Annual Travel Insurance for Spain Residents – Multi-Trip & Worldwide Cover
If you travel frequently from Spain—visiting family, business trips, weekend getaways—annual multi-trip insurance saves money and hassle. This guide explains trip length limits, destination tiers, and how to choose the right policy for frequent travelers.
Quick Summary
Annual multi-trip policies cover unlimited trips per year, with limits on each trip's duration (typically 30-90 days). Ideal for frequent travelers who make 3+ trips annually from Spain.
- One policy, unlimited trips for 12 months
- Trip length limits: 30, 45, 60, or 90 days per journey
- EU-only or worldwide destination options
- Pre-existing condition rules and age considerations
- Break-even at roughly 3 trips per year vs single-trip policies
"Holiday Insurance" vs Travel Insurance for Residents in Spain
Your site already has a Holiday Insurance guide aimed at visitors coming TO Spain for a short trip. This guide is different. It's for expats and residents who live in Spain and travel from Spain to other countries.
Your residence is Spain
Trips start and end in Spain (most of the time)
You may have Spanish health cover
Public or private healthcare in Spain
So the question is: When I leave Spain, what do I need? EHIC? Travel insurance? Both?
How Health & Travel Insurance Interact When You Live in Spain
Depending on your status, you might have access to Spanish public healthcare (Seguridad Social), and/or private health insurance in Spain.
| Your Cover | Inside Spain | Other EU Countries | Outside Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Public Healthcare | Limited via EHIC | ||
| Spanish Private Insurance | Often limited (60-90 days) | Often limited/excluded | |
| Travel Insurance | Not needed |
Even with private health cover in Spain, many policies don't cover long stays abroad and often don't cover trip cancellation, baggage, delays, or liability. That's where dedicated travel insurance for residents in Spain comes in.
What Is "Schengen Insurance" If You Already Live in Spain?
Online, "Schengen insurance" normally means travel medical insurance meeting Schengen visa requirements for people visiting the Schengen area. If you live in Spain, you're already inside Schengen.
However, the term is still used in two cases:
Non-EU residents in Spain
Need travel medical insurance for trips outside Spain (e.g. Spain → Germany → Austria)
Family/friends visiting you
You might buy them Schengen travel insurance with your Spanish address
What Travel Insurance for Residents in Spain Should Cover
Medical Expenses Abroad
Emergency treatment, hospitalisation, surgery, medical transport. Check limits for USA (expensive!).
Repatriation & Transport
Medical repatriation to Spain, repatriation of remains. Critical for expats with family abroad.
Trip Cancellation
Covers non-refundable costs if you cancel before departure or cut your trip short.
Baggage & Effects
Loss, theft, damage. Check limits for electronics and work devices.
Personal Liability
If you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad.
Travel Delays
Compensation for delayed flights, missed connections, and extended layovers.
Single-Trip vs Annual: Which Is Right for You?
| Policy Type | Best For | Typical Cost | Max Trip Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Trip | Infrequent travellers, one big long-haul trip | €20-€80 per trip | Usually unlimited |
| Annual Multi-Trip (30 days) | Short weekend breaks, city trips | €100-€180/year | 30 days per trip |
| Annual Multi-Trip (60 days) | Extended home visits, longer holidays | €150-€250/year | 60 days per trip |
| Annual Multi-Trip (90 days) | Long summer stays, snowbirds | €200-€350/year | 90 days per trip |
Annual multi-trip covers unlimited trips during 12 months, with a maximum length per trip (typically 30, 60, or 90 days). Perfect for expats who fly frequently between Spain and their home country, take multiple shorter holidays, or have blended work + leisure trips.
Cost-Effectiveness Example
If you take 4 trips per year averaging €40/trip single policy = €160. An annual policy at €180 covers unlimited trips + saves admin. After 5+ trips, annual is clearly cheaper.
