Spain Travel Insurance Requirements

Key Takeaways

• Our analysis shows that Travel Insured International, Tin Leg, and IMG offer the best travel insurance for Spain.
• Traditional U.S. health insurance is not accepted in Spain, so we recommend purchasing travel medical insurance at a minimum.
• Spain is a member of the Schengen Area, and travelers may be required to provide proof of adequate medical coverage, especially when applying for a visa.
• Travel insurance in Spain can start at just $4.65 per day for essential medical coverage, but comprehensive plans that include Trip Cancellation may provide more excellent overall value.
• We recommend getting custom quotes for your trip with our online travel insurance comparison tool. The tool lets you compare plans and prices from over 20 travel insurance companies.

Our Top Recommended Spain Travel Insurance Plans

1. Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX because it offers family-friendly pricing and customizable coverage.
2. Tin Leg – Gold because it provides strong medical and cancellation protection.
3. IMG – iTravelInsured Choice because it includes generous coverage for medical and non-medical evacuations.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Spain

No, travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens visiting Spain for less than 90 days. However, it is highly recommended, mainly because:

• At more than $5K for a vacation, Spain travel insurance can provide financial protection for unforeseen events.
• U.S. health insurance isn’t accepted in Spain.
• Unexpected medical emergencies can be costly abroad.
• Travel disruptions, strikes, and theft are common in cities like Barcelona and Madrid.
• Certain travelers—such as those applying for a Schengen visa—must show proof of travel medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 or $50,000, our recommended amount.

Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Spain

High Travel Costs

Spain is a popular European destination with vibrant cities, world-class art, and Mediterranean beaches. According to Squaremouth data, travelers spend an average of $5,365 on trips to Spain, including flights, accommodations, excursions, and tours. With this level of investment, a canceled or interrupted trip could lead to substantial financial losses.

✅ Comprehensive travel insurance reimburses up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel or cut your trip short for a covered reason such as illness, injury, or family emergency.

Medical Emergencies and Hospital Costs

While Spain has an excellent healthcare system, it’s not free for tourists. U.S. health insurance typically doesn’t cover care abroad, and many Spanish hospitals require payment upfront before treating non-residents.

✅ Travel medical insurance covers emergency doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatments for injuries or illnesses. Some plans even offer direct payment to hospitals, so you’re not left with significant out-of-pocket expenses.

Pickpocketing and Theft

Petty crimes like pickpocketing are common in Spain, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, Madrid’s metro system, and Seville’s historic districts. Since they usually involve the distraction of victims, pickpockets often target phones, wallets, and passports in crowded spaces. Violent crimes, including robberies, have been reported, with some victims needing medical attention. Car break-ins are also common, so you can recoup any losses due to crime by using your street smarts and having travel insurance.

✅ Baggage and personal item coverage reimburses you for stolen or lost belongings, including electronics and travel documents. Many policies provide 24/7 assistance to help replace passports or arrange emergency funds.

Transportation Strikes and Delays

Spain frequently experiences transportation strikes, especially among airport and rail workers. These can cause last-minute delays or cancellations, particularly in busy hubs like Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN).

✅ Travel delay and missed connection coverage can reimburse you for hotel stays, meals, and alternative travel arrangements if a covered disruption impacts your trip.

Extreme Weather (Heat Waves, Flooding, Wildfires)

Spain’s climate can vary drastically by region. The summer heat can be extreme in cities like Seville and Madrid, which could increase health risks for vulnerable travelers, especially older adults or anyone with pre-existing health conditions. Wildfires and flooding occasionally disrupt travel in coastal and rural areas.

✅ Comprehensive travel insurance helps cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to extreme weather. Medical emergencies related to heat exhaustion or natural disasters are also typically covered.

Terrorism Risk

Spain has maintained a high level of security at all times since past terror attacks, such as the 2017 Barcelona van attack.

✅ Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance helps cover changes to your itinerary or reservations for any reason, such as the need to evacuate due to war or terrorism.

More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Spain

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Travel Insured International

• Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
• Emergency Medical: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Optional Cancel For Any Reason upgrade
• Ideal plan for families and cruisers

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Best Luxury Travel Insurance

Tin Leg

• Recommended Plan: Gold
• Emergency Medical: $500,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Covers a wide-range of adventure sports & activities

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Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

IMG

• Recommended Plan: iTravelInsured Choice
• Emergency Medical: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Reliable coverage for pre-existing conditions

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How Much Does Spain Travel Insurance Cost?

The average cost of comprehensive travel insurance in Spain was $20.45 per day as of March 2025, based on sales data from thousands of travelers who purchased policies through the Squaremouth marketplace over the past year.

Travelers visiting Spain typically spend $368.05 for a policy that covers their entire trip. On average, these trips last 18 days and cost $5,365. Those looking to save can find less expensive options with medical-only policies, which cost an average of $92.89 for 20 days—$4.65 per day—while still providing key benefits like Emergency Medical and emergency Medical Evacuation coverage.

