What travel insurance do I need when visiting Spain?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 10/09/2024

With its stunning valleys, mountains, coastlines, and beaches, its unparalleled nightlife, its breathtaking architecture, its art, culture, and history galore, and — at least to some extent — its tapas, Spain attracts more and more travelers from all over the world each year. And that’s because — from the peaks of the Pyrenees to the citadels of Seville and Granada, from the lively bars and beautiful museums of Barcelona and Madrid to the clear blue waters of the Canaries to everything in between — Spain has plenty to offer any type of traveler.

So much so that in 2023 alone, a record 85.1 million international tourists (i.e., almost double its entire population) booked their ticket to España. And if you’re thinking about booking yours, AXA has all you need to know about choosing the best Spain travel insurance for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for Spain?
• I don’t need a Schengen Visa. Do I still need travel insurance?
• What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Spain cover?
• What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Spain?
• What else should I know when prepping for my trip to Spain?

Is travel insurance mandatory for Spain?

That depends. Because — along with being the birthplace of Cervantes, Picasso, flamenco, and Penelope Cruz — Spain also happens to be one of the Schengen countries. So whether your travel insurance for Spain is mandatory or optional will mostly depend on one thing — and that’s whether you need a Schengen visa.

And that’s because having travel insurance is one of the mandatory Schengen visa requirements. Not only that, but keep in mind that — in order to be granted the visa — your plan must meet the following criteria:

• Have a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);
• Be accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone (not just Spain);
• Be valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay.

Meanwhile, whether you need a Schengen visa or not will mostly depend on your nationality and/or where exactly you’re coming from.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Spain (for stays of less than 90 days)?

For example, the citizens of countries that don’t need a Schengen visa are — generally speaking — nationals of either the Schengen area and/or non-Schengen European Union countries.

Additionally, citizens of roughly 60 other non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU — including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and so on — should be good to go too.

Who is required to apply for a Schengen visa for Spain?

However, if you’re a citizen of a country that has yet to sign a visa waiver agreement with the EU — you will need a Schengen visa indeed. And, therefore, the appropriate travel insurance. This generallyincludes nations outside of the Schengen Zone (and/or the EU) — such as any African nation, most of the Middle Eastern ones, China, India, Russia, and nearly 100 more.

PRO-TIP: The European Commission provides full lists of countries with and without visa waiver agreements with the EU. And, of course, it’s always best to double-check with the other proper channels too — such as Spain’s official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and the official website(s) of your home country

Oh, and AXA can also help you figure out whether you need a Schengen visa in no time too.

How do I apply for a Schengen visa for Spain?

And if you do need a visa to get to Spain, click around — because we can also tell you which type of Schengen visa best suits your Spanish travel needs.

Moreover, we’ll gladly also you through the application process for a Schengen visa for Spain in general, a Spain tourist Schengen visa (i.e., the most common one), and/or a student Schengen visa for Spain. And, finally, we even have comprehensive guides on how to apply specifically for a Spain Schengen visa from the UK and/or a Spain Schengen visa from India.

And, finally (and once you’ve applied), AXA can also tell you all about Schengen visa tracking online, your Schengen visa validity, and your options for Schengen visa extension.

You’re welcome (or, rather, de nada!).

I don’t need a Schengen Visa. Do I still need travel insurance?

If you don’t need a Schengen Visa, then whether you get travel insurance for Spain is completely up to you. That is, it is not a mandatory requirement to enter the country.

Still, traveling abroad always comes with a few surprises and, therefore, a certain level of risk. So your health and safety — as well as those of your loved ones — should always be a top priority no matter where in the world you plan on going.

Medical costs abroad, for example, can be surprisingly high (especially when it comes to things like prescription drugs). If you are pregnant and/or have a preexisting medical condition, your general risk factors are that much higher too.

