travel insurance for spain trip

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

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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.

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 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

Nicole Leigh West is an experienced lifestyle journalist and writer for publications including Wanderlust, TripSavvy and Vacations & Travel. Along with roaming the globe and penning fiction novels, Nicole works for World Words as a sub-editor and writer.

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

Rating Factors

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 questions about this page, please reach out to our editors at [email protected] .

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11 Best Travel Insurance Companies in May 2024

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that travelers need to be prepared for the unexpected — from a pandemic to flight troubles to the crowded airport terminals so many of us have encountered.

If you don't have sufficient travel insurance coverage via your credit card , you can supplement your policies with third-party plans.

Whether you’re looking for an international travel insurance plan, emergency medical care or a policy that includes extreme sports, these are the best travel insurance providers to get you covered.

How we found the best travel insurance

We looked at quotes from various companies for a 10-day trip to Mexico in September 2024. The traveler was a 55-year-old woman from Florida who spent $3,000 total on the trip, including airfare.

On average, the price of each company’s most basic coverage plan was $126.53. The costs displayed below do not include optional add-ons, such as Cancel For Any Reason coverage or pre-existing medical condition coverage.

Read our full analysis about the average cost of travel insurance so you can budget better for your next trip.

However, depending on the plan, you may be able to customize at an added cost.

As we continue to evaluate more travel insurance companies and receive fresh market data, this collection of best travel insurance companies is likely to change. See our full methodology for more details.

Best insurance companies

Types of travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover, what’s not covered, how much does it cost, do i need travel insurance, how to choose the best travel insurance policy, what are the top travel destinations in 2024, more resources for travel insurance shoppers, top credit cards with travel insurance, methodology, best travel insurance overall: berkshire hathaway travel protection.

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

• ExactCare Value (basic) plan is among the least expensive we surveyed.
• Speciality plans available for road trips, luxury travel, adventure activities, flights and cruises.
• Company may reimburse claimants faster than average, including possible same-day compensation.
• Multiple "Trip Delay" coverage types might make claims confusing.
• Cheapest plan only includes fixed amounts for its coverage.

Under the direction of chair and CEO Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has been around since 2014. Its plans provide numerous opportunities for travelers to customize coverage to their needs.

At $135 for our sample trip, the ExactCare Value (basic) plan from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers protection roughly $10 above the average price.

Want something cheaper? Air travelers looking for inexpensive, less comprehensive protections might opt for a basic AirCare plan that includes fixed amounts for its coverage .

Read our full review of Berkshire Hathaway .

What else makes Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection great:

Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers available at nearly all plan levels. 

Plans available for travelers going on a cruise, participating in extreme sports or taking a luxury trip.

ExactCare Value (basic) plan was among the least expensive we surveyed.

Best for emergency medical coverage: Allianz Global Assistance

Annual or single-trip policies are available.

• Multiple types of insurance available.
• All plans include access to a 24/7 assistance hotline.
• More expensive than average.
• CFAR upgrades are not available.
• Rental car protection is only available by adding the One Trip Rental Car protector to your plan or by purchasing a standalone rental car plan.

Allianz Global Assistance is a reputable travel insurance company offering plans for over 25 years. Customers can choose from a variety of single and annual policies to fit their needs. On top of comprehensive coverage, some travelers might opt for the more affordable OneTrip Cancellation Plus, which is geared toward domestic travelers looking for trip protections but don’t need post-departure benefits like emergency medical or baggage lost.

For our test trip, Allianz Global Assistance’s basic coverage cost $149, about $22 above average.

What else makes Allianz Global Assistance great:

Annual and single-trip plans.

Plans are available for international and domestic trips.

Stand-alone and add-on rental car damage product available.

Read our full review of Allianz Global Assistance .

Best for travelers with pre-existing medical conditions: Travel Guard by AIG

Travel Guard by AIG

• Offers last-minute coverage.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Exclusion Waiver available at all plan levels.
• Plan available for business travelers.
• Cancel For Any reason coverage only available for higher-level plans, and only reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost.
• Trip interruption coverage doesn't apply to trips paid for with points and miles.

Travel Guard by AIG offers a variety of plans and coverages to fit travelers’ needs. On top of more standard trip protections like trip cancellation, interruption, baggage and medical coverage, the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available on certain Travel Guard plans, which allows you to cancel a trip for any reason and get 50% of your nonrefundable deposit back as long as the trip is canceled at least two days before the scheduled departure date.

At $107 for our sample trip, the Essential plan was below average, saving roughly $20.

What else makes Travel Guard by AIG great:

Three comprehensive plans and a Pack N' Go plan for last-minute travelers who don't need cancellation benefits.

Flight protection, car rental, and medical evacuation coverage, as well as annual plans available.

Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver available on all plan levels, as long as it's purchased within 15 days.

Read our full review of Travel Guard by AIG .

Best for those who pack expensive equipment: Travel Insured International

Travel Insured International

• Higher-level plan include optional add-ons for event tickets and for electronic equipment
• Rental car protection add-on for just $8 per day, even on lower-level plan.
• Many of the customizations are only available on the higher-tier plan.
• Coverage cost comes in above average in our latest analysis.

