Travel insurance for Spain

Do you need travel insurance for Spain?

You don’t need travel insurance to enter Spain from Ireland. But while it’s not a legal requirement, Spain travel insurance can make all the difference if something goes wrong. Here’s what makes it a must:

• It covers medical emergencies. The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends holiday insurance for Spain. Policies should include cover for overseas medical treatment and repatriation.
• Heatwaves can affect your travel plans. Extreme heat is becoming more common in Spain, especially in the summer. In 2025, wildfires burned more than 157,000 hectares – almost double the annual average. Beyond the safety risks, wildfires can disrupt travel, causing flight cancellations and the shutdown of popular tourist sites. The HSE and DFA advise checking local alerts – and having insurance that covers you for disruption.
• Your EHIC only goes so far. Irish citizens can access public healthcare in Spain thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). But it won’t cover private care or emergency transport home. Travel insurance gives you added protection and covers travel hiccups, such as cancellation and lost belongings.

How much does travel insurance for Spain cost?

Travel insurance for Spain is typically more affordable than cover for long-haul destinations. Spain falls under European travel insurance, so it’s less expensive than worldwide policies. These include places like the USA, Asia, or Australia, where healthcare costs and travel risks tend to be higher.

Here’s what can affect the price:

• Trip cost: Going five-star or flying first-class? The more you spend on flights, hotels and activities, the more your insurance may cost. Why? Because there’s more to protect if plans go awry.
• Your age: Older holidaymakers may pay more due to a higher risk of medical claims. ‍
• Trip length: A weekend getaway will cost less to insure than a month-long escape. Longer trips mean more exposure to risk.‍
• Medical history: Our policies cover over 1,300 medical conditions. But certain health conditions may affect the cost of your premium.
• ‍Level of cover: Planning to ski in the Pyrenees, or play golf on the Costa del Sol? Extra cover for winter sports or golf will increase the price you pay.‍
• Type of policy: A single-trip policy is ideal for one-off holidays. If you travel often, our annual multi-trip insurance could save you money in the long run.

What's the standard of healthcare in Spain?

Spain’s healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. It offers high-quality care through a mix of public and private services. 

As an Irish holidaymaker, you’ll have access to well-equipped hospitals and skilled medical professionals. In fact, Spain’s healthcare system ranks significantly higher than Ireland’s.

But while your EHIC lets you access healthcare in Spain, it doesn’t cover everything. It won’t cover:

• Private treatment
• Emergency repatriation
• Certain out-of-pocket costs, like outpatient prescriptions. 

That’s where travel insurance for Spain steps in. Even though Spain’s healthcare is excellent, travel insurance makes sure you’re covered beyond the basics. That’s one less thing to worry about while you’re away!

Handling flight and ferry cancellations

Flying into the Costa del Sol or sailing into Santander? Flight and ferry cancellations can affect your plans.

• In 2024, Palma de Mallorca Airport recorded the highest rate of flight disruptions in the country. Some 46% of flights were either delayed or cancelled. 
• Sailing from Rosslare to Santander is a popular choice. But weather-related cancellations are a known risk, especially during winter crossings through the storm-prone Bay of Biscay.

With holiday insurance to Spain, you’ll be protected if your outward or return journey is delayed by more than 24 hours. It lets you claim back unused travel and accommodation costs. That's up to the amount shown in your policy summary.

You’re covered if the delay is caused by:

• Strike or industrial action. As long as there was no reasonable expectation of disruption when you bought your policy.
• Adverse weather conditions. If severe weather is the underlying and ongoing reason for the delay.
• Mechanical or electrical breakdown. Applies to the aircraft or ferry you’re booked on.

However, there are some important things to be aware of. You must obtain written confirmation from the airline or shipping company stating the reason for the delay. And you’re not covered for natural disasters unless it’s specifically listed on your policy and you’ve paid the additional premium.

Will the EHIC cover me for my trip to Spain?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) lets you access public healthcare in Spain if you fall ill or have an accident. It covers emergency treatment in state-run hospitals and clinics. But it doesn’t cover all travel-related mishaps. It doesn’t include private healthcare or repatriation. And it won’t protect you for trip cancellations or lost bags. 

That’s why travel insurance is essential, even with an EHIC. Without it, you could be left covering significant costs yourself.

Why choose JustCover for your Spain holiday insurance?

No one wants to think of the worst happening when they’re planning a fun-packed holiday. But, from lost bags to health hiccups, our fuss-free policies have got your back. 

As Ireland's most trusted travel insurance provider², you know your Spanish getaway is in safe hands.