Coverage Comparison: Basic vs Standard vs Premium
Travel insurance policies for Spain residents come in different tiers. Here's what each typically includes:
| Coverage | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | €100,000 | €500,000 | €2,000,000+ |
| Repatriation | Included | Included | Included + family |
| Trip Cancellation | €1,000 | €3,000 | €5,000+ |
| Baggage | €500 | €1,500 | €3,000 |
| Personal Liability | €50,000 | €500,000 | €1,000,000+ |
| Travel Delays | €100 | €300 | €500+ |
| Sports/Activities | Basic only | Most included | Extreme sports |
| USA Coverage |
Best for: EU-only travel, budget-conscious, healthy young travellers
From €80/year
Best for: Most expats, worldwide travel, good balance of cost and cover
From €150/year
Best for: Frequent USA travel, seniors, pre-existing conditions, high-value trips
From €250/year
Important Details for Expats & Residents
Country of Residence Declaration
You must state Spain as your country of residence. Some international insurers don't accept Spain-resident risks. Make sure emergency assistance numbers work from abroad.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Many expats are over 50-60 with chronic conditions. Some policies exclude all pre-existing conditions; others cover stable conditions if declared. Don't assume you're covered—read the policy definition carefully.
Sports & Activities
If your Spain-based lifestyle includes skiing, hiking, diving, or cycling, check which sports are covered as standard, which are excluded, and any equipment requirements.
Business & Remote Work Travel
If your trip involves work (conferences, meetings, remote work abroad), check whether you need a "business travel" extension. Most leisure policies exclude work injuries.
Legal Assistance Abroad
Some premium policies include legal assistance if you face legal issues while travelling—useful for traffic accidents, disputes, or emergencies requiring legal advice.
Common Destinations for Spain Residents: What to Consider
Different destinations have different insurance considerations:
🇬🇧 UK (Post-Brexit)
EHIC no longer valid. UK healthcare is expensive for non-residents. Ensure your policy covers UK trips explicitly.
🇺🇸 USA
Extremely expensive healthcare. Minimum €1,000,000 medical cover recommended. Many basic policies exclude USA.
🇪🇺 EU/Schengen
EHIC provides basic cover but doesn't include repatriation, cancellation, or baggage. Travel insurance still recommended.
🌍 Rest of World
Check country-specific exclusions (war zones, travel warnings). Ensure repatriation is included for remote destinations.
How to Buy Travel Insurance as a Spain Resident
Choose Type
Single-trip or annual multi-trip based on travel frequency
Declare Correctly
State Spain as residence, declare pre-existing conditions
Compare Quotes
Check coverage limits, exclusions, and excess amounts
Keep Documents
Save policy on phone, note emergency numbers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming EHIC is enough
EHIC covers basic medical but not repatriation, cancellation, baggage, or private hospitals.
Buying after the trip starts
Most policies must be purchased before departure. Last-minute claims for pre-existing issues won't be covered.
Not declaring pre-existing conditions
Hiding conditions can void your entire policy. Declare everything and pay for proper cover.
Exceeding trip length limits
Annual policies have per-trip limits (30, 60, 90 days). Exceeding them voids cover for that trip.
Ignoring activity exclusions
Skiing, diving, and adventure sports are often excluded or require add-ons.
Not reading excess amounts
Cheap policies may have high excess (€100-€500) meaning small claims aren't worth making.
How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim
If something goes wrong during your trip, follow these steps:
Contact Emergency Assistance
For medical emergencies, call your insurer's 24/7 helpline immediately. They can authorize treatment and arrange direct payment to hospitals.
Document Everything
Keep all receipts, medical reports, police reports (for theft), airline delay confirmations, and photos of damaged items.
Report Within Time Limits
Most insurers require claims within 31 days of returning home. Medical emergencies should be reported within 24-48 hours.
Submit Claim Online
Most insurers have online claim portals. Upload documents, complete the claim form, and track progress. Keep copies of everything submitted.
