Pet Insurance in Spain – 2026 Guide for Expats & Non-Residents
Bringing your dog or cat to Spain (or adopting one here) is exciting – until you see the vet bills, vaccines, passports, and unexpected emergencies. For many expats, pet insurance in Spain is an easy way to protect both their animal and their wallet.
Quick Summary
Pet insurance in Spain helps cover vet bills for illness and accidents, sometimes preventive care, and liability if your dog injures someone. Most expats pay €10-30/month depending on pet age, breed and cover level.
- Pet insurance is optional but strongly recommended for expats
- Liability insurance for dogs can be mandatory in some regions
- Cover types: accident-only, accident + illness, preventive add-ons
- Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded
- Use any vet or network clinics depending on the policy
How Pet Insurance in Spain Works
Pet insurance is designed to help with:
Vet bills
For illness and accidents
Liability cover
If your dog injures someone or another animal
Preventive care
Vaccines, check-ups (sometimes)
Travel cover
Third-party damage, travel extras
You pay a monthly or annual premium, and in return the insurer covers certain vet costs up to agreed limits, applies deductibles (excess or co-pay), and sets exclusions (pre-existing conditions, age limits, etc.).
For expats, the key is to understand what is and isn't covered, and to choose a policy that matches your pet's age, breed and lifestyle.
Basic Requirements for Pets in Spain
Whether insured or not, most dogs and cats in Spain must follow certain rules:
Microchip
Dogs (and in many regions cats) must be microchipped and registered
Rabies vaccination
Especially if travelling between countries
EU Pet Passport
Official health documents for travel
Compulsory liability insurance
In some regions, for certain dog breeds or sizes
If your pet is elderly or has chronic conditions, options may be more limited – so it usually pays to insure them while they're relatively young and healthy.
Main Types of Pet Insurance in Spain
1Accident-Only Cover
Cheapest option. Covers emergencies from accidents only (e.g. being hit by a car, falls, bites). Usually does not cover illness.
Best for: Owners with a tight budget who still want protection for big emergencies, young healthy pets.
2Accident + Illness Cover (Full Health)
Covers vet bills for both illness and accidents within policy limits. May include diagnostic tests, surgery, hospitalisation, medication.
Most popular: For owners who want true health insurance for their dog or cat.
3Preventive Care Add-Ons
Some policies offer vaccinations, annual health checks, dental cleaning, flea/tick/worm prevention.
Note: These add-ons increase the premium but smooth out routine vet costs.
4Third-Party Liability (Civil Liability)
Especially important for dog owners. Covers compensation if your dog injures someone or damages property.
Important: In some autonomous communities or for certain breeds/weights, liability insurance is mandatory.
What Pet Insurance in Spain Typically Covers
Usually Covered
- Vet consultations and diagnostic tests
- Surgery and anaesthesia
- Hospitalisation
- Medication for covered conditions
- Emergency care (out-of-hours clinics)
- Some chronic conditions (if started after policy begins)
Usually NOT Covered
- Pre-existing conditions
- Routine care (unless add-on purchased)
- Breeding-related costs (pregnancy, birth)
- Cosmetic procedures
- Certain genetic/hereditary diseases
- Problems from lack of vaccines
Check whether the policy reimburses 100% of covered costs, or a percentage (e.g. 80%) with a co-pay.
Pet Insurance for Expats – Key Points
Language & communication
Most policies and vet reports are in Spanish. Choose an insurer or broker who can explain key terms in English.
Travelling with your pet
Check if vet treatments abroad are covered and if repatriation of your pet is included in emergencies.
Multiple pets
If you have more than one dog or cat, ask about multi-pet discounts.
Older pets
Some companies have age limits for new policies. For older animals, you may find more limited cover (e.g. accident-only).
Liability and local laws
Some Spanish regions require civil liability insurance for dogs over a certain weight or for specific breeds. This can sometimes be combined with pet insurance or taken separately.
How to Choose the Right Pet Insurance in Spain
Decide your main goal
Protect against big, unexpected vet bills? Cover chronic illnesses? Satisfy legal liability requirements?
Look at your pet's age & health
Young, healthy pets are easier and cheaper to insure. Older pets may need careful comparison of exclusions.
Check the limits and co-pays
Annual maximum per pet or per condition, percentage of each bill that you must pay yourself.
Compare real examples
Ask, "If my dog needed surgery costing €1,500, what would I pay and what would you pay?"
Use a broker if you want a single contact
For expats, a broker who works with multiple insurers and speaks your language can save a lot of time and frustration.
Final Thoughts
Pets are family – and for expats in Spain, they are often the most stable part of home when everything else is new.
The right pet insurance in Spain can protect you from large, unexpected vet bills, help you follow local legal requirements (especially for dogs), and give you peace of mind when travelling between countries with your pet.
With clear information, realistic expectations and, if needed, support from a specialist broker, you can choose a policy that protects both your animal and your finances.
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
Related guides
You might also find these useful:
Ready to get covered?
When you're ready, compare real insurance options in Spain and request a personalised quote in English.
Get Pet Insurance Quotes
Compare pet insurance options from Spanish insurers with English support.