Travel Insured International offers several customization options. For instance, those going to see a show may want to add on event ticket registration fee protection. Traveling with expensive gear?Consider adding on coverage for electronic equipment for up to $2,000 in coverage.

Be sure to check which policies are available in your state. You will need to input your destination, residence, trip dates and the number of travelers to get a quote and see coverages.

What else makes Travel Insured International great:

Comprehensive plans include medical expense reimbursement accidents, sickness, evacuation and pre-existing conditions, depending on the plan.

Flight plans include coverage for missed and canceled flights and lost or stolen baggage.

Read our full review of Travel Insured International .

Best for adventurous travelers: World Nomads

World Nomads

• Travelers can extend coverage mid-trip.
• The standard plan covers up to $300,000 in emergency evacuation costs.
• Plans automatically cover 200+ adventurous activities.
• No Cancel For Any Reason upgrades are available.
• No pre-existing medical condition waivers are available.

Many travel insurance plans contain exclusions for adventure sports activities. If you plan to ski, bungee jump, windsurf or parasail, this might be a plan to consider.

Note that the Standard plan ($72 for our sample trip), while the most affordable, provides less coverage than other plans. But it can be a good choice for travelers who are satisfied with trip cancellation and interruption coverage of $2,500 or less, do not need rental car damage protection, find the limits to be sufficient and do not need coverage for certain more adventurous activities.

What else makes World Nomads great:

Comprehensive international travel insurance plans.

Coverage available for adventure activities, such as trekking, mountain biking and scuba diving.

Read our full review of World Nomads .

Best for medical coverage: Travelex Insurance Services

Travelex Insurance Services

• Top-tier plan doesn’t break the bank and provides more customization opportunities.
• Offers a plan specifically for domestic travel.
• Sells a post-departure medical coverage plan.
• Fewer customization opportunities on the Basic plan.
• Though perhaps a plus for domestic travelers, keep in mind the Travel America plan only covers domestic trips.

For starters, basic coverage from Travelex Insurance Services came in at $125, almost exactly average for our sample trip.

Travelex’s plans focus heavily on providing protections that are personalized to your travel style and trip type.

While the company does offer comprehensive plans that include medical benefits, you can also choose between cheaper plans that don’t provide cancellation coverage but do offer protections during your travels.

Read our full review of Travelex Insurance Services .

What else makes Travelex Insurance Services great:

Three comprehensive plans available, two of which cover international trips.

Offers a post-departure plan geared exclusively toward disruptions after you leave home.

Two flight insurance plans available.

Best if you have travel credit card coverage: Seven Corners

Seven Corners

• Annual, medical-only and backpacker plans are available.
• Cancel For Any Reason upgrade is available for the cheapest plan.
• Cheapest plan also features a much less costly Interruption for Any Reason add-on.
• Offers only one annual policy option.

Each Seven Corners plan offers several optional add-ons. Among the more unique is a Trip Interruption for Any Reason, which allows you to interrupt a trip 48 hours after the scheduled departure date (for any reason) and receive a refund of up to 75% of your unused nonrefundable deposits.

» Jump to the best cards with travel insurance

The basic coverage plan for our trip to Mexico costs $124 — right around the average.

What else makes Seven Corners great:

Comprehensive plans for U.S. residents and foreigners, including travelers visiting the U.S.

Cheap add-ons for rental car damage, sporting equipment rental or trip interruption for any reason.

Read our full review of Seven Corners .

Best for long-term travelers: IMG

• Coverage available for adventure travelers.
• Special medical insurance for ship captains and crew members, international students and missionaries.
• Claim approval can be lengthy.

While some travel insurance companies offer just a handful of plans, with IMG, you’ll really have your pick. Though this requires a bit more research, it allows you to search for coverage that fits your travel needs.

However, travelers will want to be aware that IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel Lite is expensive. Coming in at $149.85, it’s the costliest plan on our list.

Read our full review of IMG .

What else makes IMG great:

More affordable than average.

Many plans to choose from to fit your needs.

Best for travelers with unpredictable work demands: Tin Leg

• In addition Cancel For Any Reason, some plans offer cancel for work reason coverage.
• Adventure sports-specific coverage is available.
• Plans have overlap that can be hard to distinguish.
• Only one plan includes Rental Car Damage coverage available as an add-on.

Tin Leg’s Basic plan came in at $134 for our sample trip, adding about $8 onto the average basic policy cost. Note that you’ll pay a lot more if you shop for the most comprehensive coverage, and there are eight plans to choose from for trips abroad.

The multitude of plans can help you find coverage that fits your needs, but with so many to choose from, deciding can be daunting.

The only real way to figure out your ideal plan is to compare them all, look at the plan details and decide which features and coverage suit you and your travel style best.

Read our full Tin Leg review .

Best for booking travel with points and miles: TravelSafe

• Covers up to $300 redepositing points and miles on eligible canceled award flights.
• Optional add-on protection for business equipment or sports rentals.
• Multi-trip or year-long plans aren’t available.

Selecting your travel insurance plan with TravelSafe is a fairly straightforward process. The company’s website also makes it easy to visualize how optional add-on elements influence the total cost, displaying the final price as soon as you click the coverage.

However, at $136, the Basic plan was among the more expensive for our trip to Mexico.

