Nomad Insurance

Unexpected High Medical Expenses on a Trip to Spain!? What Happens Without Insurance?

Unexpected High Medical Expenses on a Trip to Spain!? What Happens Without Insurance?

When thinking of Spain, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona comes to mind. Gaudí’s unique architecture captivates visitors, and as you stroll through the city, you can enjoy tapas and Spanish wine at local bars, immersing yourself in the authentic Spanish atmosphere.

Spain is full of attractions for travelers, but there’s one important thing to keep in mind before you go: purchasing travel insurance.

Common Illnesses During Trips to Spain

  • Severe dehydration due to food poisoning requiring hospitalization
    → Estimated medical costs, including consultation, IV treatment, and hospitalization: €2,000

If a traveler in Spain contracts food poisoning and needs hospitalization, they could face significant medical expenses without insurance.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware that petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, are prevalent in Spain’s tourist areas.

The following travel insurance options can be easily purchased online and offer comprehensive coverage, including medical expenses as well as theft or loss of belongings:

This page highlights the importance of medical insurance for traveling in Spain and introduces recommended insurance services that are easy to purchase online.

Healthcare Standards and Medical Costs in Spain

Spain’s healthcare system is considered one of the best in Europe, with well-established public and private healthcare facilities across the country.

The quality of doctors and nurses is high, offering a wide range of medical services from general treatments to advanced medical care.

However, since public health insurance does not cover travelers, all medical expenses must be paid out-of-pocket.

Here are some general examples of medical costs in Spain to give you an idea.

ItemApproximate Medical Costs
General Consultation€50~€100
Emergency Room Visit€100-€200
Prescription€10~€50
Ambulance Service€200~€400
Hospitalization Cost
(per day)
Private Room: €300-€600
ICU: €1,000-€2,000

Without insurance, costs for services like general consultations or emergency room visits can range from €100 to €400, depending on the nature of the treatment.

Hospital stays can lead to even higher costs, making it essential to have travel insurance.

Is Insurance Required Upon Entry or During Stay in Spain?

Some countries require proof of medical insurance upon entry for travelers.

For instance, when visiting the Czech Republic, travelers must present proof of insurance on arrival and carry this documentation with their passport throughout their stay, with fines possible for non-compliance.

Reference: Which countries require travel insurance when entering the country?

Currently, insurance is not mandatory for entering or staying in Spain. However, here are several reasons why travel insurance is highly recommended:

  • Unforeseen medical expenses
  • Theft or loss of personal belongings
  • Changes or cancellations in travel plans
  • Emergency repatriation

In particular, Spain’s tourist areas are known for frequent petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, so having insurance to cover theft or loss is essential.

Examples of Expensive Medical Costs in Spain

If you get sick or injured while sightseeing in Spain, you could face expensive medical bills.

Below are a few real-life cases showing the potential costs.

Case 1: Fractured Arm from a Fall in Barcelona

If you fall and break your arm while sightseeing, you will be charged the following:

  • Emergency transport: €300
  • Surgery: €12,000
  • Hospital stay (3 days): €1,800
  • Rehabilitation: €1,200

→ Total: €15,300

Note: Helicopter transport may incur additional charges depending on the region.

Case 2: Food Poisoning in Madrid

This is an example of the costs incurred if you develop food poisoning after eating at a restaurant and are hospitalized due to dehydration.

  • Emergency transport: €300
  • Consultation and IV treatment: €500
  • Hospital stay (2 days): €1,200
  • Medication: €100

→ Total: €2,100

Note: Additional costs may apply if symptoms worsen.

Case 3: Severe Sunburn on the Mediterranean Coast

This covers medical expenses incurred if you suffer severe burns caused by sunburn at the beach.

  • Emergency transport: €300
  • Consultation and treatment: €300
  • Hospital stay (1 day): €600
  • Special medications and ointments: €150

→ Total: €1,350

Note: If the severity increases, additional hospital days may increase costs.

Check Now! Travel Insurance Services with Easy Online Applications

Travel insurance that can be applied online and provides online claims for reimbursements is very convenient.

