Insurance in Spain's main expat locations
Where you live in Spain can change how insurance works – from flood risk on the Costa del Sol to squatters' risk near big cities. Here you'll find local guidance for Málaga, Barcelona, Madrid and more, all explained in clear English.
How this locations hub works
- Browse key expat hotspots
- See common local insurance issues
- Click through to detailed guide or product page
Featured expat locations in Spain
Start with the places where most expats live and where insurance questions come up the most. We'll add more locations over time based on demand.
Málaga
Popular with Northern European expats, strong demand for home and health insurance.
Barcelona
Big-city living, higher apartment density, more claims related to leaks and theft.
Madrid
Urban apartments, commuting, and business insurance for autónomos.
Costa del Sol
Coastal villas, second homes, and holiday rentals – home & landlord cover is key.
Alicante
Retiree hotspot with focus on health and home insurance.
Valencia
City + coastal mix, car and home insurance questions are common.
Why location affects your insurance in Spain
Different regions come with different risks, regulations, and insurance requirements. Here's what changes based on where you live.
Flood and storm risk
Coastal areas face higher weather-related claims. Many home insurance in Spain policies require flood coverage add-ons near the coast.
Type of housing
City apartments have different needs than rural villas. Community fees may include some building cover, but your contents always need separate home insurance.
Tourism & holiday rentals
High-tourism zones like Costa del Sol require landlord and short-let insurance. Standard home policies won't cover Airbnb damage.
Healthcare access
Public hospital networks vary by region. Most expats choose private health insurance in Spain for faster access and English-speaking doctors.
Crime & theft patterns
Theft claims are more common in big cities. Your car insurance and home premiums may be higher in Barcelona or Madrid.
Business requirements
Self-employed (autónomos) in major cities often need professional liability insurance, especially in client-facing industries.
Not sure which location applies to you?
Many expats split their time between regions or haven't chosen a final home yet. That's okay – tell us where you are now and where you plan to be, and we'll recommend the right insurance options.
FAQs about locations and insurance
Common questions about how where you live affects your insurance options