The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Spain in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Spain
- Is it currently safe to travel to Spain?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Spain?
- Why take out travel insurance for Spain?
- What Travel Insurance for Spain Should Cover
- What is the cost of travel insurance for Spain?
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Spain
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Spain?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Spain: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Spain covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel incidents.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadians but is highly recommended for financial protection abroad.
3. Healthcare cost: A hospital stay in Spain can cost over CAD $1,000 per night for foreign visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Spain typically costs between CAD $30 and CAD $60.
5. Good to know: Your Canadian passport must be valid 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Spain.
The best travel insurance plans for Spain
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | CA$1.5M | Our recommended choice for safe travel to Spain. - high medical ceiling - repatriation included - strong protection for travelers |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | CA$1.5M | A solid option for short stays in Spain. - 24/7 medical helpline - cancellation coverage - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | CA$780K | Practical for tourism in Spain with essential protection. - reliable core coverage - emergency assistance - good value |
| Travel Pass Monde | CA$1.2M | A balanced contract for smooth travel. - medical evacuation included - hospital costs covered - broad international support |
| Globe Partner | CA$465K | Dependable for trips abroad with simple claims. - medical care in Spain - repatriation - personal liability |
| Globe Traveller | CA$780K | An affordable choice for short, low-risk stays in Spain. - essential medical protection - quick reimbursement - capped limits |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation included
- strong protection for travelers
- 24/7 medical helpline
- cancellation coverage
- no deductible
- reliable core coverage
- emergency assistance
- good value
- medical evacuation included
- hospital costs covered
- broad international support
- medical care in Spain
- repatriation
- personal liability
- essential medical protection
- quick reimbursement
- capped limits
Is it currently safe to travel to Spain?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Spain, mainly due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and increased petty crime in tourist areas.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Barcelona and Madrid, especially places like Las Ramblas, Sagrada Família, and Puerta del Sol, experience high rates of pickpocketing and passport theft. Visitors should also remain vigilant during major public events due to Spain’s elevated terrorism alert.
- Health risks: while no vaccinations are mandatory, hepatitis B, flu, and polio immunizations are recommended. Dengue outbreaks have occurred in southeast areas such as Murcia, and bird flu cases have been reported in Catalonia.
- Legal requirements: travellers must show proof of sufficient funds at the border, a hotel reservation or invitation, and carry photocopies of their passport due to frequent ID checks. Failure to provide the proper documentation may result in denied entry.
- Cultural practices: while dress codes are generally informal, more modest attire is expected inside churches and religious sites. Most shops in smaller cities close on Sundays and during siesta hours in the afternoon.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Spain.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Spain?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens entering Spain for stays of up to 90 days as a tourist.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended by both the Canadian and Spanish governments, since healthcare costs, emergency assistance, and repatriation in Spain can be substantial for visitors without coverage.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Spain. This reflects Spain’s status as a very safe destination, but also awareness of the high cost of medical incidents abroad.
Why take out travel insurance for Spain?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Spain.
In Spain, Canadians may be directed to private clinics such as Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid or Barcelona, where costs can be high and prepayment may be required. Public hospitals do accept foreign patients, but out-of-pocket fees apply and English-speaking staff may be limited.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Spain.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clínica Universidad de Navarra | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | €2,200 (CAD $3,245) | up to 100% (within policy limits) |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | €1,000 (CAD $1,475) | up to 100% (within policy limits) |
| I need to be repatriated | €18,000 (CAD $26,500) | up to 100% (within policy limits) |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | €7,000 (CAD $10,325) | up to 100% (within policy limits) |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Spain Should Cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Spain.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor, hospital and surgery costs if you fall ill or get injured. For Spain, we recommend a reimbursement limit of CA$1,000,000 minimum. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical evacuation | Covers ambulance, helicopter or airplane evacuation to the nearest suitable medical centre. Minimum recommended reimbursement: CA$500,000. |
| 🏡 Repatriation to Canada | Pays for your medically supervised return to Canada in case of serious illness or injury. Recommended: CA$500,000. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Covers medicines prescribed following an accident or a sudden illness. Set a limit of at least CA$10,000. |
| 🎒 Luggage and personal belongings | Reimburses loss, theft or damage to your baggage and valuable items. Recommended minimum coverage: CA$2,000. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or interruption | Refunds you if you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to serious unforeseen events (accident, family emergency etc.). Minimum limit: CA$5,000 per trip. |
| 🏃♂️ Personal liability | Pays third parties in case you accidentally injure someone or damage property. We recommend at least CA$1,000,000. |
| ⛷️ Adventure activities | Extends coverage to popular sports in Spain, such as hiking or water sports. Make sure your policy covers your planned activities and consider an extra limit if needed. |
For Spain, we recommend a reimbursement limit of CA$1,000,000 minimum.
Minimum recommended reimbursement: CA$500,000.
Recommended: CA$500,000.
Set a limit of at least CA$10,000.
Recommended minimum coverage: CA$2,000.
Minimum limit: CA$5,000 per trip.
We recommend at least CA$1,000,000.
