Spain Travel Insurance Requirements for UK Tourists

Spain Now Requires Private Travel Insurance for British Travellers — Here’s What You Need to Know

Planning a sunny getaway to Spain? British holidaymakers now have an important new rule to check off their travel list: comprehensive private travel insurance is officially required to enter Spain.

This new regulation affects all UK travellers, regardless of whether you already hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). With Spain tightening its entry requirements, not having the right insurance could mean hefty fines or even being turned away at the border — a situation no one wants at the start of their holiday.

4

Why Has Spain Introduced This Requirement?

Since Brexit, British citizens are treated as non-EU visitors. EHICs and GHICs only cover basic state healthcare in certain circumstances but don’t always cover the full costs of medical emergencies, hospital stays, or repatriation. To protect its healthcare system and ensure travellers aren’t left stranded with large medical bills, Spain now expects visitors to show proof of private travel insurance with adequate medical coverage. Failure to do so could cost you up to €6,000 in fines — or worse, you could be denied entry altogether.


What Does ‘Adequate’ Travel Insurance Mean?

To meet Spain’s travel insurance requirements, British tourists must hold a policy that covers:

  • Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
  • Emergency repatriation back to the UK
  • Pre-existing medical conditions (if relevant)
  • At least €30,000 in medical expenses cover

Proof of your policy must be shown to immigration officials at airports, ferry ports, or train stations. Carry a printed copy or have a PDF ready and downloaded on your phone — don’t rely on being able to pull it up online at the last minute.

5

6

Which Trawick International Plans Can Help?

At Trawick International, we know that travel insurance should give you real peace of mind — and now, it’s non-negotiable for Spain. That’s why our Safe Travels International and Safe Travels International Cost Saver plans are designed with this exact scenario in mind.

These plans provide:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage exceeding Spain’s minimum requirements
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Coverage for trip interruption or cancellation, so you’re protected if plans change unexpectedly
  • 24/7 travel assistance to guide you through any medical or travel emergency

We make it easy to get a quote, buy your policy, and access your documents in just a few clicks — so you’re ready to show proof of coverage at the border, stress-free.


Stay Prepared and Travel Confidently

Your holiday should be about tapas, sunshine, and unforgettable memories — not with worries about unexpected medical bills or fines. Having the right travel insurance for Spain, you can explore with confidence, knowing you’re fully covered from departure to your return home.

Ready to get started? Visit Trawick International to compare plans and get your private travel insurance for Spain sorted today.

7