Vet care insurance for your pet in Spain
Licensed Broker
DGSFP Registered
Protect your dog or cat from unexpected vet bills with clear, English-speaking support and cover tailored to expat life in Spain.
Depending on your pet's age, breed and cover level.
Who is this for?
Expats in Spain with dogs or cats who want help covering vet bills, emergencies and serious illnesses.
When does it start?
Immediate accident cover with typical waiting periods of 15–30 days for illnesses, depending on the insurer.
Documents needed
Pet passport or microchip details, vaccination record, your NIE or passport, and basic health history if available.
Languages we support
English, Spanish and other languages on request – you always speak to us in English.
Compare pet insurance plans in Spain
Choose the right level of cover for your dog or cat
Accident Only
BEST FOR:
- • Young, healthy pets
- • Budget-conscious owners
- • Basic protection
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Older pets
- • Pets with health concerns
Accident + Illness
BEST FOR:
- • Most pet owners
- • Comprehensive protection
- • Peace of mind
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Those wanting preventive care included
Comprehensive
BEST FOR:
- • Complete protection
- • Preventive care included
- • Dog owners needing liability
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Budget-focused owners
Pet insurance cost in Spain and what affects your premium
Pet insurance premiums in Spain depend on your pet's age, breed, and the level of coverage you choose. Request a quote and we'll find the best-fit policy for your furry friend.
Price drivers
- Pet's age: older pets typically cost more to insure, especially after 7-8 years
- Breed: some breeds prone to specific conditions have higher premiums
- Coverage level: accident-only, accident+illness, or comprehensive plans
- Annual limit: higher annual vet fee limits mean higher premiums
- Excess amount: lower excess means higher monthly cost
- Add-ons: wellness care, dental, travel cover, and liability extensions
Example profiles
Request a quote and we'll find the best option for your pet.
"For expats in Spain, the biggest value in pet insurance is access to emergency care without worrying about a €2,000+ surgery bill. Most claims we see are for accidents and sudden illnesses – exactly what insurance is designed for."
Maya Kallio
Founder, Expat Insurance Spain
How it works
Getting pet insurance in Spain is simple with our streamlined process
Tell us about your pet
Share your pet's age, breed, health status and where you live in Spain – all in a quick online form or WhatsApp message.
We compare pet insurers for you
We check cover and pricing from several vetted insurers in Spain, focusing on options that work well for expats.
Choose the right cover level
We explain, in plain English, what's included and excluded so you can pick the best balance between price and protection.
We help with setup and claims
We guide you through activation and stay by your side if you ever need to make a claim – from first call to final decision.
Protect your pet's health in Spain
From routine check-ups to emergency surgery – we've got your pet covered.
Requirements and documents
Getting pet insurance is straightforward. If you're missing any documents, request a quote anyway and we'll guide you through what's needed.
We help with all the Spanish paperwork for pet insurance
Checklist
Just arrived with your pet?
Many insurers accept pets recently relocated to Spain. Share your situation and we'll find the right cover.
What's covered?
Clear breakdown of what pet insurance in Spain typically includes, optional add-ons, and exclusions
Included
- Veterinary fees for accidents and covered illnesses
- Emergency surgery and hospitalization
- Diagnostic tests (blood tests, X-rays, some scans)
- Medication prescribed by the vet
- 24/7 emergency helpline (depending on insurer)
- Third-party liability for dogs (in many policies)
- Cover across Spain's main vet clinics, with options for direct billing
Optional add-ons
- Routine and preventive care (vaccinations, annual check-ups)
- Dental treatment for injuries or certain illnesses
- Travel cover for trips within the EU or to your home country
- Extended third-party liability for specific breeds
- Alternative therapies (physiotherapy, acupuncture, etc.)
- Higher annual limits for vet fees
Not covered
- Pre-existing illnesses or injuries diagnosed before the policy start date
- Routine treatments if you haven't added a wellness add-on
- Non-veterinary costs such as grooming or food
- Breeding, pregnancy and related complications (most policies)
- Cosmetic or elective procedures that are not medically necessary
Who can get pet insurance in Spain?
Most dogs and cats in Spain can be insured. Here are some common scenarios we help with regularly.
New pet owners
Just got a puppy or kitten? The best time to insure is when they're young – no pre-existing conditions and lower premiums. We help you choose the right level of cover from day one.
Rescue and adopted pets
Adopted a rescue dog or cat? Even with limited health history, most insurers will cover your pet. We know which insurers are flexible with rescue animals.
Older pets (7+ years)
Options become more limited and premiums higher as pets age. Some insurers have maximum entry ages (8-10 years). Apply sooner rather than later for better options.
Specific breeds
Breeds prone to hereditary conditions (bulldogs, pugs, German shepherds) may have exclusions or higher premiums. We find insurers with the best terms for your breed.
Why choose us for pet insurance?
Here's why expat pet owners in Spain trust us with their furry friends
Tailored to expat pet owners
We specialise in expats in Spain, so we know the typical vet costs, common conditions and the best insurers for foreign pet owners.
Clear, English-speaking guidance
No more guessing in Spanish. We explain your options in plain English and help you understand exactly what is and isn't covered.
Compare several insurers, not just one
We're a broker, not a single insurer. That means we can compare multiple pet insurance policies and recommend the one that fits your pet and budget best.
Support when your pet really needs it
When something goes wrong, you're not alone. We help you prepare documents, talk to the insurer and follow up on your claim.