What else makes TravelSafe great:

Rental car damage coverage add-on is available on both plans.

Cancel For Any Reason coverage available on the TravelSafe Classic plan.

Read our full TravelSafe review .

Best for group travel insurance: HTH Insurance

HTH Travel Insurance

• Covers travelers up to 95 years old.
• Includes direct pay option so members can avoid having to pay up front for services.
• A 24-hour delay is required for baggage delay coverage on the TripProtector Economy plan.
• No waivers for pre-existing conditions on the lower-level plan.

HTH offers single-trip and multitrip medical insurance coverage as well as trip protection plans.

At around $125, the Trip Protector Economy policy is at the average mark for plans we reviewed.

You can choose to insure group trips for educators, crew, religious missionaries and corporate travelers.

What else makes HTH Insurance great:

Medical-only coverage and trip protection coverage.

Lots of options for group travelers.

Read our full review of HTH Insurance .

As you shop for travel insurance, you’ll find many of the same coverage categories across numerous plans.

Trip cancellation

This covers the prepaid costs you make for your trip in cases when you need to cancel for a covered reason. This coverage helps you recoup upfront costs paid for flights and nonrefundable hotel reservations.

Trip interruption

Trip interruption benefits generally involve disruptions after you depart. It helps reimburse costs incurred for flight delays, cancellations and plenty of other covered disruptions you might encounter during your travels.

This coverage can cover the costs for you to return home or reimburse unexpected expenses like an extra hotel stay, meals and ground transportation.

Trip delay coverage helps cover unexpected costs when your trip is delayed. This is another coverage that helps offset the costs of flight trouble or other travel disruptions.

Note that many policies have a total amount a traveler can claim, with caps on per diem benefits, too.

Cancel For Any Reason

Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to recoup some of the upfront costs you paid for a trip even if you’re canceling for a reason not otherwise covered by your standard travel insurance policy.

Typically, adding this protection to your plan costs extra.

Baggage delay

This coverage helps cover the costs of essential items you might need when your luggage is delayed. Think toiletries, clothing and other immediate items you might need if your luggage didn’t make it on your flight.

Many travel insurance plans with baggage delay protection will specify how long (six, 12, 24 hours, etc.) your luggage must be delayed before you can make a claim.

Lost baggage

Used for travelers whose luggage is lost or stolen, this helps recoup the lost value of the items in your bag.

You’ll want to make sure you closely follow the correct procedures for your plan. Many plans include a maximum total amount you can claim under this coverage and a per-item cap.

Travel medical insurance

This covers out-of-pocket medical costs when travelers run into an emergency.

Because many travelers’ health insurance plans don’t cover medical care overseas, travel medical insurance can help offset out-of-pocket health care costs.

In addition to emergency medical coverage, many plans have medical evacuation or repatriation coverage for costs incurred when you must be taken to a hospital or return to your home country because of a medical situation.

Most travel insurance plans cover many trip protections that can help you be prepared for unexpected travel disruptions and expenses.

These coverages are generally aimed at protecting the money you put into your trip, expenses you incur because of travel trouble and costs incurred if you have a medical emergency overseas.

On top of core coverages like trip cancellation and interruption and travel medical coverage, some plans offer add-on options like waivers for pre-existing conditions, rental car collision damage waivers or adventure sports riders. These usually cost extra or must be added within a specified timeframe.

Typical travel insurance policies offer coverage for many unforeseen events, but as you research to select a plan, consider your needs. Though every plan differs, there are some commonly excluded coverages.

For instance, you typically can’t get coverage for a named storm if you bought the coverage after the storm was named. In other words, if you have a trip to the Caribbean booked for Sept. 25 and on Sept. 20 a hurricane develops and is named, you generally won’t be able to buy a travel insurance plan Sept. 21 in hopes of getting your money back.

Many plans also don’t cover activities performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any extreme sports. If the latter applies to you, you might want to consider a plan with specific coverages for adventure-seekers.

For numerous plans, a few other situations don’t qualify as an acceptable reason to cancel and make a claim, such as fear of travel, medical tourism or pregnancies (unless you booked a trip and bought insurance before you became pregnant or there are complications with the pregnancy). This is where a Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your coverage can be helpful.

You can also run into trouble if you give up on a trip too soon: a minor (or even multihour) flight delay likely isn’t sufficient to cancel your entire trip and get reimbursed through your plan. Be sure to review what requirements your specific plan has when it comes to canceling a trip, claiming trip interruption, etc.

Travel insurance costs vary widely. The final price of your plan will fluctuate based on your age, length of trip and destination.

It will also depend on how much coverage you need, whether you add on specialized policies (like Cancel For Any Reason or pre-existing conditions coverage), whether you plan to participate in extreme sports and other factors.

In our examples above, for instance, the 35-year-old traveler taking a $2,000 trip to Italy would have spent an average $76 for a basic plan to get coverage for things like trip cancellation and interruption, baggage protection, etc. That’s a little less than 4% of the total trip cost — lower than average.

If there were multiple members in a traveling party or if they were going on, say, a rock-climbing or bungee-jumping excursion, the costs would go up.

On average, travel insurance comes to about 5% to 10% of the trip cost. However, considering many of the plans reimburse up to 100% of the trip cost (or more) for disruptions like trip cancellation or interruption, it can be a worthwhile expense if something goes wrong.

