There are plenty of countries around the world that don’t need a visa Schengen to enter Spain. If you are from a country that doesn’t require a Schengen Visa to enter Spain, know that travel insurance to the country is optional.

Nevertheless, if you are traveling outside of your home country, getting travel insurance in case of an emergency is advisable.

In this article, I will go through the requirements that a Schengen visa should follow and why it is important, and then I will describe and compare a list of the most recommended insurance out there.

Note that I try to do so with more international companies. We have readers from all over the world who might have different insurance companies at home. So it’s best if we give a review of the most international companies.

If none of these insurances convince you, follow the Schengen requirements below, and you will be fine!

Travel Schengen Insurance

If you are from a country that requires a travel visa or a Schengen visa to visit Spain, know that one of the most essential requirements in your application will be insurance.

So, why do you need specific travel insurance to travel to Spain or any European country? Well, simply because those are the rules. The European Union is a union of countries without borders whose purpose is to collaborate, trade, and help each other.

The latter comes with many benefits for European citizens, especially in terms of health. If they travel to any EU country and face any accident or disease, a European sanitary card is more than enough to be accepted at any hospital.

These are three of the main rights that any European citizen has in another member state; it is called Cross-Border Health System:

• Patients may receive healthcare in a Member State other than their own and later request reimbursement of the costs in their country.
• The legislation refers to the benefits included in the National Health System’s common portfolio of services.
• Patients will have to request authorization in case of hospitalization for more than one night or use highly specialized equipment and technology.

So, Europe rounds up the subject. Europe shares resources when it comes to its citizens. But they can only do the same with some people that come to visit. 

Note: No hospital in Spain should deny you treatment in an emergency.

But let’s go back to travel insurance to Spain. I gave you all that context for you to understand why the EU is so strict when it comes to health insurance. 

If you are applying for a Schengen visa, know that your insurance should have the following requirements:

• Cover for medical costs of at least €30.000
• Validity in all Schengen countries
• Cover for repatriation costs and urgent medical costs

These three are the main issues that your travel health insurance should cover. 

If you don’t need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe, getting insurance for your safety is advisable. A basic plan should cover the following:

Your travel insurance to Spain should at least cover the following:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical
• Evacuation 
• Baggage 
• Flight insurance

How much does travel insurance cost?

Everyone travels differently: backpackers, short-trip travelers, summer holiday people, luxury travelers, families, and more. And, depending on the type of traveler you are, the higher or lower the price of your insurance will be. 

In this case, most insurance companies will ask you some questions about your trip, and based on that information, they will give you a price on your travel insurance.

So, what are the typical questions you get when looking for travel insurance to Spain or any country in the European Union? Check them below:

• The exact date of traveling

• Country of destination

• Total trip price

• First trip deposit*

  Now, I will move on to compare some health insurance companies that offer their services in Spain. The following analysis is non-biased; no one is paying us for this; it is 100% personal research and experience. 

  * The deposit date is when the first payment was made towards any aspect of the trip.

Travel Insurance Companies

Here are the top 9 travel insurance companies for your trip to Spain. I selected these companies under two requirements: Some are international companies in Spain and the United States, which would make any type of contact, and second, the most popular and complete travel insurance in the USA.

I also added them because after carefully checking their quotes, I can tell you they include all the travel coverage needed. 

The company AXA has specific travel insurance for travelers who need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Additionally, I will clarify any specifics about the insurance below the chart. 

Before you check them out you must knwo that I requested the quotes from each company with the following data: 2 people between 70 and 75 years old traveling throughout Spain for two weeks. An airplane is the trasnportation of choice and the travel cost between both people is $6,000.

• The quote from Generali doesn’t allow you to see all the benefits, but there is nothing that a call or an email can’t help.
• Mapfre’s travel insurance covers trips that cost a maximum of $5,000.
• Tin Leg Luxury travel insurance plan doesn’t cover pre-medical conditions. 

Additional tips

Questions to ask the insurance company

In case you want to call or visit the insurance company but it makes you a bit nervous to do so, I have created a list of topics and questions to ask for you to get the best deal for your trip. 

Pricing and Coverage:

• What is the total cost of the travel insurance plan?
• Can you provide a breakdown of costs for each type of coverage included in the plan?
• Are there any optional add-ons or extra coverages available, and how much do they cost?

Medical Coverage:

• What is the maximum coverage for medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and emergency treatments?
• Does the plan cover pre-existing medical conditions? If so, what are the specific conditions covered and any limitations?

Trip Cancellation and Interruption:

• Is there a specific list of covered reasons for trip cancellation, or is it more flexible?

Baggage and Personal Belongings:

• What is the coverage limit for lost or delayed baggage?
• Are valuable items like electronics, jewelry, or cameras covered, and is there a separate coverage limit for them?

Travel Delays and Missed Connections:

• What is the coverage for travel delays and missed connections? How many hours of delay are required for a claim?
• Are expenses like meals and accommodations covered during delays?

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation:

• Does the plan cover the cost of emergency evacuation and repatriation in case of a serious medical situation?
• What is the coverage limit for this type of situation?

Payment Plans and Deductibles:

• Are there flexible payment options available? 
• Is there a deductible, and how does it affect the overall cost and claims process?

Policy Exclusions and Limitations:

• Are there any specific activities or scenarios that may not be covered?

Claims Process:

• Can you explain the process for filing a claim, including the necessary documentation and timelines?

Cancellation Policy:

• Is there a cooling-off period during which I can cancel the policy if I change my mind? What are the associated fees, if any?

Travel Assistance and Support:

• How can I access 24/7 assistance in an emergency during my trip?
• What services are provided for travelers in need of help?

Coverage for Additional Travel Arrangements:

• Can I update the insurance coverage to reflect the new itinerary if my travel plans change? Are there any associated costs?

More tips!

1. To keep your trip safe, stay informed on the country’s political environment to avoid protests. 

2. Keep your valuables, including passports, cash, and electronics, in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or a money belt. If you take something out of the hotel, make sure to put it in a pocket where you can constantly keep an eye on it. 

3. Research high-risk areas of the city and be cautious about them, especially at night. For example, the neighborhood of El Raval is famous in Barcelona, but don’t visit it at night because it is not the safest and the streets are not illuminated.

4. Use registered public transportation options like registered taxis, official airport shuttles, or trusted ride-sharing services.

5. Stay vigilant on pickpockets and scams. Read more about them in the link below:

   1. 15 Mistakes Tourist should avoid in Spain. Must read!
   2. 12 Scams To Stay Alert in Spain: Read Before Traveling!

6. Know the most important emergency numbers in the country. Here, I will link you to an article with emergency numbers in Spain.

7. Keep your family or friends in your home country informed of your destinations.

8. Stay health conscious: use sunscreen, eat good food, and avoid street fountain water. 

And there you have it! All the advice, safety tips, and requirements you should follow before booking travel insurance to Spain.

Additionally, we added nine companies, their best plan, and prices so you can know what to expect and where to look. Let us know if you have any questions so we can help you in your search.