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.
Regional Pet Insurance Regulations in Spain
Spain's autonomous communities have varying requirements for pet ownership and insurance. Here's what you need to know by region:
| Region | PPP Mandatory | Min. Liability | Microchip Req. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andalucía | Yes | €120,000 | All dogs | PPP license required; psychological test for owners |
| Cataluña | Yes | €150,000 | All dogs & cats | Stricter breed list; annual license renewal |
| Madrid | Yes | €120,000 | All dogs | Urban areas may have additional leash rules |
| Valencia | Yes | €120,000 | All dogs | Coastal areas have beach access restrictions |
| Balearic Islands | Yes | €150,000 | All dogs & cats | Some municipalities require all-dog insurance |
| Canary Islands | Yes | €120,000 | All dogs | Import rules for pets from mainland differ |
Important: PPP (Potentially Dangerous Pet) regulations can change. Always verify current requirements with your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) when registering your dog.
Breed-Specific Insurance Requirements & Costs
Insurance requirements and premiums vary significantly by breed, size, and classification. Here's what different pet owners can expect:
Potentially Dangerous (PPP)
Examples: Pit Bull, Staffordshire, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu
Requirements: Mandatory liability (€120,000+), PPP license, psychological test, no criminal record, physical aptitude
Average Premium
€80-150/month
Large Breeds (25-40kg)
Examples: German Shepherd, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Husky
Requirements: Recommended high liability cover; some regions classify over 20kg as requiring registration
Average Premium
€25-45/month
Medium Breeds (10-25kg)
Examples: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Bulldog
Requirements: Standard registration and microchip; no special license required
Average Premium
€15-30/month
Small Breeds (<10kg)
Examples: Chihuahua, Yorkshire, Pomeranian, Maltese, Toy Poodle
Requirements: Basic microchip and vaccination; lower premium options available
Average Premium
€10-20/month
Cats
Examples: All domestic cats (purebred or mixed)
Requirements: Microchip mandatory in many regions; indoor/outdoor status affects premium
Average Premium
€10-25/month
Exotic Pets
Examples: Rabbits, ferrets, birds, reptiles
Requirements: Limited insurance options; specialist vets recommended; check legal ownership status
Average Premium
€5-20/month (limited cover)
Mixed Breed Dogs
For mixed breeds, insurers typically assess based on the dominant breed's characteristics and the dog's weight. If your mixed breed resembles a PPP breed, you may be asked to provide documentation from your vet.
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.
Rental property considerations
If you rent, your landlord may require pet liability insurance. Some home insurance policies include this, but standalone pet insurance offers better vet cover.
How to File a Pet Insurance Claim in Spain
Understanding the claims process before you need it saves stress during emergencies. Here's the typical process:
Seek Immediate Treatment
Take your pet to a licensed vet immediately. Don't delay treatment to call the insurer first – your pet's health comes first.
Tip: Keep the insurer's emergency number saved in your phone for reference
Document Everything
Get detailed invoices, vet reports, diagnosis, and treatment records. Take photos of any injuries if relevant.
Tip: Request English summaries if needed for your records
Pay the Bill Upfront
Most Spanish pet insurers work on a reimbursement basis. Pay the vet directly and keep all receipts.
Tip: Some network clinics may offer direct billing – ask your insurer
Submit Your Claim
Complete the claim form (online or paper), attach all documentation, and submit within the required timeframe (usually 7-30 days).
Tip: Use email or online portal for faster processing and proof of submission
Receive Reimbursement
The insurer reviews your claim (typically 5-15 business days) and reimburses the covered amount minus any excess/co-pay.
Tip: Keep track of your annual claim limit to plan for ongoing conditions
For Faster Claims
- • Keep your pet's vaccination records updated
- • Use online claim submission when available
- • Submit claims within 7 days of treatment
- • Ensure vet invoices include diagnosis codes
Common Claim Rejections
- • Treatment during waiting period
- • Pre-existing conditions not disclosed
- • Missing or incomplete documentation
- • Claim submitted after deadline
Common Pet Insurance Mistakes Expats Make
Avoid these pitfalls that often catch expat pet owners off guard:
Waiting too long to insure
Once your pet develops a condition, it becomes pre-existing and won't be covered. Insure while young and healthy.
Not reading breed exclusions
Some policies exclude hereditary conditions common in certain breeds. German Shepherds and hip dysplasia is a classic example.