It depends. Consider the following factors that might affect your decision: You’re young and healthy, all your bookings are refundable or cancelable without a penalty, your flights are nonstop, you’re not checking bags and a credit card you carry offers some travel protections . In that case, travel insurance might not be necessary.

On the other hand, if you prepaid a large chunk of money for a nonrefundable African safari, you’re going on a Caribbean cruise in the middle of a hurricane season or you’re going somewhere where the cost of health care is high, it’s not a bad idea to buy a travel insurance plan. Here’s how to find the best travel insurance coverage for you.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip and not planning to buy travel insurance, you may want to consider at least booking refundable airfare and not prepaying for hotel, rental car and activity reservations. That way, if something goes wrong, you can cancel without losing any money.

Selecting the best travel insurance policy comes down to your needs, concerns, preferences and budget.

As you book, take a few minutes to consider what most concerns you. Is it getting stranded because of flight trouble? Having the ability to cancel for any reason you see fit without losing money? Getting sick or injured right before departure and needing to postpone the trip? Injuring yourself or falling ill while overseas?

Ultimately, you want a plan that protects you, your money and the large investment in your trip — but doesn’t cost too much, either.

Medical coverage. If your priority is having adequate medical coverage abroad, you might want to look for plans with high limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation.

Complex travel itinerary. If your itinerary has lots of flight connections, prepaid hotels and deposits for activities you can’t get back, prioritizing a plan with the best coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions may land at the top of your list.

Travel uncertainty. If you’re on the fence about a trip and have nonrefundable reservations, you may want to select a plan with a Cancel For Any Reason coverage option, which can help you recoup about 50% to 75% of the costs. This helps provide peace of mind, placing the decision on whether to travel entirely in your hands.

Car rentals. If you’re renting a car, a collision damage waiver is often worth looking into.

The following destinations are the top insured destinations in 2024, according to Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner).

The Bahamas.

Costa Rica.

Antarctica.

In 2022, travelers spent about 25.53% more on trips than they did before the pandemic.

As of December, NerdWallet analysis determined travel prices are 10% higher than pre-pandemic. Each statistic makes a strong case for protecting your travel investment as you plan your next trip.

Bookmark these resources to help you make smart money moves as you shop for travel insurance.

What is travel insurance?

CFAR explained.

Is travel insurance worth getting?

10 credit cards that provide travel insurance.

Here is the list of travel cards offered by Chase that include various forms of travel insurance.

Having one of these in your wallet is a good start to protecting your travel investments and preventing expensive accidents; however, savvy travelers check card terms closely and sometimes supplement with a third-party policy, like from one of the companies above, to better protect themselves.

on Chase's website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 12 hours.

• Car rentals: Theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Trip interruption: Up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for three days.

We used the following factors to choose insurance providers to highlight:

Breadth of coverage: We looked at how many plans each company offered plus the range of their standard plans. 

Depth of coverage: We considered two data points to get a sense of how much each company pays out for common travel issues — the maximum caps for trip cancellation and trip interruption claims.

Cost: By looking at the costs for basic coverage across multiple companies, we determined an average cost for shoppers to benchmark plan prices against.

Customizability: While standard plans can cover a lot of ground, sometimes you need something a little more personal.

Customer satisfaction. Using data from Squaremouth when available, and Google Reviews as a backup, we can give kudos to companies with better track records from their clients.

No, it doesn’t necessarily get more expensive the longer you wait to purchase. However, as you put off buying insurance, you may lose access to potential plans and coverage options.

In general, buying travel insurance within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

But, generally, many plans do allow you to buy coverage quite close to your departure date.

To get the most out of your travel insurance plan, buy it soon after making your initial prepayment or deposit to ensure you have access to the biggest menu of plans possible.

Select a plan that’s comprehensive enough to cover the travel scenarios you’re most concerned about or likely to encounter but not too expensive or laden with protections you’d never likely need.

Whatever your coverage, thoroughly review the plan so you understand what’s covered and what’s not, plus how to adhere to the plan’s rules for making a claim.

Travelers frequently use phrases like “trip insurance” and “travel insurance,” as well as “trip protection,” interchangeably, but they do mean different things, according to Stan Sandberg, founder of insurance comparison site TravelInsurance.com.

Trip insurance, or trip protection, generally refers to predeparture (or preevent) coverage if you need to cancel. You may see these plans sold by airlines, online travel agencies or even ticketed event sellers.

“You could refer to it as the portion that protects the investment in the trip,” Sandberg says.

A travel insurance plan typically includes that — plus more comprehensive benefits to protect you during your trip, from medical coverage to trip delay and lost baggage protections, and many more elements, depending on the plan.

Though travel insurance is typically not required for international trips, your personal circumstances will play a key role in whether it’s a good investment.

For instance, young, healthy travelers with few prepaid trip expenses embarking on a relatively risk-free trip may not see a need to buy a plan.

Older travelers with complicated itineraries who are visiting destinations where they could potentially fall ill or get injured — or who could encounter bad weather or some other disrupting factor along the way — may want to buy coverage.

Consider a few key questions:

How well would your health insurance plan cover you if you needed to visit a hospital overseas?

