British tourists planning a holiday in Spain this summer have received a crucial warning from Spanish authorities: failure to provide proof of adequate health insurance coverage could result in a significant fine of up to €6,900. This new regulation, announced by Spain’s Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Health, comes as part of ongoing efforts to tighten travel regulations in the wake of Brexit.
As more and more Britons book their trips to Spain, the introduction of this rule has taken many by surprise, leaving many scrambling to ensure their documentation is in order before departure. Since the UK left the European Union, travel between the UK and EU countries has seen a change, and Spain is no exception.
Among the new requirements for British citizens travelling to Spain is the need to have private travel insurance that covers all medical expenses during their stay. The change has left many tourists uncertain about the details of the new policy, as they have become accustomed to relying on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
As part of Spain’s efforts to ensure that visitors from the UK can cover the costs of any medical emergencies during their stay, the new requirement means that British tourists must provide proof of health insurance before entering the country. The insurance must meet specific criteria outlined by the Spanish Ministry of Health, ensuring adequate coverage for emergencies, hospital stays and other essential medical services.
Spain’s Health Minister Carolina Darias emphasised that this measure is designed to ensure that all visitors have the necessary financial resources to cover the costs of medical care, avoiding additional strain on the Spanish public health system. ‘The health of our visitors is a priority,’ Darias said in a statement. ‘We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British citizens, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local health system.’
The NHS states: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.
The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires. A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply. If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead.”
The NHS also states that “The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.”
This link details what the card does and does not cover. A UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:
- being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation)
- treatment in a private medical facility
- ski or mountain rescue
Therefore, the advice is to have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of the trip.
You can also find more info here: EHIC - United Kingdom - European Commission