Travel Insurance for Spain: How to Make the Best Choice?

Table of contents

Why purchase travel insurance for Spain?

What Should Travel Insurance for Spain Cover?

Top Five Travel Insurances for Spain

What is the best travel insurance for Spain?

Plans that may interest you

Spain draws in tourists, remote workers, and digital nomads alike, offering a wealth of attractions. From vibrant cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia, brimming with culture and excitement, to natural wonders such as the rugged Cantabrian coast, tranquil Mediterranean shores, and stunning mountain ranges, the country caters to every taste. Recognized as one of the world’s premier travel destinations, Spain truly offers something for everyone. To ensure a stress-free adventure in this magical part of the Iberian Peninsula, securing travel insurance is highly recommended.

Selecting the right travel insurance is vital for peace of mind while exploring. However, with so many options available, it can be daunting to decide which plan suits your needs best. This guide will walk you through the top travel insurance providers for Spain, with a particular focus on IATI Seguros for its excellent balance of cost and benefits.

Why purchase travel insurance for Spain?

When seeking an answer to why travel insurance is essential for Spain, numerous factors come into play. One major reason is the high cost of private healthcare in the country. While public medical care is free for residents and covers basic needs, non-residents face significant expenses for private treatment. The costs vary depending on the type of care and the region. For instance, a standard doctor’s appointment can range from €50 to €200 ($52–$210), and a single night in the hospital might set you back around €1,000 ($1,030). Imagine spending a chunk of your travel budget on unforeseen medical bills—that’s certainly an experience you’d want to avoid.

Travel insurance offers peace of mind by covering unexpected costs, ensuring you have access to healthcare, repatriation, and support in emergencies. Many policies also include telemedicine services for situations where visiting a clinic isn’t feasible, along with coverage for activities like adventure sports or road trips. In a country like Spain, where adventures abound—from hiking in the Picos de Europa to snorkeling along the Costa Brava—having this extra layer of protection becomes indispensable.

Of course, travel risks extend beyond health concerns. Comprehensive travel insurance should also cover incidents like theft, lost luggage, or other unforeseen circumstances. For example, if you were injured and needed a family member to fly to Spain to assist you, travel insurance would help cover those expenses, preventing a financial burden during an already stressful time.

What Should Travel Insurance for Spain Cover?

In general, travel insurance for Spain should provide similar benefits to those for any other destination. However, the type of coverage you’ll need depends on the nature of your trip. For instance, partying in Ibiza differs greatly from embarking on a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. Similarly, a summer getaway to the iconic La Concha beach in San Sebastián is quite different from a road trip through Andalusia’s charming white villages. Regardless of your travel plans, certain key aspects are essential in any reliable travel insurance policy for Spain. Curious about what they are? Let’s break it down.

Top Five Travel Insurances for Spain

IATI insurance

IATI is a well-established travel insurance provider with a solid reputation for covering trips across the globe. Their plans cater to various types of travelers, from adventure enthusiasts and road trippers to pet owners and more. Whatever your travel style, you’re bound to find a policy that fits your needs.

One standout option, featured in our comparison chart, is IATI Getaways, which we highly recommend for trips to Spain. This plan offers extensive coverage, including medical assistance and baggage issues. It’s especially ideal for thrill-seekers drawn to adventure sports, mountain treks, and adrenaline-fueled activities. Notably, it even covers the theft of rental bikes. For road trippers and campers, the policy also extends to theft from vehicles and other travel-related concerns.

Bringing your furry companion along? No problem— IATI Getaways includes coverage for pets, offering medical assistance for accidents, liability protection, and more. You can travel with confidence, knowing both you and your pet are well taken care of.

World Nomads

World Nomads is another top choice for travel insurance in Spain, offering two distinct plans: Standard and Explorer. These options cater specifically to independent and adventure-seeking travelers, providing comprehensive medical and outdoor activity coverage.

Both plans stand out for their flexible terms, allowing travelers to extend their coverage while on the go—an excellent perk for those on extended journeys. Additionally, World Nomads provides multilingual customer support and is particularly geared toward adventurous spirits and digital nomads, ensuring a seamless experience for modern travelers.

Intermundial

Intermundial is highly regarded for its comprehensive medical assistance coverage in Spain. Moreover, the company provides 24/7 support in Spanish, ensuring smooth assistance and efficient handling during emergencies.

While the table highlights the Totaltravel Mini plan, several other options are available.

AXA

AXA, a globally renowned insurance provider, is another excellent choice for your journey. The company offers two travel insurance plans specifically designed for non-residents visiting Spain: Schengen Low Cost and Schengen Europe Travel. The Schengen Low Cost plan provides medical coverage of up to €30,000 ($31,000) and includes repatriation services, making it ideal for Schengen visa applicants. On the other hand, the Schengen Europe Travel plan offers more extensive medical coverage, with assistance of up to €100,000 ($103,000), catering to travelers seeking comprehensive protection.

Heymondo

Heymondo provides travel insurance for Spain that is renowned for its adaptability and comprehensive protection, catering to various types of travelers. Their plans include coverage for medical emergencies, repatriation, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.

Beyond the basic Tranquility plan, Heymondo offers more extensive options for those requiring broader protection. For instance, the Top Trip plan covers up to €3,000,000 ($3,100,000), while the Premium Trip plan offers even greater coverage, extending to €10,000,000 ($10,300,000). The Premium Trip plan also includes comprehensive coverage for adventure sports, making it a great choice for those seeking a more adrenaline-packed journey.

Heymondo also features a user-friendly app that enables immediate contact with their medical team and allows for emergency management without upfront payment in most cases. Assistance is available 24/7 and in Spanish.

What is the best travel insurance for Spain?

We have selected IATI as the preferred travel insurance for Spain, and there are several compelling reasons why it stands out. Firstly, it provides comprehensive medical coverage with no deductibles. Its premium plans offer up to €1,000,000 in medical assistance, a crucial feature in Spain, where private healthcare costs can be high. Additionally, IATI's policies eliminate the need for upfront payments or deductibles during emergencies, offering complete protection for travelers without extra financial burdens.

Another key advantage of IATI is its coverage for adventure sports and outdoor activities. Unlike many other insurers, IATI includes coverage for a wide range of adventure sports in most of its plans, with the option to add it as a supplement if needed. This is particularly beneficial for those planning to explore Spain's diverse landscapes through activities like hiking, trekking, canyoning, diving, surfing, and more.

IATI also offers a variety of plans tailored to different types of travelers, allowing users to select a policy that aligns with their needs and budget. Whether you're planning a long-term stay or an adventure-focused trip, IATI has specialized options available.

A standout feature of IATI is its 24/7 emergency assistance and Spanish-language customer support, which ensures efficient communication during unforeseen situations. This is particularly valuable for Spanish-speaking travelers who need immediate resolution while abroad.

Lastly, IATI offers a cancellation supplement, which allows travelers to recover the cost of their trip if unexpected events prevent them from going. It also provides medical and funeral repatriation, adding an extra layer of security in case of emergencies.

With all these advantages, IATI is considered one of the most comprehensive, flexible, and hassle-free travel insurance options for visitors to Spain.

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