How much did you prepay for a hotel or rental car?

How much money would you be out if weather or some other flight issue derailed your itinerary?

Could you afford an unexpected night in a city where you have a connecting flight?

Do you already have a credit card that provides some travel protections?

Your answers to these questions can help you decide whether you need travel insurance for your international trip.

In general, buying travel insurance

within a few days to two weeks of prepaying or making an initial deposit

for your trip is your best bet. Assuming you’re not booking last-minute, this will provide you with access to the widest possible range of coverage options. It also helps prevent any medical conditions or storms that pop up between booking and buying a plan from ending up as excluded situations, which won’t be covered by your plan.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

On a similar note...

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Do I Need Travel Insurance For Spain?

Sunny beaches, lively bars, the islands, and some incredible historic cities - plus the towering mountains of the Pyrenees with scenery, wildlife, hiking, skiing, and cycling. From Barcelona’s artistic quarters to Madrid’s majestic vistas - from the party island of Ibiza and its sunkissed neighbors to relaxing on some of the best golf courses in mainland Europe. It’s no wonder Spain is one of the top countries in Europe to visit! As part of the Schengen Area, you may need Schengen travel insurance to visit this beautiful country.

AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Spain - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Spain and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Spain cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$35) of your trip, our Schengen Travel insurance covers

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Spain?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Spain. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Ready to subscribe?

Get Schengen Insurance

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Spanish visa application?

We’re the experts here. AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years.  All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Spanish visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Spain your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

Our low-cost option also fits these criteria.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Spain - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Although Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from countries with visa-free travel to Spain, that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if tackling dangerous sports.

Do you cover the Canary islands?

AXA’s insurance does cover the Canary Islands, which are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, as although they are not in mainland Spain or near its coast, they are a part of the Schengen Area.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

• Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
• Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
• No age restriction, zero deductible
• No price variation because of nationality or age
• Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should i do if i am injured or ill while in spain.

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Spain?

Security : Most visits to Spain pass off without incident. Thieves often work in teams of two or more people and tend to target money and passports - so don’t carry all your valuables in one place, and take extra care to guard passports, money, and personal belongings when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport. In some city centers and resorts, thieves posing as police officers may approach tourists and ask to see their wallets for identification purposes. Genuine police officers don’t do this. In general, you should be most cautious in busy city or tourist areas.

Public transport : Public transport in Spain involves everything from high-speed trains to century-old trams traipsing through medieval streets - but it’s notable that the country has one of the largest and most modern high-speed rail networks - with trains that reach speeds of up to 310km/h. Most of the country is connected so it’s the perfect way to get around. Spain is full of big cities with transport systems. Three Spanish cities have their own metro systems: Barcelona, Bilbao, and Madrid. Another 13 have trams, mostly running at street level. In Spain, there is no national bus company, so you need to check bus routes and times with each local authority. 

Opening hours : The norm is for shops to open continuously from 10 am to 9 pm but in summer they may close between 2 and 5 pm.

Driving license : Spain requires foreign drivers to obtain an International Driving Permit prior to arriving in Spain. This is a requirement to drive in Spain, and without the permit, you could face punishment if stopped by law enforcement officials while driving.

Restaurants : Spain has some unusual meal times - including two breakfasts, a first breakfast, ‘desayuno’, which is usually eaten at home before 9 am, and ‘almuerzo’, which is eaten in the mid-morning, and for which cafes will be open, ‘comida’, a lunch eaten from 2pm until 4pm - after which restaurants may shut before opening again for the early evening meal of ‘merienda’. The day closes with a late-night meal, ‘cena’, eaten between 8.30pm and 10.30 pm - for which restaurants may stay open late - especially in the heat of summer, when meals tend to be taken when the day gets a little cooler. 

Visa : Although many countries have visa-free travel with Spain and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Spain you can find out more  here .

Get Schengen insurance

Copyright AXA Assistance 2023 © AXA Assistance is represented by INTER PARTNER ASSISTANCE SA/NV, a public limited liability company governed by Belgian law with registered office at Regentlaan 7, 1000 Brussel, Belgium – Insurance company authorized by the National Bank of Belgium under number 0487 and registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises under number 0415 591 055 – RPR Brussels- VAT BE0415 591 055

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Travel Insurance for Expats

According to recent data, there are more than 5 million expatriates living in Spain , approximately 11% of the total population. British expats currently number nearly 316,000; and many choose to retire to the country for its warmer climate in southern Europe.

For expats looking to travel outside of Spain, to return to their home country or go elsewhere; travel insurance has to be an essential element in planning your trip.

However, finding a suitable travel insurance for expats product can be a problem , as most travel insurance companies will insist that clients be residents of the country in which they begin their trip, in order to qualify for an travel insurance for expats policy.

That means expats must buy a policy from a Spanish national insurer. A problem that is further complicated by the United Kingdom’s withdrawl from the European Union with Brexit.

For those expatriates with pre-existing medical conditions , the issue is complicated further by the fact that the cover available to them is very limited , with most Spanish travel insurers excluding cover to those with existing medical conditions.

