Travel Insurance for Expats in Spain (2026 Guide)
Travel insurance for expats in Spain is designed for short stays, temporary visits and Schengen visas. It protects you against unexpected medical emergencies, trip disruption and repatriation — but it is not suitable for long-term residence or Spanish residence visas.
This 2026 guide explains how travel insurance works in Spain, what it covers, who needs it, when it is legally accepted, and when you must switch to full private health insurance.
If you’re unsure whether travel insurance is enough for your situation in Spain, our complete expat insurance guide explains how travel, health, repatriation and long-term insurance work together depending on your length of stay, visa type and residency plans.
Table of Contents
What Is Travel Insurance for Expats in Spain?
Travel insurance is designed for temporary stays and typically includes:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency hospitalisation
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Accidental death or disability (limited)
The core benefit of any travel policy is emergency medical expenses coverage, which is limited to short-term, unexpected situations and does not replace full private health insurance for residence.
Learn more:
Who Needs Travel Insurance in Spain?
Travel insurance is appropriate if you are:
- Visiting Spain for tourism (up to 90 days)
- Applying for a Schengen short-stay visa
- Visiting family or friends temporarily
- Attending short courses or conferences
- Passing through Spain or the Schengen Area
- Important: If your stay exceeds 90 days or you are applying for a residence permit, travel insurance is NOT valid.
Travel Insurance vs Health Insurance (Critical Difference)
This distinction is essential for expats.
Feature | Travel Insurance | Private Health Insurance |
Length of stay | Short-term only | Long-term / renewable |
Visa acceptance | Schengen only | Residence visas |
Copayments | Often yes | Must be zero for visas |
Waiting periods | Often yes | Not allowed for visas |
Coverage scope | Emergency only | Full medical care |
For residence permits, you must use
Repatriation Coverage in Travel Insurance
Most travel policies include basic repatriation, but coverage limits vary widely.
To understand exactly what is included, see:
For Schengen visas, repatriation is mandatory.
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel insurance used for a Schengen visa must include:
- Emergency medical care
- Medical repatriation
- Repatriation of mortal remains
- Coverage valid across all Schengen countries
- Validity for the full duration of stay
Official visa rules:
According to the official Schengen Visa Code (EU Regulation 810/2009)
Common Mistakes Expats Make
- Using travel insurance for residency visas
- Assuming travel insurance replaces health insurance
- Buying cheap policies with low medical limits
- Missing mandatory repatriation clauses
Get the Right Travel Insurance for Spain
Short stays. Schengen visas. Emergency protection only.
