What this tool does
Travel insurance is sold with fear. Most "comprehensive" packages include coverage you'll never use (missed wedding photography, pet care if you travel with one). The smarter move: identify the four specific risks you actually face and buy only those.
This tool identifies your real risk profile for Spain.
The four risks to assess
- Medical: Spain's public system covers emergencies for everyone. EU residents get free or near-free care. Non-EU residents get billed. A broken leg in Spain = €3,000–8,000 without insurance.
- Car rental: CDW/LDW is mandatory in Spain and reduces your liability from ~€15,000 (full car value) to €500–1,500. Premium insurance reduces this to €0.
- Trip cancellation: Reimburses non-refundable bookings if you can't travel. Worth it if your trip value > €2,000 and you have unstable commitments.
- Adventure sports: Standard policies exclude kayaking, skiing, climbing, paragliding. Need a "sports" rider or specialist.
Frequently asked questions
What is EHIC / GHIC?
European Health Insurance Card — free for EU/EEA citizens. Gives access to Spanish public healthcare at the same cost as residents (often free). UK residents get the GHIC (post-Brexit equivalent). Does NOT cover private clinics or repatriation.
Does Schengen visa require insurance?
Yes — €30,000 minimum medical coverage for Schengen visa applicants. The certificate must specify Schengen coverage. If you're visa-free, no requirement, but recommended.
Is mountain rescue free?
In Spain, mountain rescue (GREIM) is provided free by the Guardia Civil for everyone, including tourists. Helicopter evacuation is free. Mountain rescue can run €3,000–10,000 in other countries — Spain's policy is unusually generous.
Limitations
This tool gives risk categories, not policy recommendations. Compare specific policies on a comparison site (MoneySupermarket, Compare the Market for UK; Squaremouth for US). Don't take the calculator's word for actual coverage.