Moreover, no matter the medical need — navigating the Spanish healthcare system can be grueling, time-consuming, and sometimes downright exhausting. Especially considering that — as opposed to most of their European neighbors — the Spaniards, unfortunately (and somewhat notoriously to those who’ve been) tend to not be the most fluent English speakers either. And even if you do hablar español —be it un poco or mucho — getting the assistance you need is never a guarantee.

So whether you are scaling the Pyrenees, exploring the windmills and landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, taking in Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, sampling some Sangria along Costa del Sol, or anything in between — you want to be sure that you’re fully prepared in case something does go wrong. And the best way to prioritize your health and safety is by being properly insured.

First off, the proper travel insurance plan for Spain will save you mucho unneeded worry, as well as time and money (if things do go wrong). But, most importantly — it will offer you peace of mind, security, and ongoing support, ensuring that you and your family are well taken care of — 24/7, throughout your entire Spanish adventure, wherever you may be.

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Spain cover?

And on that note, when it comes to affordable, top-quality Schengen travel insurance for Spain, AXA is — well, your Don Quixote in shining armor! In other words, we got your back in Spain (and beyond) no matter what hurdles life throws your way. And here are just a few ways how.

Along with the aforementioned peace of mind, our plans also offer:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
• Medical repatriation & transport;
• 24/7 medical assistance (with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature) in English, French, German, Spanish, ​Italian, and/or Portuguese;
• Up to 180 days of coverage;
• Coverage in all Schengen and most European Union countries (including the U.K. — depending on the chosen plan).

Moreover, if you do need that Spanish visa, all three AXA plans — Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the requirements for being granted a Schengen Visa (see above).

Moreover, an AXA plan is also quick and easy to purchase — it can all be done online, from the comfort of your home (and/or screen), in a matter of minutes.

Meanwhile, the AXA travel insurance certificate — which can be instantly downloaded (and/or printed) online too — is accepted by all Spanish (and other Schengen) consulates, embassies, and visa application centers worldwide.

Plus, if your Spanish Schengen visa is denied (which we, of course, hope it isn’t), AXA’s plans are also refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused) from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

So before you book that ticket (and/or visa appointment), learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans. Because AXA can help ensure that your once-in-a-lifetime adventure through España and all she has to offer is not only one to remember — but a safe and carefree one at that!

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Spain?

Once in Spain, AXA's Schengen insurance is always there for you in case of a medical emergency (or to address any other medical concerns — major or minor — that you may have).

All you’ll need to do is contact an AXA call center* — and our medical professionals are standing by to answer your questions, provide guidance, and/or, if need be, help you find the nearest Spanish medical facility.

*NOTE: The number for your specific call center(s) will be provided with your insurance policy. Keep it handy.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

When calling, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

So make sure you have these on hand too!

List of Emergency Numbers in Spain

The number for general emergency services in Spain — as well as the rest of Europe — is 112.

You can call 112 from any telephone, and the operator will then divert you to the relevant emergency service. Of these, there are three: the police (policía), the fire brigade (bomberos), and ambulance services (ambulancía). And these individual emergency services, meanwhile, are also available at the following numbers:

• Ambulance: 061
• Fire brigade: 080
• National police: 091
• Local police: 092

PRO-TIP 2: You can also learn more about Spain’s various autonomous communities (and their respective numbers) — as well as more helpful info in general — via the Spanish Government’s Official General Access Point website.

IMPORTANT NOTE: But, again, when you call — be conscious of a possible language barrier, especially in the more remote parts.

What else should I know when prepping for my trip to Spain?

And, finally, here are a few more general deets to help you prep for your upcoming Spanish getaway:

• Safety

Overall, Spain is a safe travel destination. Violent crime is rare. However, petty theft like pickpocketing and bag snatching can be a concern, as well Credit card and ATM fraud and cybercrime. This is especially true in popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Illegal taxis are also known to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Food safety regulations in Spain are fairly strict, and both restaurant meals and supermarket groceries are generally safe for consumption. Tap water, meanwhile, is also considered generally safe to drink in most cities and towns.

