buy travel insurance for spain

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Do I need travel insurance for Spain?

Our top picks for the best spain travel insurance, how much is travel insurance for spain, what does spain travel insurance cover, what is not covered, tips for choosing the best spain travel insurance, spain travel information & requirements, tips for traveling to spain from the us, faqs - travel insurance spain.

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Best Spain Travel Insurance: Top Plans & Cost

• Most U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, is not accepted in Spain. Therefore, we recommend opting for medical travel insurance for Spain .
• Spain also has some lesser-known risks such as extremely hot Summers, pickpockets, and a heightened threat of terrorist activity.
• In all of these scenarios, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can protect you, your property, and your finances from harm while traveling.
• Based on our research, the best Spain travel insurance policies come from Tin Leg, Generali Global Assistance, Trawick International, AXA Assistance USA, and Travel Insured International ( skip ahead to view these plans ).
• To help you find the best travel insurance for Spain, we recommend using an online comparison tool to see plans and prices from multiple providers at once.

Our top picks for the best spain travel insurance

• Tin Leg: Best for Medical Coverage
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Basic Coverage
• Trawick International: Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage
• AXA Assistance USA: Best for Trip Cancellation Coverage
• Travel Insured International: Best for Non-Medical Evacuation Coverage

Generali Global Assistance

Trawick international.

American citizens are not legally required to have travel insurance for Spain as long as the trip is under 90 days. However, The US Embassy in Madrid highly recommends buying travel insurance when visiting Spain as most traditional US health insurance isn’t accepted at Spanish hospitals.

Reasons why you may need travel insurance for Spain:

Spain won’t accept most U.S. healthcare plans

Most U.S. private health insurance plans and government health plans like Medicaid and Medicare will not work in Spain. This means that if you become sick or injured during your Spanish vacation, you’ll be responsible for paying out-of-pocket for the resulting medical bills. Spain’s free healthcare system is only available for long-term residents and citizens of Spain.

According to the American Embassy in Spain: ”[Spanish] hospitals and health care providers will expect payment if you are not covered by the Spanish or the Andorran public health care system.”

LA Times Compare staff members located in Spain confirmed that Spanish hospitals have also been known to refuse entry if you cannot show proof of a health insurance plan that will cover the costs of your treatment upon arrival.

Comprehensive travel insurance can cover you in case you need treatment while abroad and can even cover medical evacuations to repatriate you back home.

Risk of pickpockets

The U.S. government notes that pickpocketing and petty theft is very common in Spain. Unlike violent robberies, pickpocketing usually happens without you knowing you have been robbed. This type of occurrence frequently happens in touristy areas like La Puerta del Sol in Madrid and La Rambla in Barcelona. In fact, this happens so frequently for tourists visiting Madrid that an entire police unit known as the SATE (Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero) is dedicated to filing petty robbery police reports for Tourists.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for any stolen, lost, or damaged personal items.

Risk of heat-related illness

Most people don’t realize how hot Spain can get in the Summer months. Spain is a sunny and predominantly dry country, and over the past few years has been getting increasingly hotter. This has even led to parts of Spain introducing a heat wave naming system , similar to the way hurricanes are named. Temperatures in parts of Spain can reach upwards of 111 degrees in Summer. This, combined with the dense, historic stone architecture of Spanish cities that radiates this heat can put travelers at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Having backup medical care via travel insurance is never a bad idea.

Medical travel insurance will cover you for a range of medical treatments or medicines you require during your trip.

Risk of terrorism

Like many European nations, the risk of terrorism is a concern for both locals and tourists visiting Spain in recent years. Travel.state.gov mentions that terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in Spain. While these attacks are rare, one attack in Barcelona in 2017 killed 13 people and injured 130 others. Therefore, it’s best to consider and prepare for the worst.

Apart from covering medical care if you are injured while traveling, travel insurance often allows reimbursements for trip cancellations or interruptions as a result of terrorist threats or attacks at your travel destination.

Best for Medical Coverage

Why we like it.

Editor's take

Tin Leg is known for offering high-quality travel insurance coverage at a competitive and reasonable price.

All Tin Leg policies have an A- rating or better for their financial strength from AM Best. We like the Tin Leg Gold plan because it offers great medical and evacuation coverage limits at an affordable price.

This plan comes automatically with trip cancellation and interruption coverage for coronavirus and other covered instances, as well as up to $500,000 in emergency medical expense protection and up to $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, just in case something were to happen while on your Spain trip.

You may also qualify for travel delay protection, baggage insurance, and insurance that protects against missed connections on your way to Spain.

Read our full review

• Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
• High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
• Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
• Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
• Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
• Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
• Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects

Best for Basic Coverage

Generali Global Assistance offers high coverage limits for medical expenses, emergency dental expenses, emergency medical evacuation coverage, and more for your trip to Spain.

This travel insurance provider has an A rating from AM Best and offers three tiers of travel insurance coverage to suit your needs:

• Standard plan
• Preferred plan
• Premium plan

If you’re looking for basic coverage at an affordable price point, the Standard plan may be just what you need. This plan offers coverage for up to 100% of the insured trip cost for cancellation and up to 125% of the insured trip cost for interruption. It also offers $1,000 per person in baggage coverage, up to $50,000 in medical coverage, and $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage.

• Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
• 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
• Telemedicine included
• Lower coverage than other Generali plans
• Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
• No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel

Best for Medical Evacuation Coverage

Trawick International is another highly-rated travel insurance company that offers plans geared to those who want an international health plan. This company offers both premium coverage and budget-friendly travel insurance plans.

The Safe Travels Voyager plan is one of the company’s most well-rated plans due to its high coverage limits. With $1 million in medical evacuation coverage and $250,000 in primary medical coverage, as well as $3,000 in travel delay coverage, this plan can help give you peace of mind while on your trip to Spain.

• Excellent medical coverage limits
• Up to $2,500 baggage coverage included
• Covers quarantine accommodation expenses
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 8 hours
• CFAR only covers 75% of the insured trip cost

Best for Trip Cancellation Coverage

Axa assistance usa.

Since AXA Assistance USA offers three coverage levels, you can tailor your policy for Spain to suit your needs and budget.

AXA Assistance USA has an A rating from AM Best. It offers a range of travel insurance plans geared to different types of trips. The three coverage levels offered are:

We like the Platinum plan from AXA Assistance USA because it includes trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of non-refundable travel expenses and $1,250 in travel delay coverage. It also offers $1 million in medical evacuation protection, $250,000 in insurance for medical expenses, $100,000 in coverage for non-medical emergency evacuation, and more.

• High coverage limits in every category. Extremely comprehensive
• Includes identity theft coverage & non-medical evacuation coverage
• CFAR coverage reimburses 75% of prepaid travel expenses
• Coverage cannot be extended unlike other plans
• Medical limit is lower than other cheaper plans, but still sufficient

Best for Non-Medical Evacuation Coverage

Travel insured international.

Travel Insured International offers two plans, Worldwide Trip Protector Edge and Worldwide Trip Protector. Of these two, we recommend the Worldwide Trip Protector plan due to its superior coverage.

Worldwide Trip Protector covers 100% of the insured trip cost due to cancellation, 150% of the insured trip cost due to interruption, as well as $1,500 for trip delays and $500 for baggage delays after only 3 hours. It also includes $100,000 worth of medical coverage, $1 million worth of evacuation coverage, and $150,000 worth of non-medical evacuation coverage.

• Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
• CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
• Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
• No rental car coverage

According to sales data from Squaremouth, Spain travel insurance policies cost between $200 and $250 per week on average.

Based on our official sales figures over the past year, our customers’ average travel insurance cost is £217.17.

That said, the cost of travel insurance can vary widely based on factors like the age of travelers, the size of the traveling group, and the total trip cost.

By identifying what coverage you actually need you can find avoid expensive travel insurance . The length of the trip can also play a role in the cost of travel insurance.

Here are some example quotes from six different providers covering a seven-night trip to Spain for two 40-year-olds in September of 2024 that cost them $5,000.

While this example can give you a ballpark idea of how much comprehensive travel insurance for Spain could cost, it’s important to note that the actual cost you will pay will depend heavily on your individual trip details.

You can use our comparison tool below to see exact prices tailored for your trip details.

When you begin shopping for travel insurance for trips to Spain, you’ll quickly discover that insurance plans vary widely, as do their costs.

You’ll also notice you can purchase single-trip, multi-trip or annual travel insurance to protect your trips to Spain and other countries you plan to visit while overseas.

To protect yourself as much as possible, you should strive to buy a travel insurance policy that is as inclusive as possible with ample policy limits.

Make sure to look for the following types of coverage as you compare travel insurance plans.

Travel medical insurance

Medical evacuation insurance, trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage insurance.

We’ll break down these types of insurance and what they are below.

While Spanish residents with citizenship enjoy universal public healthcare, tourists visiting from the United States and elsewhere do not qualify for the same benefits. You’ll get treatment if you become sick or injured during your trip, but you’ll be on the hook for the bills that result. With that in mind, travel health insurance is easily the most important type of coverage you’ll want to have for travel to Spain.

Ideally, you’ll purchase a policy that has at least $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses per traveler. This type of protection can pay for medical bills that arise if you come down with COVID-19 during your trip, you break an ankle while walking on cobblestone streets or you experience a cardiac event. In that case, you may also consider a COVID-19 travel insurance .

Medical evacuation insurance , or medevac, can help pay for emergency evacuation and transportation when you become sick or injured while traveling.

If you’re on the side of a mountain in a remote area of Spain and you break a limb, for example, medevac coverage could pay for an ambulance or helicopter ride to the local hospital.

The American Embassy of Madrid’s website mentions the the following about emergency medical evacuations from Spain:

“There are no U.S. government funds available to pay for medical treatment or medical evacuations, and U.S. nationality does not entitle a person to a military medical evacuation free of charge. Medical evacuations can in fact cost up to $100,000 and the cost is born by the ill or injured person, the family and or the medical insurance company.”

Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage can also pay for a medically supervised flight back to your home country if a supervising physician recommends it.

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable, pre-paid travel expenses when your trip must be canceled for a covered reason beyond your control. This type of coverage can come into play if you’re called to jury duty over your travel dates, or if one of your travel companions becomes gravely ill or passes away before you leave for Spain.

Some policies also offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance as an optional add-on. This type of insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason at all, at which point you’ll get 50% to 75% of prepaid travel expenses back depending on the plan.

Trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for prepaid travel expenses when your trip must be interrupted after it has already started. Examples of when this coverage kicks in include instances where a travel companion gets sick after a trip is underway or a natural disaster makes a stop on your itinerary uninhabitable.

When trip interruption coverage applies, it can reimburse for nonrefundable travel expenses you didn’t get to use as well as transportation costs to get home.

Trip delay insurance can help pay for unplanned expenses that occur when your trip is delayed, including meals you have to pay for or overnight hotel stays. Most trip delay coverage won’t apply until your trip has been delayed for at least six or 12 hours, and daily and maximum limits typically apply.

If your bags are delayed at your destination and you wind up having to pay for toiletries, clothing, electronics chargers or other required items, baggage delay coverage can reimburse you for these out-of-pocket expenses. That said, baggage delay coverage typically only applies after bags are delayed for at least six or 12 hours , and daily and maximum limits apply.

If your bags are lost or stolen while on their way to Spain, or even after you get there, you may be entitled to compensation from your travel insurance provider. Coverage for lost luggage typically comes with a maximum limit per traveler and trip, and separate limits for high-value items like electronics and jewelry can apply.

Most travel insurance policies come with a standard list of exclusions, although these can vary widely among travel insurance companies.

Here’s a rundown of what may not be covered by Spain travel insurance:

• Participation in extreme sports: If you plan to take part in extreme sports like base jumping or rock climbing during your Spanish vacation, you’ll want to make sure your travel insurance plan doesn’t explicitly prohibit these activities. Also consider buying a policy from insurance companies that cover adventure sports, such as World Nomads .
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Most pre-existing conditions are not covered by travel insurance unless a policy comes with a pre-existing conditions waiver. Note that qualifying for a pre-existing conditions waiver typically requires you to purchase travel insurance within 14 or 15 days of making an initial trip deposit.
• Pregnancy-related care, including normal delivery: Emergency care for traveling while pregnant can be covered by a travel insurance policy overseas, but regular wellness care and normal delivery will not be.
• Non-emergency treatment that can wait until you return home: Only emergency medical care is covered by travel insurance, and all other procedures will have to wait until you get home.
• Travel restrictions imposed by government authorities: If a government authority says a specific destination should not be visited, it’s unlikely travel insurance provides coverage in that area.

It’s also worth noting that some travel insurance companies exclude Spain and some other countries in Europe due to the increased risk of injury among past travelers. This means you can buy travel insurance for trips to Spain, but you may have fewer companies to choose from.

Whether you’re planning your trip far ahead or you’re hoping to book a last-minute trip to Spain, several moves can help you secure the best travel insurance coverage for your needs.

We recommend you consider the following tips as you browse and compare plans.

Get adequate coverage for medical expenses.

While the Spanish healthcare system is exceptional, not having travel insurance means you’ll be on the hook financially for the medical care you receive. Your best bet is lining up travel insurance with at least $50,000 in travel medical coverage for everyone in your traveling party.

Compare multiple providers and policies.

Compare international travel insurance policies from at least three or four different providers, and make sure to compare not only cost but the coverages and policy limits they offer. Fortunately, all the best travel insurance companies make it easy to get a free quote online.

Decide if you want the option to cancel.

If you believe your Spanish vacation may need to be canceled, consider investing in cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage that lets you get part of your prepaid travel expenses back no matter what.

Think about extra coverages you might need.

Make sure you have coverage for items specific to you and your traveling party, including protection for pre-existing conditions or adventure sports you plan to take part in.

Do I need a visa or passport to visit Spain?

Yes, American citizens need a passport to visit Spain. However, Americans don’t need a tourist visa to visit Spain unless they plan to stay in Spain or other countries in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days .

If you’re planning out your trip to Spain from USA for 2025, you should also be on the lookout for a new upcoming requirement. Starting mid-2025, visitors to Spain will be required to apply for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) application and pay an $8 entry fee to vacation in Spain or other European countries that are co-signers of the Schengen Agreement.

Until then, the U.S. Government outlines that the only other requirement is that your passport must have a **minimum of three months of validity remaining after your planned date of departure from Spain or elsewhere in the Schengen area, although Spain recommends having at least six months. Spain also requires a blank page in your passport for a passport stamp.

Is Spain in the Schengen area?

Spain is located in the Schengen area along with 27 other countries in Europe that have made it increasingly easy to travel between them.

Thanks to this agreement, you can hop a flight or train from Spain and to other Schengen countries without having to pass through border security or show your passport in many cases. This makes it easy to plan a full-fledged European vacation that includes time in Spain as well as other Schengen countries, such as France , or Italy.

Keep in mind, if you plant to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen travel visa , and travel insurance is part of the requirements for applying for this visa.

Is it safe to travel to Spain?

In general, Spain is quite safe. That said, according to the U.S. Department of State , you should exercise increased caution during trips to Spain due to threats of “terrorism and civil unrest.” However, the country of Spain is very safe overall, and you are unlikely to encounter any issues other than basic instances of theft or pickpocketing.

Travel insurance for the Canary Islands

Although situated over 800 miles south of the Spanish mainland, the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro are all considered part of Spain. This inclusion also grants them Schengen status. Travel insurance for Spain can be used to cover your vacation in the Canary Islands.

Spanish restaurants: Meal times in Spain have a unique rhythm that can often catch unaware travelers off guard. A first breakfast, known locally as ‘desayuno’, usually takes place before 9 am and is regularly eaten at home. A second breakfast, ‘almuerzo’, is eaten around mid-morning and when local cafes are open. Lunchtime, ‘comida’, is taken around 2 to 4 pm, after which many restaurants and cafes may close. An early evening meal, known as ‘merienda’ is often eaten from 5 to 7 pm and a late dinner, ‘cena’, is eaten between 8.30 and 10.30 pm.  

Opening hours: Along with the unusual Spanish meal times, general opening hours may differ from what you are used to back home during the summer months. Stores and restaurants are usually continually open from 10 am to 9 pm but during the summer, they may close between 2 and 5 pm.

Transportation: Spain has a strongly integrated transportation system consisting of major airports, bus charters, and one of the largest and most modern railway networks in Europe. Major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao also have their own integrated metro systems. All of this enables you to travel quickly and efficiently across Spain and the Iberian peninsula as a whole.

Spain does not require travelers to have travel insurance, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it. Private health insurance that works in the United States will not apply overseas. This means you’ll want to have travel medical coverage, as well as protection for emergency evacuation, trip delays, lost or delayed bags and other travel mishaps that can occur.

How much does Spain travel insurance cost?

Based on our estimates, travel insurance for a seven-night trip to Spain with a total trip cost of $5,000 may cost between $230 and $326 depending on the plan.

Is Spanish healthcare free for tourists?

The Spanish healthcare system offers free public healthcare for citizens, but tourists do not qualify for this benefit.

Does US medical insurance work in Spain?

Private health insurance purchased in the United States does not apply in Spain or elsewhere in Europe.

Do some travel insurance companies exclude coverage for Spain?

Some travel insurance companies don’t offer coverage in Spain and several other countries due to the increased risk of injury and higher claims in these areas overall.

Holly D. Johnson is an award-winning personal finance writer who covers topics like insurance, investing, credit and family finance. As a leading voice in the travel and loyalty space, Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries over the last decade.

The author has also written extensively on the power of household budgeting, and she even co-authored a book on the topic. Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love was originally published in 2017, and it teaches families how to use zero-sum budgeting to reach their financial goals. She is also the co-owner and founder of the family finance and travel website, ClubThrifty.com.

Johnson’s 10+ years of writing have focused on helping families make important financial decisions at each stage of their lives. The author also applies the financial principles she teaches to her own life, and she is currently on track to retire in her late 40’s with her partner. She currently lives in Central Indiana with her husband and children, and she is a regular contributor for Bankrate, CNN, Forbes, U.S. News and World Report Travel and many other notable publications.

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Top Travel Insurances for Spain You Should Know in 2024

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Spain is one of the most visited countries on the globe, and for good reason! It's famous for its incredible history, vibrant culture, tasty cuisine, and renowned landmarks such as the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell. Although travelling to Spain can be an accessible holiday destination for many people, out-the-pocket healthcare costs in the country tend to be expensive, so it's a very good idea to arrive there with travel insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Spain and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young travellers, adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats.

Spain Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Spain:

Best Travel Insurances for Spain

• 01. Should I get travel insurance for Spain? scroll down
• 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
• 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
• 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
• 05. FAQ about travel insurance to Spain scroll down

Heading to Spain soon? Don't forget to check the following list before you travel:

• 💳 Eager to dodge high FX fees? See our picks for the best travel cards in 2024.
• 🛂 Need a visa? Let iVisa take care of it for you.
• ✈ Looking for flights? Compare on Skyscanner !
• 💬 Want to learn the local language? Babbel and italki are two excellent apps to think about.
• 💻 Want a VPN? ExpressVPN is the market leader for anonymous and secure browsing.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Spain?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Schengen countries, including Spain. If you're entering the Schengen Area from a non-Schengen country, you must show a valid passport and travel insurance that covers the duration of their stay and a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Being insured is one of the necessary steps to secure a visa and enter the Schengen Area, and failure to comply may result in a denial of entry.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Spain or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Spain:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for travellers going abroad to Spain. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Spain, including coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel disruptions. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

• Coverage 9.0
• Quality of Service 9.0
• Pricing 7.6
• Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Spain:

• Policy names: Varies
• Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
• Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
• Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another very good travel insurance option, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

• Coverage 7.8
• Quality of Service 8.5
• Pricing 7.4
• Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

• Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
• Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
• Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
• Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
• Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for younger travellers or digital nomads because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

• Coverage 7.0
• Quality of Service 8.0
• Pricing 6.3
• Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

• Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
• Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
• Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
• Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /traveller /month
• Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
• Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travellers

How Do They Compare?

