Medical Expenses Coverage (2026) | How It Works in Travel Insurance
Medical expenses coverage is the core guarantee of travel insurance. It pays for healthcare costs if you become ill or injured while travelling abroad — including doctor visits, emergencies and hospitalisation.
For travellers and visa applicants coming to Spain, understanding this coverage is essential, because not all policies are accepted, and limits vary widely.
This guide explains what medical expenses coverage includes, how it works in travel insurance, and when full private health insurance is required instead.
This is why standard travel policies often focus on emergency-only care, while broader protection for longer stays is explained in our complete guide to Travel Insurance for Expats in Spain.
What Repatriation Insurance Means (Simple Definition)
Medical expenses coverage refers to the part of an insurance policy that pays for:
- Emergency doctor visits
- Hospital treatment
- Surgery and diagnostics
- Ambulance transport
- Emergency medication
It is always included in travel insurance, but:
- Coverage limits apply
- It is designed for temporary stays
What Medical Expenses Coverage Includes (Travel Insurance)
Most travel insurance policies cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
Unexpected illness or accident.
- Hospitalisation & surgery
Up to a maximum limit.
- Emergency ambulance
Local transport to hospital.
- Prescribed medication
During emergency treatment.
Coverage is not intended for:
- Routine care
- Chronic treatment
- Long-term follow-up
In severe cases where treatment cannot continue locally, medical expenses coverage may be complemented by repatriation assistance. To understand how this works in practice, see our guide on Repatriation Insurance Meaning and coverage.
Travel Insurance vs Private Health Insurance
Feature | Travel Insurance | Private Health Insurance |
Medical expenses | Emergency only | Full medical care |
Accepted for long-stay visas | No | Yes |
Duration | Short-term | Annual |
Copayments | Often | None (visa-compliant) |
For stays longer than 90 days, Spain requires private health insurance, not travel insurance.
Medical Expenses Coverage for Visas
For Schengen short-stay visas:
- Medical expenses coverage must be included
- Usually combined with repatriation
For long-stay visas:
- Travel insurance is not accepted
- Full private health insurance is mandatory
This requirement is defined by the Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), which establishes mandatory medical and repatriation coverage for short-stay visas, as published by the European Commission.
Typical Medical Costs Without Insurance (Spain)
Service | Approx. Cost |
GP visit | €40–€70 |
Specialist | €80–€150 |
Emergency room | €150–€300 |
Hospital night | €200+ |
Ambulance | €150–€300 |
Medical expenses coverage protects you from these unexpected costs during travel.
How to Choose the Right Coverage
Ask yourself:
- Is my stay short-term or long-term?
- Do I need visa acceptance?
- Do I need only emergency care or full healthcare?
For short trips:
For relocation or visas:
