Holiday Insurance for travel to Spain

Whatever you are planning to do on your visit to Spain holiday insurance is a vital part of your travel plans. It protects you financially, gives you peace of mind, and ensures support when unexpected events occur.

Why You Need Holiday Insurance for Spain

Spain is one of Europe’s most popular and safest destinations, but travel still comes with risks. Holiday insurance helps you avoid the stress and cost of unforeseen problems such as:

Medical emergencies
Even with a GHIC or EHIC, you may still have to pay for medication, private treatment, or certain services. Insurance gives you full protection.

Trip cancellation or curtailment
Whether due to illness, family emergencies, or travel disruptions, cancellation cover helps you reclaim the cost of your holiday.

Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
Busy airports, hotels, and transport hubs can put your belongings at risk. Insurance helps you recover costs quickly.

Travel delays and missed connections
Strikes, weather issues, or airline problems can affect your plans. A good policy covers extra accommodation and rearranged travel.

Adventure and activity cover
If you plan to hike, cycle, sail, kayak, or enjoy water sports, ensure your policy includes these.

Types of Travel Insurance for Spain

Depending on how often you travel and the type of trip you’re taking, consider:

• Single-trip insurance – Ideal for one holiday.
• Annual multi-trip insurance – Good value for frequent travellers.
• Family or group policies – Often cheaper than buying individually.
• Specialist cover – For cruises, hiking holidays, ski trips in the Pyrenees, and more.

What to Look for in a Good Policy

To stay fully protected during your Spanish holiday, choose a policy that includes:

• At least £5 million medical cover
• Repatriation to the UK if medically necessary
• Lost, stolen, or damaged belongings cover
• Gadget protection if travelling with valuable electronics
• Cancellation cover equivalent to the full cost of your trip
• A 24/7 emergency assistance helpline
• Cover for any pre-existing medical conditions you may have
• Protection for car hire excess (if renting a car in Spain)

Do I Need Insurance If I Have a GHIC or EHIC?

A GHIC/EHIC helps you access state healthcare in Spain, but it does not cover:

• Private medical treatment
• Repatriation
• Mountain rescue
• Non-medical issues like lost luggage or cancellation

Travel insurance is still essential.

Car Hire Insurance in Spain: Why It Matters

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore Spain’s diverse regions. Before you pick up your rental car, it’s important to understand how car hire insurance works and how to avoid unnecessary costs.

Why Car Hire Insurance Is Important

Spanish car rental companies typically include basic cover such as:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
• Theft Protection (TP)
• Third-party liability

However, these policies usually come with a large excess, often €1,000–€2,500. Even minor scratches or chipped windscreens can leave you liable for the full amount.

Car hire insurance protects you from these unexpected charges, ensuring you don’t face a large bill at the end of your holiday.

Independent Insurance vs Rental Desk Insurance

At the rental counter, you’ll often be offered “Super CDW” or “Full Cover” to reduce the excess to zero. While convenient, this is usually very expensive.

Buying independent car hire excess insurance before your trip is often much cheaper and more comprehensive.

Major cost savings
Rental desk cover often costs €20–€40 per day. Independent policies may cost only a few pounds per day—or around £40–£60 for annual cover.

Better protection
Standalone insurers often cover things rental companies exclude, such as:

• Tyres and wheels
• Windscreens and mirrors
• Undercarriage damage
• Lost keys
• Towing fees
• Misfuelling

Year-round flexibility
Annual multi-trip policies cover unlimited rentals throughout Europe or even globally.

No pressure selling at the counter
Arriving with your own policy allows you to confidently decline expensive add-ons.

How Independent Excess Insurance Works

1. The rental company places a security deposit hold on your credit card.
2. If damage occurs, they may charge the excess.
3. You then claim this amount back from your independent insurer.

While it adds a small extra step in the unlikely event of damage, the savings and coverage benefits outweigh the inconvenience for most travellers.

Tips for Hiring a Car in Spain

• Check the car thoroughly and take photos on pickup and return.
• Read fuel policies carefully (full-to-full is normally best).
• Note mileage restrictions and out-of-hours return rules.
• Ensure your travel insurance includes personal accident cover if you want additional driver protection.