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Spain? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 4/1/2024

FAQ About Travel Insurance to Spain

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to travellers worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the traveller, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent travellers.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

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Travel Insurance for Spain

Whether you're dancing to the rhythm of castanets in Seville, savoring the world's finest paella, or trying to keep up with speedy siestas, Spain promises unforgettable experiences for all travelers. However, before you shout "Olé!" and begin your tapas-filled journey to this European gem, let's talk about your crucial companion: travel insurance . In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about travel insurance for Spain, ensuring you can dive into the world of fiestas without breaking a sweat over the bumps in the road!

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Spain? 

How does Travel Insurance for Spain work?

• Do I need Travel Insurance for Spain? 
• How much does Travel Insurance cost for Spain? 
• Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan
• What types of medical coverage does AXA Travel Protection plans offer?
• Are There Any COVID-19 restrictions for Travelers to Spain?

Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to spain.

At a minimum, your travel insurance to Spain should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State  outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage. AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind.

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for Spain.

Let's imagine you're in the heart of Valencia, indulging in paella and exploring the lively Mercado Central. What started as a gastronomic adventure takes an unexpected turn when you fall victim to food poisoning. In this unfortunate scenario, the "Emergency Medical" benefit of AXA Travel Protection becomes your lifeline. A travel protection plan steps in to assist and support you, ensuring you receive the necessary medical care. From hospital stays to prescribed medications, travel insurance support allows you to focus on recovering rather than worrying about the mounting bills. Here’s how travelers can benefit from an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits:

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Additional Optional Travel Benefits 

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Do I need Travel Insurance for Spain?

If you're applying for a Schengen Visa to visit Spain, having travel insurance is mandatory. However, we still recommend that travelers who are not required to secure a Schengen visa consider travel insurance. Medical expenses can be quite high for international visitors, and having insurance becomes even more crucial as you'll be responsible for covering prescription costs. Why? There are several reasons:

Medical Emergencies: A visit to Spain may pose unexpected health challenges. Access to quality medical care is essential in case of illnesses or accidents. Travel insurance ensures that you can receive necessary medical attention without worrying about the financial burden.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Missed Connections: Spain's busy airports and transit hubs may lead to missed connections, especially if there are delays or cancellations. Travel insurance may cover expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations if you miss a connecting flight.

How much does Travel Insurance cost for Spain?

In general, travel insurance costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to Spain will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that Spain hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers to consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses. The Platinum Plan is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage for Spain’s experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the "Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver)" offers assistance when you're out exploring Spain's stunning landscapes in a rental car. Additionally, the "Loss Golf Days" benefit could be particularly beneficial for travelers heading to Spain, especially if they plan to indulge in golfing activities during their trip. This optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures.

What types of medical coverage do AXA Travel Protection plans offer?

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

• Emergency medical expenses 
• Emergency evacuation & repatriation 
• Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation 

Emergency Medical: Can cover medical expenses, hospital stays, and even emergency evacuations, covering the expenses of hefty bills and ensuring access to quality healthcare while away from home.

Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness. 

Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: Offers assistance in unexpected situations such as political unrest or natural disasters, ensuring safe and timely relocation to a secure location or repatriation back home. 

Are there any COVID-19 estrictions for Travelers to Spain?

While it's advisable for international travelers to be fully vaccinated, there is no requirement to provide proof of vaccination. Currently, travel regulations have returned to standard protocols for most visitors.

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons,   

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plans with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation.

1. Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.

2. When should I buy Travel Insurance to Spain?

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

3. Do Americans need travel insurance in Spain?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens visiting Spain, but it is strongly recommended.

4. What is needed to visit Spain from the USA?

U.S. citizens can visit Spain for tourism or business for a maximum of 90 days without needing a visa. Just make sure your passport remains valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. Additionally, you will need proof of funds and a return airline ticket.

5. What happens if a tourist gets sick in Spain?

If you become sick in Spain, travelers with AXA Travel protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline 855-327-1442. Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

Get AXA Travel Insurance and travel worry free!

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Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

A complete guide to Spain travel insurance (2024)

When planning your trip to Spain travel insurance is one of the things that you should take into consideration.

Booking travel always carries some degree of uncertainty. In this sense, a travel insurance policy is designed to cover certain financial risks that you don’t want to bear on your own.

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Table of Contents

What is Spain travel insurance?

Travel insurance helps protect you from certain kinds of unexpected events that can occur before or during your trip to Spain.

Unlike auto insurance, travel insurance is elective, which means it’s up to you to decide if you want it .

Do you need a travel insurance when traveling to Spain?

As I said before, travel insurance is not mandatory when embarking on a trip. So the decision is all yours.

Here are the steps that you should follow to determine whether or not you should get a Spain travel insurance:

• The first step is understanding where you need coverage and where you don’t. For example, some major credit cards offer some medical and baggage insurance.
• The next criteria to consider should be the cost and length of the trip, your itinerary and your health.
• The final step is searching for a provider and policy that offers the type of insurance you need, based on key variables such as trip price, destination and itinerary, along with pre-existing medical conditions.

What does travel insurance cover?

If you’ve never purchased travel insurance before or you’re not sure what travel insurance is, here’s a quick overview of what a travel insurance plan could cover:

• Medical costs. Your plan could cover for unexpected injuries, accidents, hospital visits, emergencies, and evacuations.
• Property loss , such as theft, damaged or lost baggage, and its contents while you’re traveling.
• Travel issues , including any trip cancellations, accommodation issues, and transportation expenses.

A typical travel insurance provides 24/7 assistance to help you.

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

However, different providers offer different plans with a mix of these coverages and more, so be sure to educate yourself about all the options before choosing one.

Medical costs

A Spain travel insurance that includes medical costs is a temporary medical insurance that covers you on your trip.

It may pay expenses such as:

• Emergency transportation to a hospital.
• Doctor’s bills.
• Medications.
• Hospital and operating room costs.
• X-rays, treatments, test, and anesthesia.
• Emergency evacuation.

Property loss

Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for baggage loss and baggage delay if your bag is not permanently lost or damaged.

Let’s see the difference between both coverages.

Baggage loss coverage

It usually provides reimbursement for luggage and covered personal items that are lost or stolen while you’re traveling.

Baggage and personal effects coverage is typically secondary coverage, which means that it will act to supplement any reimbursements offered by a common carrier (such as an airline that loses your bags) or by your homeowner’s insurance.

Baggage delay coverage

It generally allows you to purchase essential items you need for your personal comfort while you’re waiting for your bags to arrive. As with baggage loss coverage, it is secondary coverage to any benefits your airline or common carrier may provide to you.

Baggage delay coverage generally becomes active after your belongings have been delayed for a specified period of time. Depending on the policy, it will usually be either 12 or 24 hours. Until that period of time has passed, you may not be eligible for reimbursement.

Another important consideration is that baggage delay coverage is typically only available on the outbound part of the trip.

Travel issues

The coverage that most people are aware of is trip cancellation, which provides reimbursement for unused, non-refundable, prepaid trip costs if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as sickness, job loss, flight cancellations due to adverse weather and more.

Similarly, with coverage for trip interruption you can get a refund of your trip costs if you can’t continue your trip due to a covered event. Moreover, certain plans provide reimbursement for additional transportation costs to return home or rejoin your group.

Travel insurance may also include travel delay.

Who are World Nomads?

Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers.

They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel.

Because they believe in giving back to the places we travel to, World Nomads also enables you to make a difference with a micro-donation when you buy a policy.

And they’ll help you plan your trip with free downloadable guides, travel tips, responsible travel insights and recommendations from their global community.

Being an Australian company, I got to know World Nomads while I was living in Melbourne in 2007. I had the chance of spending a full year exploring the country.

How does travel insurance work?

The process for filing a travel insurance claim is similar to car or home insurance. If you get in a car accident or have a water leak in your bathroom, you file a claim.

In similar fashion, if something happens during your trip and you need to use your travel insurance, you’ll need to file a claim to be reimbursed.

The claim filing process usually looks like this:

• You file a claim via phone, online form, or app.
• You submit requested documentation and proof of loss.
• Your travel insurance company reviews your claim.
• Your claim is approved and paid or denied.

Travel insurance, like other forms of insurance, kicks in when you file a claim (online, app, or phone) under your current policy.

You’ll need to submit some form of proof of your loss or reason for cancellation. Your travel insurance provider will let you know exactly what type of proof and documentation is needed.

Once the claim is submitted, your insurance provider will start working on your claim and gathering any additional needed info.

Finally, as soon as the paperwork is reviewed and accepted, your claim is approved and paid or denied.

Disclaimer: I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads . This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Travel Insurance for a Trip to Spain (2024)

See how Spain travel insurance can minimize risk and protect you from financial loss if your trip is canceled or you experience an emergency abroad.

in under 2 minutes

with our comparison partner, Squaremouth

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

From lost baggage to trip cancellation and medical emergencies, it pays to have a safety net when you’re exploring Europe. Options for travel insurance for Spain typically cover most unexpected delays and emergencies, offering reimbursements to help you recoup some or all of your trip costs.

