Holiday Travel Insurance from Spain – Vacation Cover Abroad

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most policies cover emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, doctor consultations, prescribed medications, ambulance transport, and medical evacuation back to Spain. Coverage limits vary from €100,000 for basic plans to €1 million or more for premium worldwide cover. The USA and Canada often require higher limits due to expensive healthcare. Pre-existing conditions usually need declaration and may require an additional premium.

Travel insurance typically reimburses non-refundable trip costs if your flight is cancelled for covered reasons (airline strike, severe weather, sudden illness). For delays, policies usually pay a fixed amount (€50–€150) after a waiting period (typically 4–12 hours) for meals and accommodation. Some policies also cover missed connections if the delay causes you to miss a connecting flight. Keep all receipts and get written confirmation from the airline.

Baggage cover reimburses you for lost, stolen or damaged luggage up to the policy limit (typically €1,500–€3,000). Most policies have per-item limits (€200–€500) for individual items like electronics or jewellery. You must report theft to local police within 24 hours and get a written report. For airline-lost luggage, file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) at the airport. Delayed baggage cover provides an allowance for essentials until your bag arrives.

Basic travel insurance usually excludes most adventure sports and skiing. You typically need to add winter sports cover or adventure activities cover as an optional extra, which increases the premium by 15–40%. Check exactly which activities are covered – there's often a difference between 'recreational skiing' and 'off-piste skiing' or between 'snorkelling' and 'scuba diving below 18 metres'. Some policies exclude certain high-risk activities entirely.

Yes, but you must declare all pre-existing conditions when buying the policy. The insurer will either include them in standard cover, charge an additional premium, exclude specific conditions, or decline cover. Failing to disclose conditions can void your entire policy. Many insurers use medical screening questionnaires. If you're over 65 or have complex conditions, specialist insurers or brokers can often find suitable cover.

Travel insurance provides financial reimbursement for covered losses – you pay upfront and claim later. Travel assistance is the 24/7 helpline service that coordinates help in emergencies: arranging hospital admission, organising evacuation, contacting family, replacing lost documents. Good travel insurance includes both. The assistance service is particularly valuable abroad when you don't speak the local language or know the healthcare system.

For a single European trip of one week, basic cover costs around €15–€35 per person. Annual multi-trip policies range from €80–€200 for Europe-only cover and €150–€400 for worldwide cover. Factors that increase cost include: age over 65, pre-existing conditions, USA/Canada destinations, adventure sports, and higher coverage limits. Family policies often offer better value than individual policies for couples or families travelling together.

Call the 24/7 assistance line immediately for medical emergencies – they'll authorise treatment and handle hospital payments directly where possible. For other claims, gather all documentation: receipts, police reports, medical records, boarding passes, airline confirmations. Submit claims promptly (most policies require notification within 30 days). Keep copies of everything. Claims are typically processed within 2–4 weeks for straightforward cases.