Honest advice, not pushy sales
If we think a basic plan is enough, we'll tell you. The goal is the right cover for your pet, not the most expensive policy.
Simple, digital-first process
Share your details online or via WhatsApp, sign documents digitally and manage everything without having to visit an office.
Excess (deductible) on pet insurance
Higher excess (€50-100+)
- Lower monthly premium
- You pay the first €50-100 per claim
- Good for minor issues you'd pay out of pocket anyway
- Covers major emergencies and surgeries
Lower excess (€0-25)
- Higher monthly premium
- Minimal or no out-of-pocket per claim
- Better for frequent vet visits
- Peace of mind for any health issue
We'll help you find the right balance between monthly cost and out-of-pocket expenses. Tell us your pet's age and health status for a personalized recommendation.
My pet needs emergency care – what do I do?
Take your pet to the nearest vet or emergency clinic immediately
Call your insurer's 24/7 helpline if one is available
Keep all receipts, invoices, and vet reports
Take photos of any injuries if relevant
Contact us for help filing the claim
Submit claim documents within the insurer's deadline (usually 7-30 days)
Most pet claims are reimbursement-based – you pay the vet, then submit documents to get refunded. Some insurers offer direct billing with partner clinics.
Coverage areas
All of Spain
Full coverage at any licensed vet or emergency clinic throughout mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands.
EU travel
Many policies include temporary cover for trips to other EU countries. Check the specific policy for duration limits (usually 30-90 days).
Worldwide travel
Some comprehensive plans offer global cover for short trips. Essential if you travel frequently with your pet outside Europe.
Coverage details and limits vary by insurer and plan. We'll confirm exactly what's included before you commit.
"Many expats under-insure their pets. Adding wellness cover costs €5-10 extra per month but covers annual vaccines, check-ups and preventive treatments that can catch problems early."
Maya Kallio
Founder, Expat Insurance Spain
Spanish pet insurance terms
Understanding these Spanish terms helps when visiting the vet or reading your policy
Seguro de mascotas
pet insurance
Seguro para perros
dog insurance
Seguro para gatos
cat insurance
Veterinario
veterinarian / vet
Clínica veterinaria
veterinary clinic
Urgencias veterinarias
veterinary emergencies
Franquicia
excess / deductible
Prima
premium (monthly/annual cost)
Cobertura
coverage
Enfermedad preexistente
pre-existing condition
Responsabilidad civil
third-party liability
Vacunación
vaccination
Microchip
microchip
Pasaporte de mascota
pet passport
Frequently asked questions about pet insurance in Spain
Is pet insurance mandatory in Spain?
Pet insurance is not legally mandatory in Spain, but it is strongly recommended. Some regions require liability cover for certain dog breeds, and many landlords prefer tenants with insured pets. Insurance helps protect you from unexpected vet bills and third-party claims.
Can I insure my pet if I've just moved to Spain?
Yes. Most insurers allow you to insure your pet as long as you live in Spain and can provide basic ID and pet documentation. If your pet has an existing passport or microchip from another country, we help you find insurers who accept it.
What is the typical cost of pet insurance in Spain?
Prices vary by age, breed and cover level, but many expats pay somewhere between €10 and €30 per month for a dog or cat. More comprehensive plans with higher vet fee limits and wellness cover will cost more.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Usually not. Most pet insurers in Spain exclude illnesses or injuries that existed before the policy started. We'll help you understand how each insurer defines a pre-existing condition and what that means for your pet.
Can I use any vet, or do I have to use a specific clinic?
It depends on the policy. Some insurers let you visit any registered vet in Spain and then reimburse you, while others work with a network of clinics. We'll prioritise options that fit where you live and whether you already have a trusted vet.
How are claims paid – do I pay first and get reimbursed?
In many cases, you pay the vet and then send the invoice and medical report to the insurer for reimbursement. Some insurers offer direct billing for certain clinics. We explain the process for your chosen insurer and help you submit the claim.
Is third-party liability for dogs included?
Many pet insurance plans include at least basic third-party liability cover, which protects you if your dog causes damage or injures someone. For some breeds or higher limits, you may need a separate or extended liability option. We'll help you choose the right structure.
Can I insure an older dog or cat?
Yes, but options may be more limited and premiums higher. Some insurers set a maximum entry age (for example 8–10 years for dogs). If your pet is older, we'll focus on insurers that are more flexible with age.
Will my pet be covered when travelling outside Spain?
Some policies include EU-wide cover or short trips to your home country, others don't. If travelling with your pet is important, we'll prioritise plans with travel cover and explain how long your pet is protected abroad.
How do I get a quote for pet insurance in Spain?
You can complete our quick online form, send us a WhatsApp message or call us. We collect a few details about you and your pet, compare several insurers and send you clear options with prices, cover summaries and our recommendation.
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Learn more about insurance in Spain
Based on 240+ reviews from expats across Spain
Getting pet insurance for our rescue dog was so easy. The team explained everything in English and helped us find a plan that covered exactly what we needed.
Sarah M.
Málaga
Aug 2024
When our cat needed emergency surgery, they walked us through the whole claims process. We got reimbursed quickly and without any hassle.
Tom R.
Barcelona
Sept 2024
Really helpful service. They compared several insurers for us and found one that accepted our dog's pre-existing condition from the UK.
Emma K.
Valencia
Jul 2024
Great support throughout the process. The only minor issue was a slight delay in getting the policy documents, but overall very satisfied.
David L.
Alicante
Oct 2024