Travel Insurance for Spain | Saga Travel Insurance

So you’re off to sunny Spain? Good for you. Spain and its islands are top destinations for UK travellers and it’s easy to see why. From Alicante to Zaragoza, you’ll find much to see and do. There are pristine beaches, national parks and vibrant cities to explore by day and night.

Do I need travel insurance for Spain?

It’s a good idea to take out travel insurance for any trip. Whether your destination is in the UK, Europe or Worldwide, you should have travel insurance in place as soon as you book your holiday. This way you’re covered for the usual type of problems that may occur when travelling such as loss of passport, accidents, delays or illness.

While the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) still provide basic healthcare access in Spain and other EU countries like France, they don’t cover private healthcare, rescue or repatriation, key instances where comprehensive medical cover can help.

What insurance do I need when travelling to Spain?

You’ll need either single trip or annual cover depending on the length of your visit. If you’re planning on going to Spain or on holiday only once this year, then our single trip cover is all you need. If you plan to travel to Spain more than once or you wish to book holidays in the UK and other countries, it may be worth considering annual travel cover instead.

Michelle Cooper, Director of Travel Insurance comments: “Medical costs in Spain can be among the highest in Europe, especially when private treatment or evacuation from more remote areas is a requirement. That’s why it’s vital to arrange travel insurance in advance of your trip. Not all policies will provide the same level of protection though, and some may not meet the level of medical cover typically recommended for travel to the EU.

“It’s also important for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions to check these are declared and covered in their policy. Spain previously referenced the need for a ‘reasonable excess’, which is somewhat subjective to each individual, but it could be considered between £50 and £250.

“When choosing your policy, check how the excess is applied, it could be per person, per incident, or per section of the policy.

"For example, if you needed medical treatment and then had to cut your trip short, you might have to pay two separate excesses. And if you’re travelling with others, each person may have to pay their own excess too. The costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to choose an excess you could afford if something goes wrong.

“If you’ve bought a single-trip policy and listed specific destinations, it’s worth double-checking that your insurance covers all the areas you plan to visit as some regions, including parts of mainland Spain and islands like the Canaries or Balearics may carry a higher risk due to their location.”

What should travel insurance for Spain include?

The most important cover you’ll need is for you, so it’s key to have medical emergency cover along with protection for any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. You may also wish to have cover for the basics such as cancellation and loss or delay of baggage.

Saga medical emergency cover

Luckily with Saga you are covered for what other providers might call exclusions. A Saga travel policy includes up to £20 million emergency medical insurance, depending on your chosen cover level, including cover for most pre-existing medical conditions.

Our cover also includes the cost of getting you home if medically necessary and up to £1,500 (£25 a day) for associated expenses during your stay in hospital for Plus and Standard customers. For any non-urgent health concerns while you are away, all cover levels can call our UK-based GP Service to book an appointment 24/7.

Healthcare in Spain

You don’t need any specific vaccinations for travelling in Spain but its best to ensure your regular jabs are up to date. Check your medicines before you travel as some may be restricted and always carry your prescriptions with you.

When you travel to Spain you should have either:

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Travel insurance with appropriate healthcare cover

Check if your GHIC/EHIC card is in date before you set off. If the costs of your medical claim are reduced by the use of the GHIC, any excess shown on your Policy Schedule under the section Emergency medical and associated expenses will be waived.

Do I need winter sports cover for Spain?

High-octane thrill seekers are advised to take out winter sports cover for skiing and snowboarding. Winter sports insurance to cover activities and equipment is available as an add-on with Saga.

Tips for travelling in Spain

Spanish culture and food

Spanish is the official language but you may also hear Basque, Catalan and Galician in different parts of the country. Like its regions, Spanish cuisine is rich, varied and full of character. You can sample small plates of tapas or pinchos or tuck into a hearty stew or a dish of paella.

The Spanish weather

British tourists love Spain for its temperate climate. The mainland and islands are hotspots for winter sun. In the height of summer, it’s wise to keep an eye on the weather gauge as Europe continues to experience heatwaves. Escape to the mountains to cool off or head to the coast for boat trips and water sports.

What does Saga Travel Insurance cover?

Saga Travel Insurance comes with cancellation cover up to £20,000 depending on your cover level and up to £10,000 should your luggage go astray, depending on your cover level. The policyholder must be over 50 but there is no upper age limit and up to 9 people can be included in your policy.

We don’t want you to wait in long queues, which is why our Plus and Standard cover levels come with Delayed Flight Assistance. Register your flight 24 hours before departure and we’ll send you a code to get into an airport lounge. So if you are delayed by one (Plus) or two (Standard) hours, you can relax in comfort with free refreshments and newspapers.

We also cover for small claims in case your sunglasses go astray in the waterpark or you leave your camera on the bench with the spectacular view. Same-day claim payments can made if approved before 4pm, UK time.

Who underwrites Saga Travel Insurance?

Saga Travel Insurance is designed for people over 50 and is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited, with claims administered on their behalf by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.