Make sure your policy covers your planned activities and consider an extra limit if needed.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers only limited coverage, with low amounts and many exclusions. For peace of mind, choose a reputable insurer with comprehensive protection. Compare leading plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for Spain?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$40–CA$60 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$75–CA$105 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$115–CA$140 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$230–CA$330 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance for your trip to Spain depends on several factors: your age, the duration of your stay, your destination, desired coverage limits, and any optional add-ons like trip cancellation. Keeping these in mind is crucial to select a policy that fits your needs and budget, ensuring you travel with peace of mind.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Spain
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Spain while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical care in Spain can be costly for foreigners, especially in private clinics in major cities. | Opt only for essential medical and repatriation coverage to lower your premium without compromising on safety. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Age significantly impacts insurance rates, especially for travelers over 60. | Compare insurers, as Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| ⏳ Trip duration | Longer stays increase insurance costs, even for short extensions in the Schengen area. | Insure only for the days you need, not your total visa allowance. |
| 🧳 Activities covered | Some sports or excursions (cycling, sailing, hiking) require extra coverage. | Select a standard plan if not planning high-risk activities to avoid surcharges. |
| 👪 Number of travelers | Family or group rates can offer better value than purchasing policies separately. | Ask for family or group discounts to get substantial savings per person. |
| 📱 Purchase channel | Online offers are often cheaper than in-person agency rates. | Use online comparison tools to access exclusive deals and promo codes. |
| 🌍 Geographical coverage | Worldwide policies are more expensive than Europe-only policies. | Choose “Europe only” coverage unless transiting through other countries. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Spain?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as public or private health insurance or credit card insurance, can fully protect you during a trip to Spain. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for international health expenses and travel risks.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Spain? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Provincial plans: OHIP, RAMQ, MSP) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical up to CA$50/day, no repatriation, trip cancellation, or baggage loss. Does not cover private clinics fees. | Travel insurance reimburses up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical, covers repatriation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. |
| Private health insurance (Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life) | Limited coverage | Some medical expenses up to CA$25,000, excludes many emergencies and never covers repatriation or theft abroad. | Travel insurance offers CA$1,000,000+ in health care, with evacuation, theft, 24/7 help, and trip interruption included. |
| Classic credit card (BMO Mastercard, RBC Visa Classic, CIBC Classic Visa) | Limited coverage | Medical care up to CA$10,000; no trip cancellation, emergency evacuation, or luggage delay. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ for health, evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. |
| Premium credit card (VISA Infinite, Scotia Gold American Express, RBC Avion) | Limited coverage | Medical up to CA$100,000, basic trip delay, little or no coverage for baggage loss or long hospital stays. | Travel insurance provides CA$1,000,000+ in emergency medical, repatriation, and better trip and baggage coverage limits. |
Example
While on a scooter in Ibiza, Chloe suffered a severe leg fracture. The surgery and hospital stay cost $37,500 CAD. Her Platinum credit card's insurance only covered $10,000, and her provincial plan paid just a fraction. She was left with a massive bill, a harsh reminder that comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Expert advice
Trip interruption for a family emergency is often excluded from credit card or provincial health plans. Read your policy's fine print carefully to avoid costly surprises abroad. For peace of mind, it's always safer to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays in Spain of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Make sure to have proof of funds and accommodation.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Spain?
First, compare travel insurance options using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, check important features, including medical evacuation and theft coverage, and review any exclusions specific to Spain. Then, select and purchase your preferred plan online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email or download.
What should be included in travel insurance for Spain?
Comprehensive coverage should include emergency medical expenses, repatriation, and medical evacuation. Additional useful features are baggage loss, trip delays, and theft protection. Make sure the policy covers risky activities you plan to do in Spain, such as hiking or water sports, as some plans exclude them.
How much does travel insurance to Spain typically cost for Canadians?
For a two-week trip, expect to pay between CA$40 and CA$160 per person, depending on your age, length of stay, and coverage levels. Premiums increase with higher insured amounts or if you add cancellation or adventure sports cover. Senior travelers or those with health issues may pay more.
Are there exclusions I should look out for in travel insurance policies for Spain?
Yes, most policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless declared, as well as incidents involving alcohol or drugs. High-risk sports, unattended baggage, and some electronic devices might not be covered either. Always read the policy wording carefully for exclusions relevant to your trip to Spain.
Can I buy travel insurance for Spain while already abroad?
Some insurers allow Canadian residents to purchase coverage while overseas, but this often comes with restrictions or waiting periods. It is best to arrange your travel insurance before leaving Canada to guarantee full protection from the beginning of your trip.
Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays in Spain of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Make sure to have proof of funds and accommodation.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Spain?
First, compare travel insurance options using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, check important features, including medical evacuation and theft coverage, and review any exclusions specific to Spain. Then, select and purchase your preferred plan online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email or download.
What should be included in travel insurance for Spain?
Comprehensive coverage should include emergency medical expenses, repatriation, and medical evacuation. Additional useful features are baggage loss, trip delays, and theft protection. Make sure the policy covers risky activities you plan to do in Spain, such as hiking or water sports, as some plans exclude them.
How much does travel insurance to Spain typically cost for Canadians?
For a two-week trip, expect to pay between CA$40 and CA$160 per person, depending on your age, length of stay, and coverage levels. Premiums increase with higher insured amounts or if you add cancellation or adventure sports cover. Senior travelers or those with health issues may pay more.
Are there exclusions I should look out for in travel insurance policies for Spain?
Yes, most policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless declared, as well as incidents involving alcohol or drugs. High-risk sports, unattended baggage, and some electronic devices might not be covered either. Always read the policy wording carefully for exclusions relevant to your trip to Spain.
Can I buy travel insurance for Spain while already abroad?
Some insurers allow Canadian residents to purchase coverage while overseas, but this often comes with restrictions or waiting periods. It is best to arrange your travel insurance before leaving Canada to guarantee full protection from the beginning of your trip.