In short — use common sense, trust your instincts, have your phone charged, and be extra vigilant in crowded areas and on public transportation. And, of course — mind that Spanish sun.

• Public Transportation

Spain’s public transportation is generally well-developed and includes an extensive network of buses, trains, and metro systems — especially in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Renfe — i.e., Spain's state-owned railway company — operates (mostly) high-speed trains connecting key cities.

The country also boasts a wide range of urban transportation options — including buses and metro lines (such as the Madrid Metro and the Barcelona Metro ). And taxis, Uber, Bolt, e-bikes, e-scooters, and the likes are all readily available throughout most of the regions too.

• Driving

Spanish roads are generally well-maintained. However, driving defensively is important — especially if you're not accustomed to European driving styles. An international driving permit or a translation of your driver's license may be required in certain cases. More information can be obtained from Spanish embassies or consulates. And be sure to familiarize yourself with and follow the local traffic regulations.

PRO-TIP 3: Keep in mind that tourist hotspots like Madrid and Barcelona get extra crowded — making navigating them with e-scooters and bikes extra tricky. Accidents are not uncommon, so — regardless of your chosen mode of transportation — prioritize your safety.

• Weather

Due to its varied geography, Spain experiences diverse weather patterns. The coastal regions, for example, enjoy a Mediterranean climate — i.e., hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The interior regions have a more continental climate — but also with hot summers and cold winters. Northern coastal areas like Galicia and the Basque Country receive more rainfall and have milder temperatures throughout the year.

And the Canary Islands boast a subtropical climate — making them a notoriously popular destination for year-round tourism (including for Spaniards).

In short — pack light in summer, and layer up in winter. And, again, mind that Spanish sun. It’s no joke (especially in August).

• Opening hours

In Spain, opening hours for businesses can vary widely. It all depends on the type of establishment and the region.But, typically, shops open from 9 or 10 AM until 1 or 2 PM, then close for — you guessed it — a siesta, and then reopen again from 4 or 5 PM until 8 or 9 PM.

Larger stores, tourist shops, and shopping centers often remain open throughout the day, however, often from 9 or 10 AM to 10 or 11 PM. The more touristy, the more hours, basically.

Restaurants usually open for lunch from 1 to 4 PM and for dinner from 8 or 9 PM until midnight or later. On Sundays, many small shops and businesses may be closed, while larger stores and tourist areas might remain open.

• Restaurants

Spanish restaurants offer a rich culinary experience — tapas (but, heads-up, they’re an unfortunately disappearing custom when it comes to being free), paella, gazpacho, empanadas, beer, wine, sangria, and Mediterranean and other goodies to sate any appetite!

And dining hours can often be later than in some other countries — with lunch typically served from 1 to 4 PM and dinner from 8 or 9 PM until midnight or later. But, again, keep in mind the siesta (i.e., many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, especially in smaller towns).

FINAL PRO-TIPS: Spain’s official tourism website can tell you more about what to do and see in Spain (and how).

Meanwhile, AXA’s Going to Spain: travel and safety advice piece has a bunch more helpful info — and will hopefully help you make up your mind when it comes to choosing the best travel insurance — both for España and beyond. Either way — safe travels, buena suerte, and hasta la vista!

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FAQ

Is Spain part of the EU?

Yes, Spain is one of 27 members of the European Union.
NOTE: It’s also a member of the Eurozone — and its currency is, therefore, the Euro.

Is healthcare free for UK citizens in Spain?

Not entirely. That is, UK (and a few other) citizens with an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) can access basic necessary state-provided healthcare during short visits. But for long-term stays, UK (and other) citizens need to register with the Spanish healthcare system. The UK Government, the European Commission, and Spain's Ministry of Health can tell you more.

Can I work or study in Spain with a tourist visa?

No. A tourist (aka “short-stay”, aka Type C) visa allows you to visit Spain for vacation, to see family, or for a short business trip. However, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit once you’re there.