We at the MarketWatch Guides Team have reviewed the top travel insurance providers to offer peace of mind on your next European vacation. Along with general travel tips, we will discuss Spain travel insurance, including requirements and how much you can expect to pay.

Compare Spain Travel Insurance Companies

Use the table below to compare travel insurance that will cover a trip to Spain.

Why Trust MarketWatch Guides

Our editorial team follows a comprehensive methodology for rating and reviewing travel insurance companies. Advertisers have no effect on our rankings.

Companies Reviewed

Quotes Collected

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Do I Need Travel Insurance for Spain?

There are currently no requirements for U.S. citizens to obtain travel or health insurance as a condition of entry to Spain for trips spanning fewer than 90 days. This also includes the other Schengen countries in Europe , like neighboring France. However, many business travelers and tourists may want travel insurance for protection against sudden costs — including unexpected medical expenses and trip cancellations .

Some travel insurance plans also offer coverage for sports enthusiasts in the event of injuries and medical emergencies. Adventure activities are popular in Spain, from water sports in Barcelona and Bilbao to rock climbing in Serrania de Cuenca. But general emergency medical coverage also extends to tourists visiting major cities like Madrid and Valencia.

We outline some of the most common travel insurance coverage options below.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

When you buy a travel insurance policy, you agree to conditions for using your coverage. For example, your policy will list specific reasons you can make a trip cancellation claim, like serious illness or injury. But cancel for any reason coverage , otherwise known as CFAR, is an upgrade without limits.

CFAR benefits offer increased flexibility for international travel. For example, if you booked a hotel in Seville for a destination wedding and the couple calls off the event, you could use CFAR coverage to reimburse prepaid or nonrefundable costs (like your hotel). It is unlikely that a standard travel insurance policy would cover travel costs due to a canceled wedding.

Though it offers flexibility for trip cancellations, CFAR does come with disclaimers and rules. Most travel insurance companies enforce time limits on when you can purchase CFAR coverage and timeframes in which you must cancel your trip. For example, Progressive requires you to purchase CFAR coverage within 10 to 21 days of making your initial trip payment and to notify vendors of canceled plans within 48 hours of your trip departure.

Gear Theft Protection

You may want to take some expensive gear on your Spanish vacation, including valuables such as your:

• Sports equipment

Travel insurance helps to recoup valuables that are lost, stolen or damaged by a tour operator or airline. Most plans offer coverage up to a predetermined cost, and exclusions may apply.

Some providers also offer additional coverage you can purchase to protect your gear while traveling. But deciding to purchase travel gear theft protection ultimately depends on personal preferences. If your policy does not cover the full value of your items, travelers may choose to leave expensive items at home. However, purchasing additional trip coverage may be worthwhile if you have to travel with gear for work or sporting purposes.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

The Spanish health care system is a leader in the Mediterranean region and the world. As a general rule, Spain doesn’t present major health hazards outside of extreme sports. However, there is always the possibility of unforeseen injuries that require medical care with international travel to any destination.

In the case of accidents, illness and emergencies, travel insurance for medical emergencies can cover a range of expenses that may include the following:

• Hospital fees
• Operating room charges
• Ambulance services
• Dental emergencies
• Lab tests and X-rays

Many travel medical insurance plans include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation if you cannot receive health care locally. This usually covers the cost of an evacuation to your home country or a major hospital within Spain.

Rental Car Protection

Spain legally requires unlimited third-party liability insurance for all rental vehicles, which the country automatically includes in the price of the car. While you can buy additional insurance from car rental companies, travel insurance can also protect you if an accident happens while driving abroad.

Some travel insurance plans include rental vehicle coverage in standard plans, while other providers may offer coverage as an add-on. Coverage varies depending on different travel insurance policies and providers. However, it may include the following:

• Collision damage waiver and theft protection
• Tire and windshield protection
• Roadside protection
• Personal effects coverage

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Should you cancel your Spain vacation before departure, trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for nonrefundable and prepaid expenses. A standard Spain travel insurance policy provides reimbursement up to a certain limit. Most providers have strict rules regarding the reasons for canceling unless you purchase CFAR coverage.

Below are typical events that qualify for cancellation, all of which generally represent emergencies.

• Hospitalization or illness
• Death of the family member
• Dangerous weather conditions preventing departure
• International or domestic terrorism

How Much Does Spain Travel Insurance Cost?

How much travel insurance costs can vary based on a traveler’s age and the insurance provider. How much you’ll pay is also dependent on factors including:

• Destination country
• Total trip price
• Trip length
• Level of coverage needed

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Spain. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Spain for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Spain?

Before purchasing travel insurance, check your current credit cards and health insurance to see if you already have existing coverage. For example, your credit card may offer cancellation protection, or your health insurance may cover emergency medical expenses abroad. You may also be able to buy Spain travel insurance directly through your airline.

Other insurance products may also offer coverage while traveling. For example, some renters insurance policies cover stolen items while traveling.

Otherwise, compare policies between providers and choose the best travel insurance for your next trip. Be sure to review each provider’s coverage limits and exclusions to ensure you would have the coverage you need.

Spain Safety Tips

To help you enjoy a safe trip, below are basic travel tips for vacations to Spain.

Crime and Safety

The Spain Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. According to the country summary, the level is in place due to possible terrorist attack plots and demonstrations during international events and politically significant holidays.

It’s recommended to avoid demonstrations and always follow instructions from local authorities. Be aware of your surroundings in big crowds and guard your belongings from pickpockets. Take note of local media concerning breaking events and adjust your plans accordingly.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

A Spanish vacation offers excursions that range from hiking in the mountains to scuba diving and exploring historical villages. It’s a good idea to have medical coverage with your travel insurance provider in the case of unexpected injuries, along with cancellation coverage for missed tours.

Book excursions through reputable websites and trusted tour organizations. For recommendations, seek advice from travel agents, hotel concierges and Spain’s official tourism site .

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention , there are currently no COVID-19 travel notices for entry into Spain. But the agency recommends you stay up-to-date on vaccines if you plan to travel abroad. The country has also removed most public health measures related to the pandemic. Follow instructions from local authorities and research appropriate travel health insurance for you.

Some travel insurance providers offer more robust COVID-19 coverage than others. We recommend checking with your travel insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage if you are worried about trip cancellations due to the coronavirus.

Is Travel Insurance for a Spain Vacation Worth It?

Whether it makes sense to buy travel insurance depends on the terms and conditions of your travel arrangements. If you booked a flight, room, rental or transportation that offers refunds for cancellations, travel insurance might not seem necessary.

However, travel insurance can come with expanded medical protections that prove useful in an emergency, and CFAR insurance may offer you more flexibility if plans change. Shopping around and comparing costs for coverage can help you decide the right type of protection for your trip to the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in Spain

Can i use travel insurance to claim flight compensation.

U.S. airlines are not required to compensate you for delayed or canceled flights when factors are outside the airline’s control. Travel insurance can reimburse you for nonrefundable costs related to trip delays, cancellations and baggage loss due to covered reasons.

You can also refer to our guide on how to claim compensation for trip interruptions , with or without travel insurance.

Does Spain require proof of travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for trips to Spain. International travel insurance is recommended to offer visitors peace of mind regarding trip delays or cancellations, lost baggage, unexpected medical costs or pre-existing medical conditions.

Is travel insurance more expensive for trips to Spain?

Based on quotes we gathered for a 35-year-old traveler from New York visiting Spain for 10 days with a total trip cost of $3,500, a policy costs between $86 to $177 . Your price may vary depending on your personal details, trip length and total cost.

Spain travel insurance could be more expensive for senior citizens or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Spain’s high level of privatized health care is another factor regarding medical coverage — only public hospitals provide free treatment, which may still be limited to Europeans. Travel insurance can help ensure coverage in the event of a medical emergency, especially if your health insurance card does not extend benefits abroad.

What does Spain travel insurance cover?

Most standard travel insurance policies cover a range of travel-related situations, including:

• Trip cancellations, delays or interruptions
• Baggage loss or theft
• Emergency medical and evacuation coverage
• Accidental death and dismemberment

Some policies may also cover rental car damage, identity theft resolution, and sporting gear or other valuables.

Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?

U.S. passport holders currently do not need a visa to travel to Spain short term. However, you will need to apply for a visa if you plan to stay for more than 90 days. Note that a Schengen visa grants you access to the Schengen area, but does not apply to the United Kingdom.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at  editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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Travel Insurance

At Fit 2 Trip, we want to offer the best value travel insurance to customers regardless of their pre-existing medical circumstances, which is why we offer travel insurance for families, couples, individual travelers and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

The travel insurance we offer are:

• Medical expenses only travel insurance : includes trip interruption and protects customers against emergency medical expenses that may arise during their trip. These include surgery, hospitalisation, transportation by ambulance, nursing, emergency dental treatment, expert care in arranging medical care or transportation home, and funeral and repatriation expenses, among others.
• Multi-risk travel insurance : provides comprehensive travel assistance that includes emergency medical expenses, as well as personal accident, repatriation, cancellation or interruption of the trip. It also includes loss of transportation, accidental loss, theft or damage of luggage or own money, or delay of your trip or your luggage. The costs of civil liability, legal expenses abroad, kidnapping and robbery, attention to pets and expenses in case of catastrophe are also covered under this policy.

Both travel insurances are available for single trips, multiple trips and annual trips through an annual multi-trip policy *. Policies are available in three coverage levels: Basic, Standard or Premium, depending on your needs, so finding cheap travel insurance is possible. The maximum coverages for each level are shown in the table below. For example, the cancellation coverage in a basic policy is up to 1,000 euros, while for a standard policy it is 3,000 euros and for a premium policy it is up to 7,500 euros.

To purchase your travel insurance at Fit 2 Trip you must be a resident of Spain or an expatriate living in Spain. You can take out travel insurance online or by phone.