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What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Spain?

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

As a popular destination for travelers on cruises docking in Barcelona or Mediterranean ports or tourists heading to cultural events like La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls, there are many options to head to Spain. But that also means the risk of cancellation. With a comprehensive travel insurance plan, if your trip is canceled for a covered reason — like illness, injury, or severe weather — you can be reimbursed for non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, and tours. With Trip Interruption coverage, you can feel protected during transportation strikes, which often impact rail and airline travel.

Travel medical coverage

Spain’s healthcare system is excellent, but it is not free for tourists. If you require medical care for a stomach bug, a biking injury in Majorca, or hospitalization, your U.S. health insurance will not cover these expenses. Travel medical insurance safeguards you against unexpected costs, especially during the hot summer months when travelers are at risk for heat-related illnesses and dehydration. We recommend that you secure $ 100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage.

Medical Evacuation coverage

You may find yourself far from a major hospital while exploring remote areas like the Pyrenees Mountains, hiking in the Canary Islands, or cruising along the Iberian coast. Medical Evacuation coverage includes transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility—or even back to the U.S. if necessary. This coverage is vital for those engaging in higher-risk activities such as sailing, hiking, or road-tripping through the secluded areas of Andalusia. We recommend ensuring you have $250,000 Medical Evacuation coverage.

Insurance for baggage and personal items

Spain, especially in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, is known for pickpocketing targeting tourists. Baggage insurance reimburses stolen valuables, lost checked bags, or delayed luggage. If your bag is delayed in Spain, this coverage helps you purchase essentials until they arrive.

What Isn’t Covered by Spain Travel Insurance Plans?

As with all travel insurance plans, there are exclusions regardless of where you’re traveling. These often include the following:

• Pre-existing conditions (unless a waiver is included)
• Fear of travel or change of plans
• Traveling against government advisories
• Incidents involving drugs or alcohol
• Adventure sports or hazardous activities without specific add-on coverage

Tips to Finding the Best Travel Insurance for Spain

Use a Comparison tool

As the nation’s largest travel insurance marketplace, we assist travelers in comparing more policies and providers than any other site. Viewing multiple plans side-by-side lets you find the best coverage for your trip to Spain—whether exploring Barcelona, hiking in the Pyrenees, or cruising the Mediterranean—all at the lowest available price.

Read the fine print and policy exclusions.

Not all travel insurance plans offer the same benefits. Some may exclude adventurous activities like hiking, sailing, or scooter riding, which are popular in Spain. Others may limit coverage for pre-existing conditions unless a waiver is obtained. Be sure to read the policy’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) to understand its specific terms, particularly regarding medical coverage, cancellations, and trip delays due to strikes or civil unrest occasionally affecting Spain’s transit systems.

Consider Your Specific Travel Risks
Spain is a safe destination, but travelers should still prepare for region-specific risks:

• Pickpocketing is common in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
• Transportation strikes may disrupt rail and air travel.
• Extreme summer heat can cause dehydration or heat exhaustion, especially for older travelers or those with chronic conditions.
• Adventure travel to mountainous or coastal areas may require extra evacuation coverage.

Thinking through your itinerary and risk tolerance can help you choose the right policy with the necessary coverage.

Determine How Much Coverage You Need

For Spanish travel, obtain insurance with at least $100,000 in medical coverage and $250,000 for evacuation. This protects you if you require treatment at a private clinic or emergency transport. Spain’s public healthcare isn’t available to tourists without insurance or upfront payment. Many insurers pay hospitals directly, preventing significant out-of-pocket costs during emergencies.

Is Travel Insurance for Spain Worth It?

Yes! Especially if you’re spending thousands on a European vacation, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Considering the risks of theft, violence, flight disruptions, travel mishaps, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage, traveling to Spain is worthwhile if you are protected. Spain travel insurance provides affordable peace of mind for a fraction of your total trip cost.

FAQ: Spain Travel Insurance

Is Spain safe to visit?

Spain is generally very safe, but travelers should be aware of petty crime in tourist areas. Follow local guidance and stay mindful of your surroundings.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Spain in 2025?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for Spain in 2025 but is required in the Schengen region. A Schengen visa, which often requires proof of medical coverage, is also necessary if you stay long-term, for over six months.

Will my U.S. Health Insurance Work in Spain?

Generally, Spanish medical facilities do not accept U.S. health insurance, so travel medical insurance is highly recommended.

What documents are required to travel to Spain?

U.S. citizens must possess a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity beyond their stay. No visa is necessary for visits shorter than 90 days.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Spain?

As a U.S. citizen, you need a passport but not a visa for short tourist trips lasting under 90 days.

Does Spain require COVID insurance?

Spain does not mandate COVID-specific insurance; however, it is typically incorporated in most travel insurance plans for extra protection.

Helpful Resources

• Spain Tourism Information

• Spain Travel Advisories