Expatriates suffering from conditions such as respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental health disorders, diabetes, alzheimer's disease, dementia, kidney disease, COPD, stroke or hypertension could have complications during their trip, which would not be covered under a usual travel insurance product that would not insure travellers with existing medical conditions.  

Fit 2 Trip is different , we do we offer travel insurance for expats that covers pre-existing medical conditions, ensuring that all emergency medical treatment is provided in the event that complications from an existing medical condition happen during a trip.

Fit 2 Trip travel insurance for expats provides coverage for expats with pre-existing medical conditions , from chronic illnesses to contracting COVID-19 , by allowing them to declare conditions securely online, giving them peace of mind that they are protected by their medical condition in the event of an emergency.

Taking out a policy is simple and can be done online in a few clicks. Declaring a medical condition is simple and can be done online at the time of purchase, via our medical screening system, which tailors a quotation based on your medical circumstance.

The products are available in both English and Spanish and can be purchased by anyone residing in Spain or who has lived in Spain for at least six months.

Fit 2 Trip offers single trip and multi-risk travel insurance policies . Cancellation coverage is included in our multi-risk policies, and in the same way, it can be contracted as part of a single trip or annual multiple trip policy.

All of our policies are available in basic, standard and premier coverage levels, so customers

can choose the level of coverage they require.

In addition to this travel insurance for expats. Fit 2 Trip has the following travel insurance that may interest you according to your needs:

- For Groups

- For Individual Travelers

- Sports and Activities

- Business Trip

- For couples

- Winter Sports

- Traveling for Golf

- Traveling in Europe

* For more information, please read the Terms and Conditions .

Cancellation Cover

Travel Insurance

Medical Expenses Only

Multi-Risk Policy

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Annual Coverage

Europe Travel Insurance

Worldwide with Exclusions

Worldwide Travel Insurance with and without exclusions

Travel Insurance for Golf

Winter Sports Travel Insurances

Travel Insurance for Couples

Business Trip Travel Insurance

Sports and Activities

Insurance for Solo Travellers

Travel Insurance for Groups

COVID-19 Cover

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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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How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

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• The average travel insurance premium this week is $288.60, up about 1% compared to last week.
• For travel in the United States, the average premium is $91 to $406.
• Travel insurance protects against delayed baggage, trip cancellation, and more.

The average cost of travel insurance fluctuates throughout the year, based on demand and whether or not school's in session. Also keep in mind that where you're traveling and how many people are taking the trip will affect your exact premium.

The average travel insurance premium this week is about the same compared to last week.

Travel insurance rates this week:

• Average premium: $288.60
• Average trip cost: $6,976.04
• Average trip length: 16 Days

Understanding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance plans can cover both domestic and international travel. It could protect against something as familiar as delayed baggage (experts estimate 85% of lost luggage is returned to its owner within 48 hours) or as complicated as trip cancellation.

The benefits and limitations of travel insurance vary based on the company and plan. Above all else, this insurance coverage offers peace of mind.

Some credit cards offer a limited amount of travel insurance annually. If you need clarification on what your credit card offers, contact your provider to verify. These plans are great for cancellations and interruptions but may not cover more costly losses associated with unexpected medical expenses or emergency evacuations.

Individual travel insurance plans include this and much more. Travel insurance protects travelers from the unexpected when away from home.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Destination

Some countries are naturally more expensive travel destinations due to higher flight and lodging costs, which could increase travel insurance costs. Travel insurance will generally cost 5% to 10% of your total trip price, according to SquareMouth.

Here's how the prices stack up:

Source: SquareMouth

How Far in Advance to Purchase Travel Insurance

According to an AAA travel survey , 88% of travelers say that reimbursement after a trip cancellation is the most valuable benefit of trip insurance.

According to data gathered by SquareMouth in the last six months, travelers tend to purchase trip cancellation travel insurance 53 days before their trip. Meanwhile, travelers without trip cancellation insurance will buy a policy approximately 16 days before their trip. Regardless of when you buy, cancellation protection can kick in to protect you against the unexpected.

Average Cost of Travel Insurance by Age

A traveler's age is a significant factor in determining the cost of travel insurance. The older a traveler is, the higher travel insurance premiums are. For instance, a senior traveler may need more insurance for health-related emergencies than a millennial.

When calculating your travel insurance premium, travel insurance providers consider the likelihood of a medical emergency.

Get your free travel insurance quote with SquareMouth »

Travel Insurance Rate Tips

How much does travel insurance typically cost.

Travel insurance rates through most providers fall between 4% and 8% of the total trip cost. Like the cost of flights, cruises, etc., rates may vary substantially based on the season, your original location, your destination, and other factors. This week, the average cost of a policy was close to $300.

How can I save money on travel insurance?

To save money on travel insurance, tailor your policy to your specific needs and avoid unnecessary extras. You should also shop around to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Opting for an annual plan if you're a frequent traveler, checking existing coverages from other insurance policies or credit card benefits, and choosing a policy with a higher deductible can significantly lower your premiums. Always read the fine print to understand your coverage fully, ensuring you don't pay for redundant or irrelevant features.

Where are the cheapest places to buy travel insurance?

To find affordable travel insurance, consider using online comparison websites like SquareMouth or InsureMyTrip to see rates from various providers. Other ways to save include purchasing directly from insurance companies, exploring package deals from travel agencies or airlines, utilizing included coverage from credit card benefits, and checking for discounts through membership organizations such as AAA or AARP.