In addition, when taking out your travel insurance online or by phone, there is the possibility of adding coverage for adventure activities and winter sports to the main policy. Winter sports coverages cover the additional benefits of accidental theft or damage to your own ski equipment or rental ski equipment, slope closure, avalanche, and slide closure, among others.

When buying travel insurance online, Fit 2 Trip uses a rigorous medical analysis process to evaluate its clients individually and adapt travel insurance to the individual needs of each person. Some of the pre-existing conditions that may be covered when hiring online travel insurance with Fit 2 Trip are: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, asthma, ophthalmological diseases, immunodeficiencies, neurological, psychological, digestive, urinary, endocrine, chromosomal or genetics, among others.

* For annual multi-trip policies, no trip must exceed 31 days.

Read the General Conditions

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Medical Expenses Only

Multi-Risk Policy

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Annual Coverage

Europe Travel Insurance

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Worldwide Travel Insurance with and without exclusions

Travel Insurance for Expats

Travel Insurance for Golf

Winter Sports Travel Insurances

Travel Insurance for Couples

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Sports and Activities

Insurance for Solo Travellers

Travel Insurance for Groups

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Travel Insurance for Spain

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The best health insurance for tourists. A single convenient tariff plan that includes all options. Price 1,5 USD for each day of travel. Auras insurance policy is backed by a 100% money back guarantee for 14 full days from your original purchase

• Coverage of treatment for COVID-19
• Coverage for the treatment of other viral diseases
• Medication provision
• Treatment due to injury
• Calling a doctor
• Examination / doctor's consultation
• Emergency dental care
• Obstetric care until the 27th week
• Outpatient treatment
• Inpatient treatment
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• Burial in place
• Monetary compensation as a result of damage to the life or health of third parties
• Monetary compensation as a result of moral damage caused to third parties
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• Transportation after inpatient treatment
• Depositing the deposit necessary for the release of the insured person from arrest

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No deductible Deductible is the amount that the client must pay upon the occurrence of an insured event. Example: The hospital fee is $1,000. The deductible under tariff is 100 USD, the client pays 100 USD, and the insurance company pays 900 USD. Thus, the amount is divided between the client and the insurance company in accordance with the terms of the tariff plan.

Trip cancellation any serious injury of unforesseen medical condition that makes you unfit for travel (by order of licensed physician). the death of you or your travelling companion, or the death of a non-travelling family member. strikes or severe weather that result in travel services being unable to operate.unforeseen natural disasters at home or at the destination that make them uninhabitable. a legal obligation such as jury duty or being served with a court order or subpoena., search and rescue operation including evacuation by helicopter. up to 6000m, premium loss of baggage.

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Frequently asked questions

What does deductible mean, is travel insurance necessary, can i buy an insurance policy while i'm already abroad, when does the insurance policy become active, what language should i use when entering information for travel insurance, what should i do if i enter incorrect data, how do i buy insurance for a kid, can i get insurance for someone else, what country should i specify in the policy if i visit multiple countries consecutively, what steps should i take if the payment does not go through, how long does it take to get the insurance policy after i pay for it, how will i receive the policy, what if i haven't received my policy, what should i do in case of an insured event, what steps does the insurance company take to handle compensation after something's gone wrong, can i purchase insurance for just one day, is it necessary to buy insurance for transit flights, select a country and language, write to the director, type of travel.

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• Descent into the cave with an excursion;
• Snorkeling;
• Organized animal riding tours;
• Billiards and bowling;
• Swimming (except diving).
• Weightlifting and bodybuilding;
• Cycling (except road cycling, cycling motocross, cycling track, cycling triathlon, and mountain biking);
• Military and historical reenactments;
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• Ice skating (except figure skating), sledding (except bobsledding, tobogganing, and skeleton), tubing, snow skates;
• Ball games (football, basketball, American football, rugby, volleyball, and others);
• Tennis (any);
• Roller skating (except rollerblading), scooters, segways (and other self-balancing personal transporter devices);
• Travel as a driver or passenger on ATVs, scooters, mopeds, scooters and motorcycles, snowmobiles;
• Visiting water parks, amusement parks, jumping on a trampoline;
• Water activities (other than those explicitly mentioned in the riskier options), including the use of water bicycles (except aquabikes and jet skis), towed inflatables and parachutes (parasailing), boats and watercraft;
• Recreational organized shooting at specially equipped sites (including archery);
• Water skiing, water motorcycles (aquabike), water tourism including yachting and participation in regattas;
• Alpine skiing and snowboarding on specially equipped or marked tracks (except freestyle);
• Trekking (cross-country hiking without mountaineering equipment) up to 3000 meters above sea level;
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• Alpine skiing and snowboarding (including freeride and heliskiing);
• Martial Arts (including all types of boxing and wrestling: boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and others);
• Paragliding;
• Hot Air Balloon;
• Cliff diving;
• Mountaineering (mountain hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, trekking (climbing) in mountains above 3,000 meters);
• Participation in any flight and parachuting;
• Hunting with any type of weapon;
• Hang Gliding;
• Parkour and freerunning;
• Rodeo (bull riding);
• Rollerblading;
• Trolley rappelling;
• Street luge racing;
• Flyboarding;
• Freestyle (skiing and snowboarding);
• Pogo-stick;
• Rock and ice climbing;
• Figure skating;
• Kiting (including kitesurfing and snowkiting);
• Scuba diving;
• Underwater fishing;
• Mountainboarding.
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• Compulsory observation for up to 15 days
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Travel Insurance for Spanish Residents

Spanish residents Travel Insurance. No hidden extra's. Cruise cover and Covid protection included. 

Medical Emergency Assistance service

Pre-existing medical conditions are covered as standard

Cover for trekking to altitudes of up to 3500 meters as standard

Travel insurance is available for people aged up to 89

Wide range of travel insurance policy extras

Travel Insurance for People Living in Spain

Globelink specializes in providing travel insurance for Spanish residents. We have been providing quality travel insurance for Spain for 25 years.

Spain remains one of the unrivalled top holiday destinations and with a population of over 46 million, Spanish residents and the Expat community in Spain are also avid travellers - for both business or leisure purposes and more of you are choosing Globelink travel insurance to protect trips abroad and at home. Spain residents, whether visting family abroad, or taking a holiday, can protect themselves against risks like cancellation, medical emergencies, loss or theft of luggage and much more. Get a quote if you you need travel insurance for Spanish residents. It includes Cruise cover and Covid protection for free.

Already Travelling? No worries!

Whether you have already travelled and forgotten to purchase Travel Insurance before leaving, or if your policy has expired, you can still get cover with a Globelink Already Travelling Policy. So you relax in the knowledge that you can buy travel insurance even if you are already overseas. LEARN MORE

Spain's capital is Madrid and other major locations include Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Malaga, Seville and Valencia - all amazing locations to visit.

Globelink offers cheap travel insurance for Spanish residents. As well as budget options, we offer full protection with our Annual Multi Trip and Comprehensive options which cover you for up to 10 Million in Medical and Repatriation expenses. If you are planning a trip abroad, remember your travel insurance which you can buy on line in minutes and you'll get your documents emailed to you immediately.

What's included with Comprehensive Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?

Our Comprehensive and Annual Multi-trip policies provide great cover - and we don't expect you to pay extra for Cruise Cover and Covid Protection. You can buy up to one year in advance with Single Trip options, or up to 4 months in advance if buying Annual Cover. Annual Travel insurance allows you to travel as many times as you like, with no maximum 'days abroad' restrictions - as long as your trip stays within your selected trip duration.

Cover Includes:

• 10 Million Medical and Repatriation Expenses
• Free Cruise Cover
• Cancellation and Curtailment
• Personal Liability cover up to 2 Million
• End Supplier Failure Cover if your supplier goes bust
• Personal Accident Cover up to £25,000 (conditions apply)
• over 50 Pre-existing medical conditions
• over 100 Adventure activities

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the ICCS in Europe, Globelink are the leading provider of annual multi trip policies and single trip cover for people living in Spain, Europe and EEA countries.

Globelink Annual Multi Trip policies give cover for an unlimited number of trips with a choice of cover for Worldwide or Europe only. You can select from policies giving a maximum individual trip duration of 17, 31, 45, 60, 90 or 120 days. This is reduced to a maximum of 60 days for people aged 66 to 70 and 31 days for people aged 71 to 74.

Policies for annual multi trips are available for people aged up to 79. Children aged 17 years or under are covered for free.

Travel Cover for over 50 pre-existing medical conditions are included.

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance is designed for people aged up to 89 travelling independently or on a package holiday with a maximum trip duration of up to 15 months.

• Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £6,000 in total
• Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £10,000,000 in total
• Baggage - up to £3,000 in total

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Travelling more than once a year? Take as many holidays as you wish and be covered all year long! 17 days Winter Sports Cover FREE if you take out the 45 days policy.

Designed for most Individuals, Couples or Families who undertake several trips of up to 120 days within a 12 months period. For people aged up to 79 years!

• Baggage - up to £3,000 in total

Backpacker Travel Insurance

Career breaker? Globetrekker? Globelink Insurance offer the budget solution for long stay journeys.

Aimed at under 51 years old backpackers on a tight budget up to a maximum of 18 months. Most adventure sports covered for free.

• Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £2,000 in total
• Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £5,000,000 in total
• Baggage - up to £1,000 in total

Already Travelling Policy

Forgotten to take cover? Travel insurance has run out? No worries! Globelink will still get you covered!

Get cover online immediately with Globelink. You don\'t need to be in your home country, you can buy a policy from anywhere in the world even after you?ve started your trip. As long as your usual place of residence is in the UK or EU.

• Cancellation or Curtailment - up to £6,000 in total
• Emergency Medical Expenses - up to £10,000,000 in total

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Travel the world regardless of your age. It is safe and easy with Globelink Travel Insurance.

