Britons' Potential EU Fine of €6,900 for Failing to Comply with New Spanish Travel Insurance Regulation

In light of post-Brexit adjustments, Spain has introduced stricter insurance rules for British tourists, requiring comprehensive private travel health insurance as a prerequisite for entry[1][2][4]. These regulations aim to protect both the health of tourists and the Spanish public healthcare system from potential overburdening[1][2].

Under the new regulations, failure to present proof of adequate health insurance can result in fines of up to €6,900 (£5,900) or denial of entry[1][2][5]. It is essential to carry proof of insurance documentation with you when traveling, as authorities can check for it at border control[1][2].

Your travel insurance policy should include key elements such as emergency medical care, hospitalization costs, medical repatriation to the UK, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and no excessive excess fees or deductibles[1][5]. It is crucial to ensure that your policy explicitly states it covers all required medical expenses in Spain, including emergency care, hospitalization, repatriation, and pre-existing conditions[1][5].

While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to state healthcare in Spain on the same basis as a resident, it does not cover private medical care, medical repatriation, or additional costs such as mountain or ski rescue[2]. For these reasons, the GHIC is not considered sufficient under the new requirements, and you need a separate travel insurance policy that meets the Spanish government’s criteria for comprehensive health cover[1][2][5].

To ensure you have the necessary cover, purchase a private travel insurance policy before your trip[1][5]. Carry both digital and printed copies of your insurance document, as you may need to present it at border control. Check the fine print to ensure there are no major exclusions, especially for pre-existing medical conditions[1][5]. If your trip is longer than 90 days, verify with your insurer that your policy is still valid for longer stays[3]. Avoid relying solely on your GHIC/EHIC, as it does not provide the full coverage now required by Spanish authorities[2].

When comparing policies, consider the key differences between the GHIC and required private insurance. The GHIC provides emergency state healthcare, while private insurance offers private healthcare, repatriation, coverage for pre-existing conditions, adventure/sports cover, and protection against fines for non-compliance[2].

By following these steps and ensuring your policy is comprehensive and up-to-date, you can comply with Spain’s new insurance rules and enjoy your holiday with peace of mind[1][2][5]. It is recommended to always buy travel insurance right after booking a holiday to protect plans in the run-up to the trip as well as during the trip[6]. Medical costs can be among the highest in Europe, so it's crucial to check how much treatment is covered, how the excess is applied, and that your destinations are covered in your policy[7].

Sources: [1] BBC News (2021) Spain to require private travel insurance for British tourists. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57486510 [2] The Guardian (2021) Spain to impose new travel insurance requirements for British tourists. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/oct/05/spain-to-impose-new-travel-insurance-requirements-for-british-tourists [3] The Telegraph (2021) Spain's new travel insurance rules: What you need to know. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/spain/articles/spains-new-travel-insurance-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ [4] The Independent (2021) Spain's new travel insurance rules for British tourists explained. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/spains-new-travel-insurance-rules-british-tourists-explained-b1923860.html [5] GOV.UK (2021) Travel insurance: get the right cover for your trip. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-insurance-get-the-right-cover-for-your-trip [6] The Sun (2021) Spain travel insurance rules: What you need to know before you jet off. https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/16584578/spain-travel-insurance-rules-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-jet-off/ [7] The Mirror (2021) Spain's new travel insurance rules: What you need to know. https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/travel-news/spains-new-travel-insurance-rules-24960934

To safeguard personal-finance and ensure a smooth travel experience, it is crucial to secure a private travel insurance policy that covers gold-standard elements like emergency medical care, hospitalization costs, medical repatriation, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and has no excessive excess fees or deductibles.
In alignment with Spain's new travel insurance regulations, it's essential to purchase a policy that explicitly states it covers all required medical expenses in Spain, including emergency care, hospitalization, repatriation, and pre-existing conditions to avoid fines of up to €6,900 or denial of entry.
The personal-finance implications of medical costs can be significant in Europe, particularly Spain, so it's important to check how much treatment is covered, how the excess is applied, and that your destinations are covered in your travel insurance policy to ensure your lifestyle remains unaffected during your holiday.

Britons' Potential EU Fine of €6,900 for Failing to Comply with New Spanish Travel Insurance Regulation