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Is travel insurance worth it?

April 30, 2024 | 2 min read

Planning a trip and wondering if you need a travel insurance policy? Keep reading to learn more about travel insurance to decide whether it’s right for you.

Key takeaways

• Travel insurance can provide financial protection if things go wrong before or during a trip.
• You might get travel insurance to cover potential losses from trip cancellations or delays, lost baggage or medical issues.
• Factoring in details specific to your trip and balancing with existing coverage might help you decide whether travel insurance is right for you.

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What does travel insurance do?

Travel insurance is a type of specialized protection that might help protect against financial losses from airline delays, medical issues or other unexpected occurrences. Some travel insurance plans focus on specific things, like lost baggage or health care. Others offer a wide range of benefits under a single plan. It’s a good idea to make sure you understand the terms and conditions, because coverage varies.

When might travel insurance be beneficial?

Some of the situations where it can help to have travel insurance include:

Interruptions and cancellations

Trip delay insurance covers food and lodging expenses if you experience an airline delay. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your prepaid costs if an illness forces you to cancel entirely.

Baggage issues

Baggage loss coverage can reimburse you if your luggage is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed.

Medical emergencies

Travel health or medical insurance can cover everything from medication to emergency medical evacuation if you become sick or injured when traveling abroad .

When might travel insurance be unnecessary?

There’s no right or wrong time for travel insurance. It depends on your circumstances. But when deciding whether travel insurance is worth it, you can consider things like:

• Type and length of trip: If the trip’s refundable, you might not need extra protection. And a short or cheap trip might not be worth the cost of coverage.
• Your existing coverage: Check existing policies and agreements. If you have coverage through your health insurance provider, credit card issuer or card network, you may not need more.

Considering travel insurance in a nutshell

Travel insurance can offer peace of mind if anything goes wrong before or during a trip. But it may not always be worth it. If you’re considering travel insurance coverage, looking at your situation, your trip and the terms and conditions of your existing insurance policies could help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

If you’re interested in getting insurance coverage from a credit card, you can check out the benefits that come with Capital One rewards credit cards .

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Politics latest: Senior Labour MP 'genuinely a bit hurt' as defection 'caught everyone by surprise'

Right-wing Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has defected to Labour, hitting out at the "broken promises of Rishi Sunak's tired and chaotic government". The move has raised eyebrows across Westminster given some of her previous comments.

Wednesday 8 May 2024 23:19, UK

• Tory MP defects to Labour  | How stunned MPs reacted
• Labour insists no place for Farage despite welcoming right-wing MP
• Explained:  Who is Tory defector Natalie Elphicke?
• Sam Coates: More defections possible - but some Labour nerves too
• Labour restores whip to suspended MP
• New Scottish first minister names cabinet
• Connor Gillies: Is the SNP lurching to the right?
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch and (earlier)  Faith Ridler

Our political editor Beth Rigby has just been giving her view on a shocking day in Westminster that saw Natalie Elphicke dramatically cross the floor to the Labour benches as PMQs was getting underway.

Beth says: "It's clearly a body blow to a prime minister that's just had the worst defeat for the Conservative Party in 40 years, and then has the spectacle of an MP crossing the floor as he's in the House.

"It caught everyone by surprise."

But she adds that it's "not completely straight forward for Keir Starmer too tonight."

She says she has spoken to "a number of MPs", and "there is a lot of unhappiness on the Labour benches".

One senior Labour MP told her they felt "genuinely a bit hurt by it all".

The MP told her: "I just expected better. Never underestimate the ability of politics to disappoint."

Another MP on the left of the party said it has "gone down very badly" and there is "disappointment" and "disbelief" across the party.

That person said: "An opportunist whose virtual entire political activity has been centred upon opposing Labour values is opened with open arms."

The key issue for Labour, Beth explains, is that Ms Elphicke has always been on the right of the Conservative Party, so her crossing the floor is "quite difficult for some MPs to swallow".

She says the bigger picture for Sir Keir Starmer is that he has had two defections from the Conservative Party in 11 days - one saying Labour is better on the NHS, and now Ms Elphicke saying the PM has "broken promises on immigration".

Beth concludes: "Given that is the hill on which Rishi Sunak is fighting his election campaign effectively, that is going to really hurt, and Labour will chalk that up as a win and hope that the MPs complain in private, but keep quiet publicly."

Thank you for joining us in the Politics Hub for another busy day in Westminster.

Here's what happened:

• Jaws hit the floor across the House of Commons when Tory MP Natalie Elphicke crossed the floor to the Labour benches just minutes before PMQs started;
• The move provoked shock and fury on the Tory benches that an MP considered very right-wing decided to switch sides just weeks or months before a general election;
• But there is also considerable upset on the Labour side that someone so right-wing has been welcomed with opened arms, especially given her previous defence of her ex-husband accused (and eventually convicted) of sexual assault;
• Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds defended the defection, saying she is "putting her constituents first";
• She also made clear that Nigel Farage would not be welcome in Labour after a party spokesperson earlier seemed to fail to rule that out;
• Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick told Sky News the Tory party must stop their voters from "drifting to Reform" in order to win the next election - and also that he would welcome Mr Farage in the party;
• Labour provoked upset in the Jewish community by restoring the whip to Kate Osamor, who had said on Holocaust Memorial Day that Gaza should be remembered as a genocide;
• SNP leader John Swinney was sworn in as Scotland's new first minister, and appointed former leadership contender Kate Forbes as his deputy;
• The Home Office expelled a Russian defence attache as part of a series of measures against Moscow.