Single Trip Travel Insurance for people aged up to 89 years and Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance for people aged up to 79.

Why Choose Globelink

Available for eu and uk residents.

You can buy a Globelink Travel Insurance policy wherever you live within the UK/EU or EEA

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Wide range of pre-existing medical conditions covered as standard for free.

Kids travel for free with family

Annual policies cover your children under 18 years to travel with you at no extra cost.

Available for age groups up to 89

Single trip policies are designed for up to 89 years old travellers. Annual policies are available for people aged up to 79.

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We know you love cruising, so it is covered as standard on all policies.

100+ Sports & Activities covered

Globelink now covers more adventure activities than ever before.

Why Our Customers Love Us?

Average rating 4.5 / 5, from over 2323 reviews, 93% of our Customers rate their customer experience as Excellent or Great!

Globelink Internatiobal Travel Insurance are the most competitive and safe travel insurance Company to deal with. Their web site is easy to navigate and is supported by a helpful on line system. We have used them for travel in the USA, Caribbean, Greek Islands and the Mediterranean and every time their cost is better than other companies. My wife and I are Senior\'s, so naturally we look to cover us both 100% and can always rely on Globelink to provide us with adequate travel insurance cover. William Cox

Very easy website to use and always helpful if you phone.

I have used them twice before and found them very easy to deal with They also have insurance for the over 80s

We have used Globelink for a few years. Their offer is good and they makes it very easy to apply for their coverage. So far, fortunately, we have not needed to submit any claims.

All our requirements were dealt with by Josie who was very helpful indeed. Would recommend this company to all. Regards Peter Byrne and Pamela Howd

Excellent service, helpful guidance and information. Patient and understanding.

I commend Globelink as one of the few companies that realise that there are fit 82 year olds that wish to travel and visit their families. Not many companies will insure us when we pass the age of 80

We have used Globelink International Travel Insurance several times: the website is easy to use and simple to navigate; the options for \"cover\" are varied and well explained and prices are appropriate to the cover offered. The process is quick and efficient. Thank you.

Renewal service was very easy to use, with the facility to make changes if necessary.

Very clear and easy to renew. Have used them for over 15 years. A little pricey but you get what you pay for

We have used Globelink for all our travels over the last 20 years. The website is easy to use & the cover excellent. Luckily we have never had to claim so am unable to comment on this.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for the excellent service that you\'ve provided to me in choosing a travel policy. The caring nature of the team member. Thank you.

Very impressed with the simplicity and ease of use of the website. The price was also competitive and had my policy instantly after payment. Thank you Globelink I will definitely be a returning customer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is travel insurance to spain more expensive.

Globelink offer the same price for travel insurance cover to any European country. The cheapest policy is £ (based on 1 adult aged up to 50 travelling to any European country for up to 5 days). Unlike some other providers, we don’t charge more for Spain.

What travel insurance do i need for Spain?

It depends on your needs and trip duration. As a minimum you should ensure you have emergency medical cover and cover against cancellation and curtailment of your trip. Globelink offer a range of travel insurance policies with different cover options available, from budget Economy to Comprehensive cover.

How much does travel insurance for Spain cost?

It depends on the type of policy you choose, trip duration and number of travellers. The cheapest policy is £ (based on 1 adult aged up to 50 travelling to Spain for up to 5 days).

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• Travel insurance for Spain

Every year, millions of holidaymakers from the UK head to Spain for its combination of glistening beaches, unique culture and Mediterranean cuisine.

If you’re planning a trip, get up to speed on what you should consider when buying travel insurance for Spain. Understand what your policy covers. Don't forget you Ghic or valid Ehic. And enjoy a safe holiday.

Healthcare for Brits in Spain

Healthcare arrangements for UK travellers visiting EU countries like Spain have changed as of 1 January 2021.

If you're a UK citizen travelling in an EU country, you can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) that will provide access to emergency and necessary state healthcare while you're there for free or at a reduced cost. If you have an existing Ehic, its predecessor, that is still in date, you can use that for the same.  Read more about Ghic and Ehic .

Remember, Ehic and Ghic don't cover everything. For instance, repatriation and airlift rescues aren't included. So you should buy travel insurance with medical cover to ensure comprehensive protection too.

Like the UK, Spain has both public and private healthcare systems, sometimes operating out of the same clinics or hospitals.

If you need to access healthcare, it may be worth insisting you are treated at a public health centre or hospital. Travel insurance may cover you for private healthcare, but it’s worth checking your policy before you depart to be aware of your options in case something goes wrong.

The Spanish word for the accident and emergency department is “urgencias”. The emergency phone number is 112 or 061 for an ambulance.

Some regions of Spain are remote and ambulances might take some time to get you to the nearest public hospital. If you are staying somewhere remote, it’s a good idea to check where the nearest health centres are and whether they are private or public before you leave. This is particularly important if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Protect what matters when you go with good travel insurance

Travel risks in spain.

The most common travel risk faced by holidaymakers in Spain is theft. This can come in many forms, such as pickpocketing or things going missing from hotel rooms. The Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for Spain  warns that thieves are likely to go for money and passports, so ensure that these are well protected.

That doesn’t mean to say that the rest of your belongings are safe. It's important to insure your gadgets , especially smartphones, which are always targets for thieves. Stay alert and don’t advertise your belongings.

Thieves may work in gangs and use distraction techniques to rob you, such as asking for directions with a map. While no one wants to be antisocial on holiday, always be on your guard against people who appear suddenly and are over-familiar.

There are instances of thieves playing a longer game in order to scam or rob people, perhaps even offering to take you out for drinks. Again, always be mindful of a person’s motivations and keep your belongings on you at all times.

Dangers of drinking excessively in Spain

Lots of us enjoy a tipple whilst on holiday, but there are dangers of taking it to excess aside from obvious health concerns.

Having an accident while intoxicated or requiring medical care as a result of drinking alcohol may impact your travel insurance cover. Read your policy documents carefully to understand the risks.

There are risks that don’t mix with alcohol regardless of how much you’ve had. Clearly, driving a car or riding a moped should be avoided. Spain’s drink driving limit is much lower than the UK’s – 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood versus our 0.8 – so it may be safer not to drink and drive at all. This is even stricter for new drivers, where the limit is 0.1.

The FCDO have a safety and security section on their Spain travel advice page which includes the risk of balcony falls which are often alcohol-related.

Drinking alcohol during the day in the heat of Spain can dramatically increase the risk of dehydration. Try to stay shaded and, even if you don’t feel like it, drink a lot of water.

Regional considerations

Follow the advice above and always be aware of people approaching you suddenly or touching you, even if it is lightly.

There are areas particularly notorious for pickpocketing, like La Rambla and Sagrada Familia, however it’s important to be on your guard everywhere.

You should exercise the same caution in all major cities, including Madrid, Seville, Bilbao, Granada and Alicante.

Popular activities in Spain – are they covered?

Most of what you will want to do in Spain won’t be considered an ‘activity’ from an insurer’s perspective – such as walking around, eating out, seeing the culture and sunbathing.

But remember that your insurance might not cover you for a range of beach, water and adventure activities, so check your policy before you leave and take a copy of your policy documents with you in case you want to check if you can do something on a whim.

Things that you might not be covered for include pony-trekking, surfing, banana boating, quad biking, renting scooters or mopeds (unless certain safety precautions are observed), scuba diving while not part of an organised group and more.

Taking part in organised activities with licensed groups will be safer and more likely to be covered, but always make sure you’ve checked your policy beforehand.

Always have travel insurance

Being safe and aware of danger isn’t always enough to prevent something undesirable happening to you while you’re away. There are many ways you could simply be unlucky while away.

While you can’t completely guard against all eventualities, you can make sure that you’ve got adequate travel insurance .

Does Lanzarote come under Spain for travel insurance?

The Canary Islands are part of Spain, which in turn is part of Europe, so you’ll usually find travel insurers class islands like Lanzarote as part of Europe in their policies. That’s certainly how we do it with Post Office Travel Insurance – but you should always check the policy to be sure, whoever the provider. Read more about travel insurance for the Canary Islands .

Does Majorca come under Spain for travel insurance?

Majorca (or Mallorca) as well as Menorca, Ibiza and the other Balearic Islands, are part of Spain and so insurers treat them that way when offering their policies and providing a quote for cover. Usually, that means including Spain as part of cover for Europe as a whole. For example  Post Office Travel Insurance counts the Balearics, Canaries and other Spanish islands as part of Spain. It’s important to always check the policy wording to be sure the destination you’re travelling to will be covered, though.

The currency for Spain is the euro , which is one of many currencies you can load onto prepaid travel money cards .

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FinanceBuzz

8 Reasons It’s Worth It To Buy Travel Insurance (And 6 Times To Skip It)

Posted: July 12, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Life is full of unexpected events and complications, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re traveling. If anything, travel may have even more surprises than your day-to-day life at home.

Travel insurance can help you avoid wasting money if you have to cancel a trip due to illness, need medical coverage while you’re traveling, or send you home for medical reasons.

However, it may not always be necessary and can sometimes be a waste of money. Keep reading to learn when you should and shouldn’t opt for travel insurance.

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Safety net for international travel

The number one reason people buy travel insurance is to cover an expensive trip. And if you’re traveling overseas, chances are your travels will cost a lot of money.

In addition, there are potential complications when it comes to international travel, from losing luggage during connecting flights, missed or canceled flights, sickness, and more.

And if something catastrophic happens in a foreign country, travel insurance provides evacuation so you can get home safely.

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Medical coverage

Getting sick or injured is unpleasant enough when you’re in the comfort of your home, but it’s a new beast entirely when you’re abroad.

Generally, you can expect basic medical expenses to be covered through your travel plan, often including dental. Medicare will not cover medical expenses in a foreign country. If you’re traveling overseas, travel insurance for potential medical costs is worthwhile.

