Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Spain – FAQs
It's important to have travel medical insurance when you visit Spain. Although public healthcare is available, it may not be able to provide the medical treatment you need in a timely manner. You may have to seek treatment at a private medical facility, which can come at a significant cost. To protect your budget from potentially large medical bills, get travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Spain?
Spain in part of the Schengen Area, a group of 26 countries where a common visa can be used to gain entry. If you're from the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or certain other countries, you can visit Spain for up to 90 days without this visa.
However, if you do require a Schengen visa to visit Spain, you will also be required to purchase compliant health insurance.
Regardless of Spain travel insurance requirements, all visitors to Spain should be certain to have insurance before visiting. It can be the difference between a fun vacation, and one where you end up with a financially damaging medical bill.
What should I look for in my Spain travel medical insurance?
You should look for a plan that first meets any requirements you must meet. For Schengen visa applicants, insurance is required to provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
In addition to any legal requirements, you should also consider the activities you want to put on your itinerary. A trip to the beach could include snorkeling or surfing, for example. You'll want to make sure the travel medical insurance you choose can provide coverage for these activities, or anything else you want to experience while in Spain.
Things to Do in Spain
Everyone should visit Spain at least once in their life. It is one of the most vibrant countries you can travel to. It is not about sightseeing alone, but the general feeling of bon vivant, a social, cultivated atmosphere that the Spaniards have embraced.
From Flamenco dance to numerous castles and cathedrals that speak of its rich history, to football and bullfighting, Spain is full of life and excitement. The climate is pleasant year round, and the cuisine that includes Paella and Tortilla Espanola, is delectable.
From Basque country to the Iberian coastline, Spain has everything a traveler could desire. While planning all of the amazing things to do during your Spanish trip, don't forget to add travel medical insurance to the list.
Best Cities to Visit in Spain
Barcelona
Start at the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, a basilica that has been under construction for a century. It is not expected to be completed for about another decade, but much of the exterior and parts of the interior are complete and can be visited. Barcelona received international attention in the 20th century because of Dali and Picasso. This rich cultural tradition continues, and fine displays of modern art can be seen at the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art.
The coolest parties in the town are at clubs such as Sala Apolo and Razzmatazz, with world-famous DJs entertaining crowds late into the night. Barcelona rivals Berlin when it comes to hosting music festivals, with events such as Sonar.
Madrid
Spain's capital is warm in the summer, so the best time for many to visit is between November and March. Start your walking tour at Puerta Del Sol, a huge public square at the center of the city, then head over to Plaza Mayor, which boasts a building with 237 balconies and was at various times a market and a bullfight arena. The next stop is the enormous Almudena Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Church in Spain. The cathedral is next to Palacio Real, the residence of Spain's royal family.
When you have completed sightseeing, have a meal at Botín, the world's oldest restaurant, or just hang out with the friendly locals at a bar.
Seville
Seville is known for bullfighting, with a season that runs from March or April usually through September. If you aren't a fan of bullfighting, the Guadalquivir River flows through the city, and the ornate bridges that span the river have an architectural richness that is hard to describe. It is certainly something we would recommend experiencing.
The river banks are clean, and on weekends, many relax and revel along the water. Triana, the district where gypsies once lived, can be fascinating as well. The colossal Seville Cathedral is the third largest in the world. The cathedral's interiors, with deep vaulted ceilings and paintings from the Old and New Testament, are breathtaking.
Ibiza
You have to visit Ibiza for its vibrant party scene. It's not as famous as it was 20 years ago, but it still attracts a lot of partygoers from around the world. The famed clubs of Ibiza, which include Ushuaia, Amnesia, and Pacha, offer nightlife unparalleled elsewhere.
Ibiza is an island off the eastern coast of Spain, and is in close proximity to Valencia. There are beautiful golden beaches all along the coastline. The placid turquoise waters of the Mediterranean can be soothing after a night spent dancing. If Ibiza is a little crowded, take a boat to Formentera, another nearby island that is more secluded.
Bilbao
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country. The Basque culture is very different from mainstream Spain. The Basque Museum in Bilbao explains why. It has 20,000 artifacts that depict Basque culture as distinct from the rest of the country. The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is a must-see. The spiral shape and a superb collection of modern art makes it the top tourist destination in the city.
For more down-to-earth pursuits, visit the famed La Ribera Market. It is Europe's largest indoor market, where you can find everything from fashion stores to fresh fish.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Spain
A note about punctuality
Depending on where you're from, you may find that people in Spain are a little less punctual than you're used to. Running a little behind can be normal here, so it's best to be patient and just relax.
Don't disturb siesta
It's normal in some parts of Spain for people to rest in the afternoon from around 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Keep this in mind when you're planning your itinerary.
Eat light in the morning
It's common in Spain to start the day with just a small meal such as tomato on toast or a scrambled egg. Large American-style breakfasts are usually only available at international hotel chains.
Dress smartly
Many parts of Spain are quite fashionable. Though it's certainly not required that you dress up, some tourists enjoy going a bit less casual than usual while sightseeing.
Be wary of pickpockets
Pickpockets can be found in many places frequented by tourists. Simply keep your valuables secure to avoid any potential issues.
Before You Travel to Spain - Do This
- Stay hydrated. Some areas of Spain can be quite warm throughout the year. Remember to drink plenty of water.
- Pack wisely. Depending on where you're going and what you're doing, you may need a variety of clothes. Beachwear, something formal, and comfortable shoes are a must.
- Proper insurance. Do your research and purchase travel medical insurance for yourself and your travel companions that meets all your needs and requirements.