Join us from 6am for the very latest political news.

By  Faye Brown , political reporter

Nigel Farage would not be accepted into Labour because his values are "completely inimical" to the party, a shadow frontbencher said.

Anneliese Dodds was asked about her party's "red lines" following the shock defection of former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke to the Opposition on Wednesday.

Some Labour figures have expressed concerns about the move, given that the Dover MP has repeatedly attacked Labour over migration and was seen as being on the right of her party.

Ms Dodds told the Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge that she had not been contacted by anybody "to say they didn't want that decision to have been taken", following reports Sir Keir Starmer has faced a hostile response.

Asked if Mr Farage would be welcome if he wanted to join Labour, Ms Dodds said: "Nigel Farage is someone who is well outside any kind of Labour values.

"He has proven that time and time and time again."

Read the full story here:

It's been a big day in Scotland today, with John Swinney being sworn in as the new first minister and the appointment of his new cabinet.

The Scottish government has confirmed 11 cabinet ministers have been appointed, with 14 junior ministers below them.

This means that there are four fewer ministers in the Scottish government since the start of this year.

And in a sign of what the new SNP first minister's priorities will be, the "minister for independence" role has been scrapped, and no longer appears on the Scottish government's website.

The role was first created just over a year ago when Humza Yousaf became first minister.

By Tomos Evans , Wales reporter

Wales's first minister Vaughan Gething has said he is "entirely relaxed" after being accused of misleading the UK COVID Inquiry.

Nation.Cymru reported on Tuesday that Mr Gething sent a text message in which he said "I'm deleting the messages in this group".

"They can be captured in an FOI [Freedom of Information request] and I think we are all in the right place on the choice being made," the message added.

The Welsh news outlet reported the message was posted in a ministerial group chat on Monday 17 August 2020.

"The message that has been published today is a message from me without the context of the discussion," Mr Gething said at First Minister's questions.

You can read more below:

At Westminster today, we've seen Sir Keir Starmer accused of taking Labour rightwards after welcoming former Tory MP Natalie Elphicke, who defected just before PMQs.

Up in Scotland, are the SNP going in a similar direction?

New party leader and first minister John Swinney has just been speaking about his cabinet, which notably includes former leadership candidate Kate Forbes as his deputy.

Our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies says "she was promised a significant and senior role", having chosen not to run for the leadership again after her failed attempt last year.

She got almost half the vote but lost to Humza Yousaf.

The progressive Scottish Greens, who were in coalition with Mr Yousaf's SNP until they were turfed out last month, sparking his downfall, are "not particularly pleased" with Ms Forbes's appointment.

There's "a sense the SNP is taking a lurch to the right", says Connor, given her more socially conservative views.

That charge has been denied by Mr Swinney, who has vowed "to be a first minister for everyone, whether you're in the LGBT community or not".

Ms Forbes has previously said she would have voted against gay marriage and the government's gender reform laws, and that her faith means she thinks having children outside marriage is "wrong".

Connor says the disquiet her appointment will cause among some in the Scottish parliament is a sign of how tough a job Mr Swinney has to improve the sense of unity among MSPs, something he has to do to govern effectively with a minority administration.

By Jennifer Scott , political reporter

The Conservatives must stop their voters from "drifting to Reform" in order to win the next election, Robert Jenrick has said.

Speaking to political editor Beth Rigby , the former immigration minister pointed to lowering legal migration as the "most important" issue to win back those who now support Nigel Farage's party - as well as people who voted Tory in 2019 "who [now] don't feel that the party is being conservative enough".

Mr Jenrick also said he would have "no problem" with Mr Farage joining his party, or "working with" him, adding: "I want the Conservative Party to be one which is the natural home for anyone who shares my determination to tackle issues like illegal and legal migration."

You can read more here:

The Sky News live poll tracker - collated and updated by our Data and Forensics team - aggregates various surveys to indicate how voters feel about the different political parties.

With the local elections complete, Labour is still sitting comfortably ahead, with the Tories trailing behind.

See the latest update below - and you can read more about the methodology behind the tracker  here .

After Natalie Elphicke announced her defection from the Tory party to Labour this lunchtime, there were immediately questions about what would happen to Labour's existing candidate.

Mike Tapp, a former soldier, was selected a long while ago, and he has tonight publicly reassured voters that he remains their candidate.

He posted on X: "I'm still your candidate!

"We've seen countless Tory switchers, today another, I look forward to Natalie's support at the next general election.

"Natalie has seen that only Labour has a plan to secure our borders, and build the homes we need."

Over a year ago, Rishi Sunak made five pledges for voters to judge him on.

The prime minister met his promise to halve inflation by the end of 2023.

But with the general election approaching, how is Mr Sunak doing on delivering his other promises?

You can see the progress for yourself below:

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