• 98% of our customers would recommend us to family and friends³
• 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’⁴
• Up to €10,000 in cancellation cover⁵
• Unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
• Optional extras for golf trips, cruises, gadgets and even adrenaline-packed adventures

When is the best time to buy Spain trip insurance?

The sooner, the better. Spain may be Ireland’s most popular holiday destination, but things can go wrong before you go. 

Buying your travel insurance for Spain as soon as you book your trip means you’re protected from the get-go. If something unexpected happens, like being called for jury duty, illness or redundancy, you won’t lose out.

Left it to the last minute? You can still buy your policy right up until the day you travel, as long as you haven’t passed through Irish airport customs. We can’t offer travel insurance if you’re already in Spain or elsewhere on your trip.

What to do before travelling to Spain

Whether you’re going for the cuisine or the culture, a little preparation goes a long way. Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick checklist:

• Check your passport. While Irish passport holders don’t need six months’ validity to enter Spain, it’s still wise to check your expiry date.
• Notify your bank. Let your bank know you’ll be abroad to avoid any issues with card transactions.‍
• Get travel insurance as soon as you book. Protect yourself against unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies or lost luggage. ‍
• Consider rental car insurance. If you’re hiring a car, check what’s included and consider extra cover. All of our policies let you add on a car hire excess waiver.‍
• Check travel warnings. The Department of Foreign Affairs offers up-to-date advice on safety, local laws and entry requirements. It’s worth a look before you go.
• ‍Pack prescription medicines. Bring enough for your trip, along with a copy of your prescription. 

Driving in Spain

Driving in Spain can be a fantastic way to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. But before you hit the road, it’s worth brushing up on a few essentials:

• Irish driving licences are fully valid in Spain, and the minimum age to drive is 18. If you're renting a car, most companies require you to be at least 21, and some may add a surcharge if you're under 25. Always bring your passport and a credit card for the rental. Debit cards often aren’t accepted.‍
• Spain has specific rules that might differ from what you're used to. For example, you must carry a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in the car. If you wear prescription glasses, Spanish law recommends keeping a spare pair in the vehicle. ‍
• Speed limits vary depending on the type of road. Remember, driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Spain. Be mindful of low-emission zones in cities like Barcelona, and avoid using your horn unless it’s an emergency.

For more quirky and practical insights, our blog on unusual road rules abroad includes helpful tips for Spain. 

Booking water sports and adventure activities

Paddleboarding on the Costa Brava. Canyoning in the Pyrenees. Spain is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. But, if you're planning to dive into water sports or adventure activities while you're there, it's important that your policy covers you.

The good news is that our travel insurance for Spain already includes a wide range of water sports at no extra charge. We cover over 100 low-risk sports and activities as standard. You can swim, snorkel and kayak, knowing you’re protected against accidents or medical emergencies. 

However, more extreme sports need our hazardous activities cover. You’ll need to add on this optional extra if you're booking adventurous activities like rock climbing or paragliding.

For full details of the water and adventure sports we cover, check the Policy Wording.

Spain travel insurance tips and recommendations

Spain offers sunshine, culture and coastlines galore. But before you head off, it’s worth bearing a few things in mind:

• The culture: Spanish customs and etiquette may differ from home. Travel insurance can help if you accidentally breach local laws or face a dispute.
• Hot weather: Heatwaves and wildfires are increasingly common in Spain, especially in the summer. Choose a policy that includes medical cover for heat-related illness and trip disruption.
• Time differences: Spain is one hour ahead of Ireland. If you miss a connection or excursion due to illness or an emergency, travel insurance can help cover you for pre-paid, non-refundable costs. But personal errors like confusion over the time difference are not covered, so make sure you double-check your itinerary.‍
• Pickpockets: Busy tourist areas like Las Ramblas in Barcelona are known for pickpocketing. Our Spain travel insurance policies cover stolen belongings, including passports, phones and cash.

Risks of travelling to Spain

Spain remains a popular and generally safe destination for Irish holidaymakers. But it’s wise to be aware of a few current risks:

• Natural disasters: Heatwaves and wildfires are increasingly common, especially in southern and inland regions during summer. These can disrupt travel plans and pose health risks. Consider adding on our optional natural disasters cover.
• Terrorism: Spain faces a moderate threat of terrorism. A machete attack in Cadiz in 2023 highlighted the need for vigilance. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow local guidance during your trip.
• Crime: Pickpocketing is a frequent issue in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Vehicle crime: Often targeting hire cars, these may involve fake breakdowns or impersonation of police.