Cover rental car mishaps

Renting a car is a great way to get around when traveling because you can explore a place on your own. Using taxis or ride-share services may cost more money. However, even the best drivers make mistakes, and no one can protect themselves from reckless drivers.

Your U.S. car insurance won’t cover you when driving in a foreign country. So choosing the car-rental insurance option when you buy travel insurance may be a good move.

Be aware that most travel insurance rental-car plans cover collisions and may not cover medical expenses, damages to other cars or property, or personal property damage or loss.

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Pre-existing conditions often aren’t covered

Unfortunately, as with many health insurance plans, travel insurance often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Travel health insurance is usually meant for unforeseen illnesses or injuries instead of complications due to an existing medical issue.

Even travel insurance companies that cover pre-existing issues often only cover physical maladies and exclude mental conditions and typical pregnancy-related symptoms and complications.

Protect lost luggage

A big fear for travelers is losing their luggage, either having it not arrive at the destination or stolen during their trip. Most airlines will offer reimbursement for luggage they lose, but it can take quite a while for this to process.

Travel insurance will cover the cost of replacing your clothing and other items while you wait for your luggage to be located and can also cover theft and damage.

Cover valuable items and gear

You should consider buying travel insurance if you’re traveling with valuables, including expensive jewelry, art, or even pricey sporting or adventure gear.

You’ll need to talk to the insurance agency specifically about covering your valuables, as they may need to be insured separately. Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, your jewelry may be covered even when you travel.

Sporting goods, including golf clubs, will not be covered by your homeowners insurance if you’re traveling, so you will need travel insurance to replace them if they’re lost, damaged, or stolen.

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Emergencies happen

While we do our best to prepare for the worst-case scenario, we can’t stop life from happening. Things like medical emergencies, a death in the family, or other catastrophes can halt your travel plans.

If you have travel insurance, rescheduling or cancellation fees will be covered, allowing you to deal with the emergency at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about losing the money spent on the trip and subsequent fees.

Natural disaster coverage

Are you planning a fall trip to the Gulf Coast or Florida? Consider your travel destination and the time of year you're going.

If you’re visiting someplace prone to natural disasters, especially seasonal occurrences like tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and such, travel insurance can help you recoup your money should these events interrupt your travel plans.

Similarly, if a natural disaster occurs during your trip, often, insurance will pay to move you to a more secure location.

Extreme adventures may not be covered

Your insurance will most likely cover typical travel-related injuries but don't expect your medical bills to be covered if your itinerary involves extreme adventures or dangerous exploits.

Surfing, sailing, kayaking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, and other extreme sports do not fall into everyday illnesses or injuries. For these activities, consider getting a specific plan for adventure activities.

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Shaky travel companies

If you booked your trip through a travel company and it goes bankrupt, travel insurance may provide a safety net to ensure you get your money back.

Airlines, cruise ships, travel companies, and other travel-related businesses suffered during the pandemic, and many may not be on solid financial ground yet.

This may not be covered in a basic insurance plan, so make sure your agent adds financial default coverage if you are concerned about the health of your travel provider. 

In the situation any company or organization closes or is otherwise inoperable during your trip, you’ll be covered.

Now let’s look at times you may not need travel insurance.

Your credit card offers travel protections

Before purchasing travel insurance, consider which credit card you have. Many of the top credit cards  offer travel protections.

Some protections you may already have include lost luggage, rental car insurance, trip delay, and trip interruption or cancellation.

Credit card programs often don’t cover medical or other interruptions, so consider your priorities before choosing this option.

You have a domestic trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S. and its territories, travel insurance may not be necessary. For example, you won’t need medical coverage as your health insurance should be honored nationwide.

Domestic travel is also usually much less expensive. If you’re taking a cheap, last-minute, or nonstop flight and staying at an inexpensive hotel or rental, the cost of travel insurance may not be worth it.

One exception might be a family trip to Disney World. The estimate for a trip for a family of four in 2023 is more than $6,000, so travel insurance might be money well spent in this case.

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Don’t add expense to cheap trips

Not all travel is planned. Whether traveling for work, a family emergency, or just a last-minute vacation, you likely don’t need insurance in these circumstances. Odds are, you’re packing light, and both your flight and hotel are relatively inexpensive.

In these scenarios, the things insurance covers won’t be relevant, including baggage loss, flight cancellations, hotel issues, and so on. 

Not only will these costs likely be minimal, but they can be disputed with your airline or hotel, although it may take a little while to get your money back.

The airline has a flexible rebooking policy

If you’re buying travel insurance to cover the cost of rescheduling a flight, you’re better off purchasing a refundable ticket at a higher price. And some airlines have more flexible policies now.

Many airlines allow last-minute ticket changes and will even help you reschedule your flight within a specific timeframe. The timeframe and policy vary by airline, and you may be subject to a nominal cancellation or rebooking fee, but it will be significantly less than insurance.

Insurance will not cover political unrest

One emergency situation insurance probably won’t cover is war or political unrest. If you’re visiting a location with political tensions and your trip is canceled as a result, don’t expect your insurance to cover the costs.

Insurance companies generally follow the travel advisories the U.S. State Department issued for medical and political situations.

Similarly, insurance won't cover these costs if you have to leave your trip early for safety concerns. Consider your destination's political environment before booking your travel or buying insurance.

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Your hotel may cover cancellations

Many hotel cancellation policies have tiers depending on the booking you make. For example, some may have free cancellation within a specific period, while others charge different rates for rooms booked as non-refundable or partially refundable.

If your sole reason for purchasing insurance is hotel flexibility, consult with the hotel before you book. They may have a policy as flexible as your insurance or can work with you should something unexpected arise.

Penalty-free cancellations for major hotels tend to be around 24-48 hours prior to arrival.

Bottom line

Travel insurance may be pricey, but it’s a lifesaver in many situations. However, in others, it’s overkill and a waste of money.

Every travel situation is different, so consider your specific needs when purchasing. And, if you want more money to cover your insurance, consider these ways to make extra cash for travel funds.

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Best Travel Insurance for Expats: Comparing Travel Insurances

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on May 25, 2024

Categories Digital Nomad

Best Travel Insurance for Expats – As an expat, navigating the myriad of travel insurance options available can be a daunting task. Understanding the nitty-gritty of each plan, discerning what coverage suits you best, and ensuring that you get the most value for your money are just a few challenges you might face. This is particularly true given the complexity of insurance terminologies and the fine print details. But worry not! We’ve got you covered.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about travel insurance for expats. From defining what an expat is, exploring the need for travel insurance for expats, to discussing some of the best options available, including Heymondo, SafetyWing, Genki Travel Insurance, and more, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

We’ll dissect each plan, offering in-depth reviews and highlighting key features, pros, cons, and pricing. Furthermore, we will provide insights into the situations each of these insurance plans is best suited for. This guide aims to arm you with essential knowledge and confidence to choose the best travel insurance for your unique needs as an expat. So, buckle up, and let’s embark on this insightful journey!

We’ll explore their offerings, costs, and who they work best for, helping you make an informed decision.

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Table of Contents

Understanding Expatriates

In the grand scheme of things, being an expat can be quite a thrilling adventure. But before we dive into the world of insurance for expats , let’s clarify what it truly means to be one. An expatriate, often shortened to expat, is a person residing in a country other than their native one. They’ve packed their bags and embarked on a journey to live their life in a completely different environment – often for job opportunities, lifestyle changes, retirement, or to experience a new culture.

Now, with this kind of lifestyle, it’s no surprise that standard travel insurance may not cut it. As an expat, you’re not just passing through.

You’re living, working, or studying abroad for extended periods. That’s where the need for specialized insurance comes in – insurance that’s tailored to your specific circumstances as an expat. So let’s get down to it, and unpack the world of travel insurance for expats.

Being an expat can be an exciting adventure, but it also brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare.

Whether you’ve already taken the leap to live abroad or are considering the move, one thing is certain: you need reliable travel insurance . From sudden illness to unexpected accidents, having a comprehensive plan can make a world of difference.

Heymondo positions itself as a go-to for global nomads, including expats. Its plans range from short-term travel insurance to long-term international health insurance, meaning there’s something for almost every kind of expat.

The coverage is comprehensive, with medical assistance, trip cancellation, travel delays, lost baggage, and much more included. Plus, the Heymondo app provides a direct line to assistance and an easy way to manage claims.

While not the cheapest on the market, the value proposition is strong, especially for younger, healthier expats on the move. They offer single trip, multi-trip, and long stay insurance options. This makes Heymondo a versatile choice that can adapt to various expat lifestyles.

SafetyWing , often referred to as the insurance for digital nomads, by digital nomads, also covers a range of scenarios perfect for expats. Notably, their policies are flexible and affordable, with the ability to choose your start date, end date, and pay as you go.

Coverage includes travel medical, trip interruption, lost checked luggage, travel delay, and even natural disaster benefits. SafetyWing also covers COVID-19, a crucial point in today’s world.

Ideal for digital nomads and freelancers, SafetyWing is a cost-effective choice, especially for younger expats who may not require as extensive coverage as older adults or those with families.

Genki Travel Insurance

Genki Travel Insurance is specifically designed for expats living in Japan, making it an incredibly niche, yet valuable option. They provide extensive medical coverage, including hospitalization and surgery, as well as additional benefits such as personal liability and baggage loss.

While excellent for those based in Japan, Genki Travel Insurance won’t be the right fit for everyone. Expats living elsewhere will need to consider other options.

And, with that, we’re off to a good start. We’ll continue this in-depth analysis with Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Aetna International, and AXA – Global Healthcare. Stay tuned!

Cigna Global

Cigna Global, a well-established name in the insurance world, brings their robust services to the expat community. Offering a wide range of plans that cater to different needs, Cigna Global allows for customization to match your lifestyle.

