Schengen travel insurance for U.K nationals traveling to Spain

Disclaimer : Our offer does not apply to UK residents.

Do I need travel and medical insurance to visit Spain from the U.K.?

If you are a U.K. citizen wishing to travel to Spain, you do not currently need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area if you plan on staying for fewer than 90 days, as the country currently has visa-free travel arrangements with the Schengen Zone of countries, despite Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU) and the end of its transition period at the end of 2020.

This means that travel and medical insurance are not a necessity for British citizens visiting Spain for a trip lasting up to 90 days, but it is recommended as you may not be covered for all treatment and mishaps. From 2023, you will need to apply for ETIAS visa authorization to visit Spain and other EU states. which will allow you to visit the Schengen Area without the need for a visa, even though the U.K. has left the EU. It has not been announced when the ETIAS will be mandatory, but EU officials have said it will be in place in 2023.

There are, however, some changes to Britain’s arrangements with the EU that affect travel to Spain. For example, most U.K. residents can no longer apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and must apply for the U.K.’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to ensure they are covered for necessary medical treatment in Schengen states. As the GHIC will not cover all treatment or mishaps, it is a good idea to get travel and medical insurance that covers you for more extensive medical costs and lost luggage.

Non-U.K. nationals living in Britain who wish to travel to Spain

If you are living in the U.K. and are a citizen of a country without a visa-free travel arrangement with the European Union and Schengen Zone, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa, even for a visit lasting fewer than 90 days, meaning you will need travel insurance covering you for medical and repatriation costs up to €30,000 that is valid in all Schengen states, including Spain, as this is a condition of obtaining a short-stay Schengen Visa.

Registering for healthcare

Those wishing to become a resident in Spain for a longer period will need to register to access healthcare at your local health center with your social security number, which you can find via your local National Social Security Institute (TGSS) office in Spain. Dependents will need to register separately. You may also be entitled to a Spanish European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitling you to free or discounted treatment when traveling in the EU and the U.K. As this does not cover all medical treatments you may wish to take out additional insurance.

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