Holiday Insurance from Spain: Travel Cover for Trips Abroad
Once you're settled in Spain, you'll likely travel often – to see family, for work trips or to explore other countries. Many expats assume their Spanish health insurance or EHIC/GHIC is enough, only to discover the gaps when flights are cancelled or baggage goes missing.
Key Takeaways
Holiday insurance (travel insurance) combines medical cover abroad with cancellation, baggage and assistance.
- Covers emergency medical costs abroad, trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and travel delays
- Residents can choose between single-trip, annual multi-trip and premium worldwide cover
- EHIC/GHIC only helps with state healthcare and doesn't replace travel insurance
- If you travel three or more times a year, annual multi-trip cover is often more economical
- Compare options tailored to expats via ExpatInsurances' travel insurance from Spain page
What Holiday Insurance from Spain Actually Covers
Core Protections
Typical policies for residents in Spain include:
Medical & Evacuation
- • Emergency medical expenses abroad
- • Hospital treatment and tests
- • Medical evacuation to Spain or home country
Trip Protection
- • Cancellation and interruption
- • Travel delay benefits
- • Missed connection cover
Baggage Cover
- • Loss, theft or damage
- • Policy limits apply per item
- • Delayed baggage allowance
24/7 Assistance
- • Emergency helpline access
- • Coordination with hospitals
- • Repatriation arrangements
For expats, the medical cover and repatriation pieces are especially important, as they can reach very high amounts in some countries.
Optional Extras
You can often add:
- Winter and adventure sports cover – skiing, diving, hiking
- Higher baggage limits or cover for high-value items like cameras and laptops
- Pre-existing medical conditions cover, after declaration
- USA/Canada packages where healthcare costs are higher
These extras matter if you regularly ski in the Pyrenees, visit family in North America or travel with expensive equipment.
Single-Trip vs Annual Multi-Trip vs Premium Plans
Single-Trip Policies
Best if you:
- Take only one or two holidays per year
- Want simple cover for a specific trip
They're priced per trip, depending on length, destination and age.
Annual Multi-Trip Cover
Ideal if you:
- Travel several times a year
- Take regular short trips back to your home country
- Want one policy that covers all trips up to a set number of days per trip
This often works out cheaper and easier than buying separate single-trip policies.
Premium Plans
These usually add:
- Higher medical and cancellation limits
- Better travel delay and missed connection benefits
- Broader sports coverage and longer maximum trip durations
They're worth considering if you take long-haul trips, combine business and leisure, or have complex travel patterns.
How Your Spanish Health Insurance and EHIC Fit In
Limitations to Be Aware Of
Private Health Insurance in Spain
Your private health insurance in Spain may offer some limited emergency cover abroad, but it usually doesn't include cancellation, baggage or all travel risks.
EHIC or GHIC
Can help you access state care in other EU countries, but not private hospitals or repatriation.
Why Holiday Insurance Matters
Holiday insurance is the product that pulls everything together, with clear assistance numbers, claim procedures and limits designed specifically for travel.
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Do I still need holiday insurance if I have EHIC or GHIC?
Yes, in most cases you do. EHIC or GHIC can help you access medically necessary state healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as locals, but it doesn't cover private treatment, repatriation, trip cancellation or baggage. Holiday insurance adds those missing protections and gives you a 24/7 assistance line. For short city breaks you might get away without it, but for most trips – especially long-haul – having proper travel cover is the safer choice.
Is annual multi-trip travel insurance worth it for expats in Spain?
If you travel three or more times per year, annual multi-trip cover is often easier and more cost-effective than buying separate policies. You pay once, get a clear maximum trip length (for example 30 or 45 days per trip) and don't have to remember to buy insurance each time. It's particularly useful for expats who regularly fly home, attend work events abroad or take weekend trips around Europe.
Does holiday insurance cover trips within Spain or only abroad?
It depends on the policy. Some travel insurance products sold in Spain only cover trips that start and end in Spain but go abroad, while others can also cover domestic trips that include pre-booked accommodation or flights. If you often travel within Spain, check the wording carefully or ask your broker whether domestic holidays are included and what counts as a 'trip' for claim purposes.
Will travel insurance pay out if I cancel because I change my mind?
Standard policies usually only cover cancellation for specific, listed reasons – serious illness, certain family events, or major problems like damage to your home before departure. They don't cover simply changing your mind about travelling. Some premium plans offer 'cancel for any reason' options, but these have strict timing rules and often only refund a percentage of your costs. Always read the cancellation section so you know exactly when you're protected.
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