Their core coverage includes hospitalization, cancer treatment, and mental health care. Add-ons, such as outpatient care, medical evacuation, and wellness checks, are also available. Cigna Global’s 24/7 customer service line ensures that you’re never left in the lurch.

Cigna Global can be a great choice for expats who need more extensive health coverage, including those with chronic conditions, families, or older individuals.

Allianz Care

Allianz Care is a go-to for comprehensive international health insurance. Their expat-friendly plans cover hospitalization, routine medical costs, and emergency treatment, including COVID-19 coverage.

One standout feature of Allianz Care is their maternity coverage, making them a strong contender for expats planning to start or grow a family abroad. They also provide support for mental health, chronic conditions, and rehabilitation.

Allianz Care may come with a higher price tag, but the comprehensive coverage and peace of mind it provides can be well worth it, especially for expats with families or those planning long-term stays.

Aetna International

Aetna International offers expats a variety of plans ranging from essential coverage to fully comprehensive options. These plans cover inpatient and daypatient care, mental health treatment, and chronic and acute condition care.

What sets Aetna apart is their emphasis on preventative care, with many plans covering routine check-ups and screenings. This approach can help catch health issues early, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious expats.

Like Allianz Care, Aetna International’s premiums may be higher than some competitors, but the preventative care and comprehensive coverage can make it a sound investment.

AXA – Global Healthcare

Rounding out our list is AXA – Global Healthcare. AXA offers a variety of plans to suit different needs, including plans designed for students, families, and individuals.

Their plans cover hospitalization, outpatient treatment, maternity care, and cancer treatment. They also offer dental and optical add-ons. Another standout feature is their Virtual Doctor service, which allows policyholders to consult with medical professionals from anywhere in the world.

For expats wanting a balance between cost and coverage, AXA can be a strong contender. Their variety of plans and optional extras make them a flexible option, capable of adjusting to different needs and budgets.

Heymondo vs Safetywing

Both Heymondo and SafetyWing offer insurance products that can be suitable for expats, but the specific needs of the individual will determine which is the better fit.

Heymondo offers customizable travel insurance plans that can cover single trips or provide ongoing coverage, which could be ideal for expats. They also have a strong focus on easy access to healthcare services abroad, and their app provides features like immediate assistance and real-time chat with their support team. However, Heymondo’s policies may not cover some specific needs of long-term residents, like liability insurance or local health coverage.

SafetyWing positions itself as insurance for nomads, by nomads, offering travel medical insurance for people from all over the world while outside their home country. It includes coverage for unexpected illness or injury. They offer a very flexible plan where you can choose your start date and cancel any time. One feature that may make SafetyWing attractive to expats is that their coverage includes some amount of time in the policyholder’s home country as well, providing some peace of mind for those who travel back and forth.

However, it’s always important for expats to carefully evaluate their insurance needs and read the fine print of these policies to ensure that they’re getting the coverage they need. Factors to consider include the health care system in their new country, their visa requirements, whether they still have coverage in their home country, and any specific health needs or concerns they might have.

It’s also worth mentioning that there are many insurance companies out there that specialize in expat insurance, offering comprehensive health insurance plans designed specifically for people living abroad. Examples include Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and International SOS. These might offer more comprehensive coverage but at a higher cost.

Final Thoughts and Our Winner

Winner: safetywing.

SafetyWing offers flexibility, comprehensive coverage, and affordability, which are all critical factors for expats who need long-term coverage. The coverage includes a range of medical services, from hospital stays and emergency medical evacuations to some outpatient care.

One of the standout features of SafetyWing is that it provides travel medical coverage but also includes elements of traditional health insurance . It even covers COVID-19-related illnesses, a crucial factor in the current global climate.

Furthermore, SafetyWing’s policy for children can also be seen as a significant advantage, allowing one young child per adult, up to two per family, aged between 14 days and 10 years old, to be included at no extra cost.

Lastly, SafetyWing has excellent customer service and an easy-to-navigate website, making the process of signing up, modifying, or claiming your insurance quite straightforward.

That being said, it’s crucial to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to insurance. What works best for one person might not work as well for another. It’s always recommended to carefully review policy details and consider your own needs and circumstances before making a decision.

Hope we were able to give you a good guide on health insurance, for travel and expat life. Let us know if you have more questions!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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If you travel on American Airlines regularly, getting one of the airline's credit cards can make sense. Not only will you earn additional miles when paying for flights, but the cards also come with valuable perks to improve your flight and save money.

The American Airlines credit cards include:

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® .

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CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® .

Let’s learn more about American Airlines credit card benefits, including the differences among cards, exclusions that may apply and how to earn elite status and other perks based on your spending.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Top American Airlines credit card benefits

The American Airlines credit card benefits vary based on which card you choose, and there are multiple cards available, including options for both consumers and small business owners.

Earn AAdvantage miles

One of the basic benefits of an American Airlines credit card is the ability to earn AAdvantage miles on your spending. With each card, not only will you earn rewards on American Airlines purchases, but you'll also earn miles on bonus categories and everyday purchases.

This chart highlights how much you'll earn based on different types of spending.

New cardholder bonuses

When you apply for a new American Airlines credit card, you may be able to earn a welcome bonus by meeting the card's spending requirement within a few months. In general, the higher a card's annual fee and spending requirement, the more miles you can earn.

$0 intro for the first year, then $99 .

Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after making $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® , meanwhile, offers the following welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

» Learn more: AmEx Membership Rewards: How to earn and use them

Earn miles on authorized user purchases

American Airlines credit cards allow cardholders to add authorized users and earn miles on their purchases. Except for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , each card offers free authorized user or employee cards. With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , you can add up to three authorized users for $175 per year, then $175 annually for each additional user.

Benefits when booking flights

Based on your annual spending totals on eligible American Airlines cards, you may earn special benefits when booking flights.

Discount on flights

When you spend $20,000 in a calendar year on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® , you'll receive a $125 American Airlines flight discount after renewing your card.

Annual companion certificate

Bring someone with you on your next paid flight with an annual companion certificate . Two American Airlines credit cards earn a companion certificate based on your annual spending. When redeeming these certificates, there is a $99 fee, plus the taxes and fees associated with your flight.

To earn the certificate, you'll need to spend $20,000 on the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® or $30,000 on the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® .

Airport perks

Barclays and Citi American Airlines credit card benefits at the airport can also improve your travel experience and save you money during your trip.

Free checked bags

If you wait to add on checked bags until you're at the airport rather than booking in advance, American Airlines charges $40 for the first checked bag when traveling domestically or to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Getting free checked bags can save $320 on a round-trip flight for a family of four.

You'll get the first checked bag free for yourself and up to four companions on the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® , AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® and CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® . With the premium Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , this benefit extends to eight travel companions. The $0 -annual-fee American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® doesn't offer this perk.

Early boarding

Getting on the plane early allows you priority access to the overhead bins and more time to get comfortable ahead of your flight. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders get to board in Group 4, while all other AAdvantage cardholders (except the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® ) board in Group 5. American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® does not offer early boarding benefits.

» Learn more: American Airlines' boarding process explained

Lounge access

Only one of the American Airlines credit cards includes complimentary Admirals Club lounge access . The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® includes a complimentary Admirals Club membership where cardholders can enter the lounge for free whenever they're flying on American Airlines or an eligible partner airline.

Cardholders can also bring immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner and children up to age 18) or up to two guests in for free.

TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry expedite your wait at the airport when going through airport security and U.S. customs, respectively. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is the only card that includes reimbursement for these application fees up to $100 every four years.

In-flight savings

Save money on your in-flight purchases of food and beverages when using your American Airlines credit card. American Airlines AAdvantage credit cards provide a 25% statement credit for all inflight purchases.

If you purchase inflight Wi-Fi, you'll also save 25% when using the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® . The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® provides up to $25 in statement credits each anniversary year when purchasing Wi-Fi on American Airlines flights.

Progress toward elite status

American Airlines elite status offers numerous perks for travelers, including complimentary upgrades, waived fees, priority standby and more. You can accelerate your path to elite status using one of American Airlines' credit card benefits.

Earn Loyalty Points on purchases

Not only will you earn AAdvantage airline miles on every dollar you spend on your AA credit cards, but you'll also earn one Loyalty Point on each dollar spent. This allows cardholders to earn points toward elite status based solely on their spending — or in conjunction with flying and other qualifying activities.

Bonus Loyalty Points

With the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® , you'll receive up to 20,000 bonus Loyalty Points per year to boost your elite status. The first 10,000 points are earned by reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. A second 10,000 points (for a total of 20,000) are earned when you reach 90,000 Loyalty Points.

Travel perks and protections

Often overlooked benefits of Barclays and Citi American Airlines credit cards don't earn airline miles or Loyalty Points. However, these benefits can be just as valuable.

No foreign transaction fees

All of the American Airlines credit cards, except the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® , waive foreign transaction fees. The American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp® charges a 3% fee on international purchases.

Travel insurance and assistance

Unfortunately, not all American Airlines credit cards include travel insurance or assistance benefits. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® recently introduced travel insurance benefits , including trip cancellation/interruption protection, trip delay protection, lost baggage protection and worldwide rental car insurance.

The AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® also includes complimentary travel insurance and assistance benefits. These benefits include travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption benefits, baggage delay insurance and rental car protection.

Travel and dining credits

American Airlines credit card benefits for the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® also expanded to include travel and dining credits. Cardholders will receive up to $120:

In Lyft credits: When you take three eligible Lyft rides per month, you'll receive a $10 Lyft credit.

Back on Grubhub purchases: Earn one $10 statement credit per month when you make an eligible Grubhub order.

Back on eligible Avis and Budget car rentals: For every dollar you spend on eligible Avis and Budget car rentals, you'll receive a $1 statement credit up to the annual maximum of $120.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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