A complete guide to Spain travel insurance (2024) (2024)

When planning your trip to Spain travel insurance is one of the things that you should take into consideration.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. In this sense, a travel insurance policy is designed to cover certain financial risks that you don’t want to bear on your own.

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Table of Contents

What is Spain travel insurance?

Travel insurance helps protect you from certain kinds of unexpected events that can occur before or during your trip to Spain.

Unlike auto insurance, travel insurance is elective, which means it’s up to you to decide if you want it.

Do you need a travel insurance when traveling to Spain?

As I said before, travel insurance is not mandatory when embarking on a trip. So the decision is all yours.

Here are the steps that you should follow to determine whether or not you should get a Spain travel insurance:

  • The first step is understanding where you need coverage and where you don’t. For example, some major credit cards offer some medical and baggage insurance.
  • The next criteria to consider should be the cost and length of the trip, your itinerary and your health.
  • The final step is searching for a provider and policy that offers the type of insurance you need, based on key variables such as trip price, destination and itinerary, along with pre-existing medical conditions.

What does travel insurance cover?

If you’ve never purchased travel insurance before or you’re not sure what travel insurance is, here’s a quick overview of what a travel insurance plan could cover:

  • Medical costs. Your plan could cover for unexpected injuries, accidents, hospital visits, emergencies, and evacuations.
  • Property loss, such as theft, damaged or lost baggage, and its contents while you’re traveling.
  • Travel issues, including any trip cancellations, accommodation issues, and transportation expenses.

A typical travel insurance provides 24/7 assistance to help you.

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

However, different providers offer different plans with a mix of these coverages and more, so be sure to educate yourself about all the options before choosing one.

Medical costs

A Spain travel insurance that includes medical costs is a temporary medical insurance that covers you on your trip.

It may pay expenses such as:

  • Emergency transportation to a hospital.
  • Doctor’s bills.
  • Medications.
  • Hospital and operating room costs.
  • X-rays, treatments, test, and anesthesia.
  • Emergency evacuation.

Property loss

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for baggage loss and baggage delay if your bag is not permanently lost or damaged.

Let’s see the difference between both coverages.

1. Baggage loss coverage

It usually provides reimbursem*nt for luggage and covered personal items that are lost or stolen while you’re traveling.

Baggage and personal effects coverage is typically secondary coverage, which means that it will act to supplement any reimbursem*nts offered by a common carrier (such as an airline that loses your bags) or by your homeowner’s insurance.

2. Baggage delay coverage

It generally allows you to purchase essential items you need for your personal comfort while you’re waiting for your bags to arrive. As with baggage loss coverage, it is secondary coverage to any benefits your airline or common carrier may provide to you.

Baggage delay coverage generally becomes active after your belongings have been delayed for a specified period of time. Depending on the policy, it will usually be either 12 or 24 hours. Until that period of time has passed, you may not be eligible for reimbursem*nt.

Another important consideration is that baggage delay coverage is typically only available on the outbound part of the trip.

Travel issues

The coverage that most people are aware of is trip cancellation, which provides reimbursem*nt for unused, non-refundable, prepaid trip costs if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as sickness, job loss, flight cancellations due to adverse weather and more.

Similarly, with coverage for trip interruption you can get a refund of your trip costs if you can’t continue your trip due to a covered event. Moreover, certain plans provide reimbursem*nt for additional transportation costs to return home or rejoin your group.

Travel insurance may also include travel delay.

Who are World Nomads?

Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers.

They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel.

Because they believe in giving back to the places we travel to, World Nomads also enables you to make a difference with a micro-donation when you buy a policy.

And they’ll help you plan your trip with free downloadable guides, travel tips, responsible travel insights and recommendations from their global community.

Being an Australian company, I got to know World Nomads while I was living in Melbourne in 2007. I had the chance of spending a full year exploring the country.

How does travel insurance work?

The process for filing a travel insurance claim is similar to car or home insurance. If you get in a car accident or have a water leak in your bathroom, you file a claim.

In similar fashion, if something happens during your trip and you need to use your travel insurance, you’ll need to file a claim to be reimbursed.

The claim filing process usually looks like this:

  1. You file a claim via phone, online form, or app.
  2. You submit requested documentation and proof of loss.
  3. Your travel insurance company reviews your claim.
  4. Your claim is approved and paid or denied.