What You'll Pay: Annual Travel Insurance Costs for Spain Residents
| Age Group | Europe Only | Worldwide (excl. USA) | Worldwide (incl. USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 40 | €80-€120/year | €100-€180/year | €150-€250/year |
| 40-54 | €100-€150/year | €130-€220/year | €180-€320/year |
| 55-64 | €130-€200/year | €170-€300/year | €250-€450/year |
| 65-74 | €180-€300/year | €250-€450/year | €400-€700/year |
| 75+ | €300-€500/year | €450-€750/year | €700-€1,200/year |
Note: Prices are indicative for 2026 and vary based on coverage level, pre-existing conditions, and insurer. Couples and families often qualify for discounts.
Need Help Finding Travel Insurance?
We help Spain residents compare travel insurance options with English-speaking support. Whether you need annual multi-trip cover, single-trip for a long-haul holiday, or specialist cover for pre-existing conditions—we can help you find the right policy.
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.
Do I need travel insurance if I have Spanish public healthcare?
Yes. Spanish public healthcare (Seguridad Social) mainly covers you inside Spain. In other EU countries you have limited rights via EHIC, but outside Europe (USA, UK, etc.) you definitely need separate travel insurance for medical emergencies, repatriation, and cancellation cover.
What's the difference between 'Schengen insurance' and travel insurance for residents?
'Schengen insurance' usually refers to travel medical insurance for visitors entering the Schengen area. As a resident in Spain, you're already inside Schengen—you need travel insurance for when you LEAVE Spain, covering medical emergencies abroad, repatriation, cancellation, and baggage.
Should I get single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance?
If you travel frequently (visiting home country, city breaks, work trips), annual multi-trip is usually more cost-effective and convenient. Single-trip policies work better for one-off long-haul holidays. Most expats in Spain benefit from annual cover.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?
It depends on the policy. Some exclude all pre-existing conditions, others cover stable conditions if declared. Always read how the policy defines 'pre-existing conditions' and ask before buying—especially important for over-50s and anyone with chronic conditions.
Does my Spanish private health insurance cover me abroad?
Many Spanish private health policies include limited emergency cover abroad (typically 60-90 days), but they usually don't cover trip cancellation, baggage, delays, or personal liability. Check your policy and consider dedicated travel insurance for comprehensive protection.
How much does annual travel insurance cost for Spain residents?
Annual multi-trip policies typically cost €100-€300 per year for individuals depending on age, coverage level, and destinations. For a couple or family, expect €200-€500/year. This is usually cheaper than buying 3-4 single-trip policies per year.
Can I buy travel insurance if I'm over 65?
Yes, but options narrow and premiums increase significantly. Some insurers have upper age limits (70-80). Always declare your age accurately and check for pre-existing condition coverage. Specialist senior travel insurers often offer better value for older travellers.
What's the maximum trip length on annual policies?
Most annual multi-trip policies limit individual trips to 30, 45, 60, or 90 days. If you take longer trips (e.g., 3-month summer stays in your home country), you'll need a policy with extended trip limits or a separate single-trip policy for that journey.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 and pandemics?
Most policies now include COVID-19 medical expenses if you fall ill abroad. However, coverage for trip cancellation due to pandemic-related restrictions varies widely. Check your policy's pandemic clause and government travel advice exclusions carefully.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip at the last minute?
Trip cancellation cover reimburses non-refundable costs if you cancel for covered reasons (illness, injury, death of close relative, jury duty, etc.). Typical limits are €1,000-€5,000 per trip. You must have purchased the policy before the cancellation reason arose.
Is my luggage covered for theft in hotels?
Yes, most policies cover theft of baggage from locked hotel rooms or safes, subject to per-item and total limits. However, leaving valuables unattended in public areas or unlocked cars is typically excluded. Always check single-item limits for electronics and jewellery.
Do I need separate travel insurance for cruises?
Standard travel insurance usually covers cruises, but check for cruise-specific benefits like cabin confinement, missed port departures, and itinerary changes. Some policies exclude certain types of cruises or require cruise add-ons for full protection.
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