Travel Insurance for Spain: GHIC, Costa del Sol and the Balearics

Spain is the UK's number one holiday destination, and one of the cheapest places to insure. A week in Benidorm, Barcelona or Mallorca rarely costs more than £10–£15 to cover. Here's what to look for.

GHIC vs travel insurance

The Global Health Insurance Card gives you access to Spanish state healthcare on the same terms as a local. That means free emergency care at a public hospital — but no private clinic, no repatriation, no lost luggage and no cancellation. GHIC and travel insurance work together; they're not alternatives.

Costa del Sol and the British hospitals

Resorts like Marbella and Benidorm have private hospitals geared up for British tourists. They're fast and English-speaking — but they bill as private. Without travel insurance, expect £200+ for a consultation.

Balearics and Canaries

Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are all included under standard "Europe" travel insurance pricing. The Canaries are geographically closer to Africa but classed as Europe by every major UK insurer.

Water sports and boat trips

Standard policies include:

• Snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking
• Banana boats and ringo rides
• Jet-skiing (passenger only on most policies)
• Sailing within 12 nautical miles of shore

Jet ski hire as the driver, kitesurfing and parasailing are usually upgrades. Always check before you book.

Driving in Spain

Travel insurance does not cover driving. For hire cars, take the rental company's basic cover and add UK car hire excess insurance separately — it's far cheaper than the rental company's full CDW. Your UK driving licence is valid in Spain without an international permit.

Heatwaves and wildfires

Standard cancellation cover applies if a region you're travelling to is officially evacuated. General "it's too hot" or "fires nearby but not at our resort" doesn't qualify.

Get a Spain travel insurance quote.