Travel insurance, like other forms of insurance, kicks in when you file a claim (online, app, or phone) under your current policy.

You’ll need to submit some form of proof of your loss or reason for cancellation. Your travel insurance provider will let you know exactly what type of proof and documentation is needed.

Once the claim is submitted, your insurance provider will start working on your claim and gathering any additional needed info.

Finally, as soon as the paperwork is reviewed and accepted, your claim is approved and paid or denied.

Disclaimer: I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

A complete guide to Spain travel insurance (2024) (2024)

FAQs

What travel insurance do you need for Spain? ›

To be covered in Spain, the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands you only need European travel insurance, not worldwide cover.

Should I buy travel insurance for Spain? ›

American citizens are not legally required to have travel insurance for Spain as long as the trip is under 90 days. However, The US Embassy in Madrid highly recommends buying travel insurance when visiting Spain as most traditional US health insurance isn't accepted at Spanish hospitals.

What are the insurance requirements for Spain visa? ›

One of the main requirements for the application is proof of valid travel medical insurance that meets specific minimum requirements. The minimum requirements for health insurance for a Schengen visa include: Minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (about USD $32,375 at the time of publish)

What is the best travel insurance for Americans going to Europe? ›

The Best Europe Travel Insurance Companies
CompanyBBB RatingCOVID-19 Coverage
Nationwide Travel Insurance GTE QUOTEA+Yes, limited
Seven Corners Travel Insurance GET QUOTEA+Yes
Trawick International GET QUOTEBYes
Generali Global Assistance GET QUOTEA+Yes
4 more rows
Apr 22, 2024

How much is travel insurance to Spain? ›

A Europe travel insurance policy for Spain could cost as little as £6.84 for a week's stay. 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.

Do I need medical insurance to travel to Spain from USA? ›

Does Spain require travel insurance? If you are a US citizen or have the nationality which does not need the Schengen visa, then travel insurance to Spain is not mandatory.

How much travel insurance is enough? ›

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

Why is travel insurance to Spain more expensive? ›

Why is travel insurance to Spain more expensive? The price of Spain travel insurance is based on claims costs. When something happens in Spain, the cost can be higher than elsewhere in Europe. Usually because medical treatments are more expensive, particularly in private hospitals.

What does travel insurance not cover? ›

Most travel insurance policies won't pay out if you're negligent while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and have an accident or have property stolen.

What do I need to travel to Spain in 2024? ›

What is an ETIAS Travel Authorization? It is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to Spain and 29 other European countries as of 2024. It is a personal authorization linked to a passport number and it is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Do I need an ETIAS to travel to Spain in 2024? ›

Do I Need ETIAS to Travel to Spain? Yes. From 2025, as a UK citizen you will be asked to apply for ETIAS authorisation to enter Spain. By Launching ETIAS System, the European Union intends to enhance the safety and security of the EU's external borders and reduce the risks of illegal migration.

Is healthcare free in Spain for tourists? ›

Health Insurance in Spain for Visitors

Short-term visitors and travelers to Spain are responsible for covering their own healthcare costs. They are not eligible for the benefits of the public health system.

What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Europe? ›

Be aware that you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. A visit to the emergency room can be free or cost only a nominal fee, or it can be expensive, depending on where you are and what treatment you need.

Does my US health insurance cover me in Europe? ›

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Is Allianz travel insurance good? ›

Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.

Why is travel insurance more for Spain? ›

Why is travel insurance to Spain more expensive? The price of Spain travel insurance is based on claims costs. When something happens in Spain, the cost can be higher than elsewhere in Europe. Usually because medical treatments are more expensive, particularly in private hospitals.

Why does travel insurance not include Spain? ›

This means that anyone who travels to Spain without an essential reason will generally not be covered by their travel insurance provider, as they will have travelled against the FCDO's advice, which is a common exclusion in most policies. Unfortunately, a holiday is not classed as an essential reason for travel.

What travel insurance do I need for Travelling? ›

Your travel insurance should always include the following cover: medical expenses and cover for getting you home if you're injured or fall ill abroad. personal injury and cover for accidents or damage caused by you. cover for lost or damaged items.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe from USA? ›

Do Americans need health insurance in Europe? While not required to enter Europe, a travel insurance policy with emergency medical coverage is a good idea when traveling to Europe, said Baykal of World Nomads.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 5946

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.