Ignoring PPP requirements
Owning a PPP breed without proper license and insurance is illegal and can result in fines up to €15,000.
Choosing by price alone
The cheapest policy often has low annual limits (€1,000-2,000) that won't cover serious surgery or ongoing conditions.
Not checking vet networks
Some insurers only cover network vets. If your trusted vet isn't included, you may face reimbursement issues.
Forgetting travel coverage
If you travel frequently with your pet, ensure the policy covers veterinary care in other countries, not just Spain.
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.
Consider breed-specific needs
If you have a PPP breed, ensure the policy meets minimum liability requirements and includes the necessary documentation for licensing.
Pet Insurance Costs in Spain: What to Expect
Here's a realistic breakdown of pet insurance costs in Spain based on pet type and coverage level:
| Pet Type | Accident Only | Accident + Illness | Comprehensive | + Liability (PPP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (indoor) | €8-12/month | €15-20/month | €20-30/month | N/A |
| Cat (outdoor) | €10-15/month | €18-25/month | €25-35/month | N/A |
| Small dog (<10kg) | €10-15/month | €18-25/month | €25-35/month | N/A |
| Medium dog (10-25kg) | €12-18/month | €22-32/month | €30-45/month | N/A |
| Large dog (25-40kg) | €15-22/month | €28-40/month | €40-55/month | N/A |
| PPP breed (any size) | €25-35/month | €45-65/month | €65-90/month | €80-150/month |
Age Impact
Premiums typically increase 10-15% per year after age 5 for dogs and age 7 for cats.
Location Factor
Urban areas (Madrid, Barcelona) may have slightly higher premiums due to higher vet costs.
Annual Limits
Basic plans often cap at €1,500-3,000/year. Comprehensive plans may offer €5,000-10,000+.
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.
Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua, a rescue cat, or a Rottweiler that needs full PPP compliance, there's a pet insurance solution that fits your needs and budget in Spain.
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, Swedish
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Is pet insurance mandatory in Spain?
No, but liability insurance can be mandatory for certain dogs, depending on region and breed. Health cover for the pet itself is optional but often very useful.
Can I get pet insurance if I'm not a Spanish resident?
Sometimes yes, depending on the insurer and how much time you and your pet spend in Spain. It's easier if you have a Spanish address and NIE/NIF.
Does pet insurance cover vaccinations and routine check-ups?
Not always. Many basic policies focus on illness and accidents. Preventive care can be included as an optional add-on.
Can I use any vet in Spain?
Some insurers let you use any licensed vet and then reimburse you; others work with a network of clinics. Ask how it works before you choose.
What breeds require mandatory liability insurance in Spain?
Under national law, 'potentially dangerous dogs' (PPP) including Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and Akita Inu require mandatory liability insurance of at least €120,000.
How much does pet insurance cost in Spain?
Pet insurance in Spain typically costs €10-30/month for cats and €15-50/month for dogs, depending on breed, age, and coverage level. Potentially dangerous dogs can cost €80-150/month due to mandatory high liability limits.
Is there a waiting period before pet insurance coverage starts?
Yes, most policies have a 15-30 day waiting period for illness claims, and 48-72 hours for accidents. This prevents people from insuring pets that are already sick.
Can I insure an older pet in Spain?
Yes, but options are more limited. Most insurers won't start new policies for dogs over 8-10 years or cats over 10-12 years. Some offer accident-only cover for older pets.
What documents do I need to get pet insurance in Spain?
You'll typically need your pet's microchip number, vaccination records (especially rabies), your NIE/NIF, proof of address in Spain, and the pet's health history or recent vet check-up.
Does pet insurance cover travel outside Spain?
Many policies include EU-wide coverage for temporary trips. Check the policy for geographic limits, trip duration caps (often 30-90 days), and whether emergency repatriation is included.
Are hereditary or breed-specific conditions covered?
Coverage varies by insurer. Some exclude known hereditary conditions for specific breeds (e.g., hip dysplasia in German Shepherds). Read the exclusions carefully and ask about breed-specific terms.
How do I file a pet insurance claim in Spain?
Most insurers require you to: 1) Get treatment from a licensed vet, 2) Pay the bill upfront, 3) Submit the invoice, vet report, and claim form within 7-30 days, 4) Wait for reimbursement (typically 5-15 business days).
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