Travel Insurance for Spain

Travel insurance for Spain

Spain is a favourite destination for many Brits, especially sun-seekers. But even though it’s conveniently close, it’s best to go with proper travel insurance.

As well as protection against medical or travel mishaps, you can increase your level of cover, or widen it to include extra activities – such as cruises or golf.

And if you’re concerned about additional risks such as your holiday-supplier or airline failing, you can add on cover against those too.

With our cover, you can chill out that little bit more, knowing that the UK’s Most Trusted Travel Insurance Provider has got your back**.

We think you’ll agree: with travel insurance, it’s worth doing right.

Why not get your tailored quote for Spain travel insurance online here, or talk to us now on 0800 033 4902.

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Why do I need travel insurance for Spain?

Although Spain is only a fairly short flight away, and you might already know the territory, even the best laid holiday plans can go awry.

In fact it’s not that uncommon. 1 in 20 people needed to make claims on their Annual Travel Insurance in 2017***.

It could be the need to replacing lost or stolen baggage or passports. Or perhaps a health emergency, causing you to interrupt your holiday or even need medical repatriation home. Meanwhile, if you fall ill before you’re meant to leave, you could need to cancel the trip itself.

Also in recent times we’ve had the problem of end supplier failure: airlines or holiday companies failing and customers losing out or even being stranded.

But a good travel insurance policy can cover you and your family against all these and other eventualities.

You don’t want to end up kicking yourself for not taking sensible precautions. Especially when it doesn’t cost all that much to get the right cover to begin with.

You can get your tailored quote for travel insurance for Spain online here, or talk to us now on 0800 033 4902.

What does our travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance for Spain with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we’ll ask you to complete a medical screening.

This helps us work out how we can cover you on your Spanish adventure.

How does the medical screening work?

We’ll simply ask you some questions about any pre-existing medical conditions you have. It’s vital that you give us as full and accurate answers as you can.

That’s because if you have a medical condition and it’s not included in your policy, it could mean that in the event of  a claim you are not actually covered.

Questions will of course vary according to your condition, but we’ll ask you this sort of thing:

• How long have you had this medical condition?
• Have you recently been treated with surgery?
• Do you take regular medication for this?

To help you during the process, it’s a good idea to have details of your medical condition to hand.

You can answer these questions online or over the phone with one of our travel insurance specialists. They’ll help you through the process, and will be more than happy to answer your queries.

You can get your tailored quote online now or call us 0800 033 4902.

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Should I take an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to Spain?

Yes. It entitles you to free or reduced cost medical care and treatment in Spain.

However, the NHS recommends that holidaymakers carry both a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and a valid travel insurance policy. The EHIC is limited in what it covers (it won’t pay for medical repatriation, for instance)and it should not be considered a replacement for quality travel insurance.

At Staysure it’s a condition of our insurance that when you travel to Europe you take an EHIC. If you have one we can waive your travel insurance excess if you need to make a medical claim.

What if my airline or travel company goes bust before or during my trip?

You won’t be surprised to know this is one of the main concerns our customers mention to us.

The past few years have unfortunately seen the collapse of several airlines and travel companies. Many holidaymakers have found themselves out of pocket because their arrangements were not covered by ABTA or ATOL licences.

But help is at hand. We now offer an End Supplier Failure add-on to our Comprehensive Travel Insurance policies. It means you’ll have cover of up to £3,000 against the insolvency of travel and hotel companies etc. (which do not form part of a package holiday).

Please call us, free, if you’d like to discuss this or any other question with one our travel insurance specialists. They’ll be glad to help.

Can I make changes to my policy even after I’ve bought it?

Whether it’s an update on your medical conditions or medication, or adding optional extras to your holiday, please let us know by phone ASAP. We’ll do our best to see if we can increase the coverage where necessary.

If something changes before you go on your trip, it really is essential that we’re informed about it, or it could mean that we can’t cover you for a claim later on.

Please note: while we can increase your policy coverage, we can’t reduce coverage in return for a partial refund. So please do check that you’re happy with the level of cover when you book.

Health and Travel information for Spain

Health

The FCO Travel Advice pages recommend you visit your health professional at least four to six weeks before your trip, to check whether you need to take care of any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 for an ambulance.

Visas

If your passport describes you as a British Citizen or a British Subject with Right of Abode in the United Kingdom, you don’t need a visa to enter Spain. If you have another type of British nationality, you should check the entry requirements with your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate.

Driving in Spain

Remember that driving is on the right hand side in Spain.

If you’re driving, legally you must carry:

• Two red warning triangles to place in front and behind your vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown.
• A spare wheel and the tools needed to change it.
• A reflective vest should you need to leave your vehicle or while waiting for the arrival of the emergency services.
• A full UK driving licence. (UK provisional licences are not valid in Spain.)
• A valid Certificate of Insurance. Remember that this Certificate is generally only valid for a stay of less than 3 months so contact your insurer if you are staying longer.

Drink driving laws are strict in Spain (maximum of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, or 30mg for professional drivers and drivers with less than two years’ experience). Penalties include heavy fines, loss of licence and even imprisonment.

Local laws

You’ll need to carry photographic ID with you at all times – police officers can request to see it at any time. If you fail to provide ID, they have the right to hold you at a police station until your identity is confirmed. Please note: ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer is a criminal offence in Spain.

FCO advice

The majority of visits to Spain are trouble-free, but you should be on the alert for petty street crime. Thieves tend to seek out passports and money, so it’s best not to keep them all in one place. And keep a copy of your passport and travel insurance documents somewhere safe. Get all the latest travel advice from the FCO here.

False holiday insurance claims

In recent years, there have been a rising number of reports that claims companies are targeting holidaymakers at resorts in Spain, inviting them to make false claims on their travel insurance. Travellers should be aware that making a fraudulent insurance claim is a criminal offence in Spain and it can incur heavy fines and even imprisonment.

Currency

Spain uses the Euro, which can be obtained through currency exchange providers, banks or bureaus de change. Exchange rates in airports and stations can often be poor, so it’s a good idea to buy your Euros well in advance.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Spain, both at point of sale and at cash point machines. When buying goods, you may need to show ID (driving licence or passport).

Banks are generally open from 8.30am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. Some open on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. During the summer (June to August), most banks shorten their opening hours to 9am to 1pm.