.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Spain
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Spain while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Prices increase with the number of days covered. Only insure for the exact length of your trip. | Avoid over-insuring by matching travel dates exactly to the policy period. |
| 👥 Traveler’s age | Age can impact premium. Some insurers charge higher rates for older travelers, but this varies widely. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which is rare among insurers. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travelers | Family or group policies may offer discounts compared to individual plans. | Ask for family or group quotes to benefit from possible multi-person discounts. |
| 🎒 Level of coverage | High coverage limits and extra options increase costs. Tailor coverage to your real needs in Spain. | Choose essential medical and evacuation coverage, and skip unnecessary add-ons to save money. |
| 💳 Payment method | Some credit cards provide complimentary basic travel insurance. | Check card benefits before purchasing to avoid paying for duplicate coverage. |
| 🏨 Activities planned | Riskier sports or excursions may increase premium. | If you’re only sightseeing, avoid policy add-ons for extreme sports or adventure travel. |
| 🧳 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles mean lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs in a claim. | Opt for a higher deductible to reduce your upfront premium if you’re comfortable with the risk. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Spain?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health system, can protect you for a trip to Spain. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Spain? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage abroad except for rare emergencies in the US | Travel insurance pays $100,000+ for medical care and includes repatriation back to the US. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna) | Yes, partly | Possible emergencies overseas, strict network, no repatriation, no baggage | Travel insurance covers $100,000+, hospital fees, luggage, trip delays, and evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Yes, partly | Medical costs up to $10,000, no baggage or trip cancellation | Travel insurance covers $100,000+, trip interruption, cancellation, and lost baggage. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Medical up to $100,000, limited baggage or trip delay coverage | Travel insurance covers $5,000+ trip cancellation, supports emergencies, and pays local hospital bills. |
Example
During a trip to Ibiza, Mark got a severe jellyfish sting, leading to anaphylactic shock. The private clinic bill for emergency treatment and a two-day stay was $18,000. His Chase bank card offered no medical coverage, and his US health plan deemed the clinic 'out-of-network,' covering only $1,500, leaving him to pay $16,500.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Spain lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. If you're traveling for study or sports, you may need a special visa.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Spain?
First, compare travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool to find the right option for your trip to Spain. Carefully review what is covered, especially in terms of medical care, theft, and exclusions. Buy your chosen policy online and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical expenses in Spain covered by U.S. health insurance?
Most U.S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, does not cover medical costs incurred in Spain. Travelers are responsible for paying medical bills out-of-pocket unless they have international travel insurance. Emergency medical evacuation can also be very expensive.
Does travel insurance for Spain cover theft and pickpocketing?
Nearly all travel insurance plans for Spain include coverage for theft, pickpocketing, and loss of personal belongings. Reimbursement for stolen items is typically subject to policy limits and may require a police report and original purchase receipts as proof.
Is coverage for strikes or civil unrest included in travel insurance for Spain?
Some insurers offer optional trip cancellation or disruption protection for unexpected events like strikes or civil unrest. Check your plan’s terms to see if these incidents are included and under what circumstances claims will be paid.
Can I get coverage for adventure sports or outdoor activities in Spain?
Adventure sports such as hiking, cycling, or water sports are often excluded from standard travel insurance but can usually be added as extra coverage. Confirm which activities are covered by your policy if you plan to participate in any high-risk pursuits during your stay.
Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Spain lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area. If you're traveling for study or sports, you may need a special visa.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Spain?
First, compare travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool to find the right option for your trip to Spain. Carefully review what is covered, especially in terms of medical care, theft, and exclusions. Buy your chosen policy online and you will receive your insurance certificate immediately by email.
Are medical expenses in Spain covered by U.S. health insurance?
Most U.S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, does not cover medical costs incurred in Spain. Travelers are responsible for paying medical bills out-of-pocket unless they have international travel insurance. Emergency medical evacuation can also be very expensive.
Does travel insurance for Spain cover theft and pickpocketing?
Nearly all travel insurance plans for Spain include coverage for theft, pickpocketing, and loss of personal belongings. Reimbursement for stolen items is typically subject to policy limits and may require a police report and original purchase receipts as proof.
Is coverage for strikes or civil unrest included in travel insurance for Spain?
Some insurers offer optional trip cancellation or disruption protection for unexpected events like strikes or civil unrest. Check your plan’s terms to see if these incidents are included and under what circumstances claims will be paid.
Can I get coverage for adventure sports or outdoor activities in Spain?
Adventure sports such as hiking, cycling, or water sports are often excluded from standard travel insurance but can usually be added as extra coverage. Confirm which activities are covered by your policy if you plan to participate in any high-risk pursuits during your stay.
On the same topic