The following insurance services offer easy online application procedures and comprehensive coverage, making them some of the most popular options:

Consider signing up for travel insurance to enjoy a worry-free trip to Spain!

1. Safety Wing

Safety Wing, known for its great cost-performance and comprehensive coverage, is a popular travel insurance provider that allows easy online sign-ups with no waiting period.

You can even join while already in Spain, without any waiting period.

Safety Wing Features

  • Monthly premium: $56.28
  • Coverage periods starting from 5 days
  • No waiting period when signing up from abroad
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Coverage for flight delays and lost luggage
  • Easy to get a quote and apply online

Specific details about the insurance are as follows.

Coverage TypeCoverage LimitExamples of Coverage
Medical Insurance$250,000Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization,
MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions,
complications of pregnancy.
Emergency Dental Treatment$1,000Emergency dental treatment to resolve the onset of acute pain
(sudden and unforeseen).
Emergency Transportation$100,000Costs for emergency transport to a well-equipped hospital.
Medical Return$5,000Emergency return costs for medical reasons.
Emergency Return
$5,000Transportation costs for emergency return due to the death of a family
member.
Lost Checked Baggage$3,000Compensation if baggage is not found after 10 days of being reported lost
(maximum $500 per item).
Flight Delay$200Meals and accommodation expenses for delays exceeding 12 hours
(up to $100 per day for a maximum of 2 days).
Passport Theft$100Costs for reissuing a passport or visa in case of theft.
Auto Accident$250,000Accidental automobile accidents occurring while possessing a valid license
and wearing safety equipment.
Trip Interruption
(Return Home)
$250,000Circumstances necessitating return due to family death or similar reasons.
In the Case of Death$20,000Costs for transporting remains back to Japan
(up to $10,000 if buried locally).

* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.

Safety Wing offers a comprehensive travel insurance plan that provides up to $250,000 in medical coverage for just a $56.28 monthly premium.

Additionally, you can customize the insurance duration to suit your travel schedule, making it even more cost-effective.

If you’re looking for high-cost-performance insurance with extensive coverage, consider Safety Wing.

Let’s start by easily estimating your insurance premium.

Nomad Insurance for $56.28/month

Safety Wing
Get a free quote!!
* Easy estimate of insurance premiums according to your travel plan!

2. World Nomads

World Nomads is a top-tier travel insurance provider with extensive coverage, including not only medical insurance but also protection against theft, such as pickpocketing.

With an online application and the ability to customize plans based on your destination and travel period, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Features of World Nomads

  • Insurance fees vary based on the destination
    (e.g., for 4 weeks including the U.S., the monthly premium is $265.07)
  • Medical coverage limits up to $5 million (or unlimited)
  • Covers flight delays and lost baggage
  • 24/7 support via phone/email

The specific coverage details are as follows:

Coverage TypeCoverage LimitExamples of Coverage
Medical Insurance$5 millionHospitalization, nursing care, emergency ambulance for hospitalization,
MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc.
Emergency Dental Treatment$300Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain
(sudden and unexpected onset).
Medical Transportation$500,000Costs for emergency transportation to an equipped hospital.
Emergency Return$500,000Costs associated with emergency return due to sudden illness or injury.
Baggage Coverage$2,500Coverage for theft, damage, or loss of baggage that occurs during travel.
Flight Delay$500Compensation for additional accommodation and transportation costs
incurred due to flight cancellation or delays over 12 hours.
Trip Interruption
(Return Home)
$3,500Costs for returning due to family illness or death.
In the case of Death$15,000Transportation costs for repatriation of remains to Japan, or costs for local burial.

* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.

The premium for World Nomads is slightly higher at $215.38 for a four-week plan, but it offers maximum coverage of up to $5 million, with an unlimited plan option also available.

This reliable insurance covers various incidents, such as accidents, illnesses, and theft during your travels.

Estimate your insurance premium based on your travel schedule on the official World Nomads website.

3. Heymondo

For those planning an extended stay in Europe, including Spain, Heymondo is an excellent cost-effective option.

Their 3-month plan allows for lower monthly premiums and offers medical coverage of up to $10 million.

Additionally, it provides comprehensive protection against theft, such as pickpocketing, offering reliable support to help you enjoy a worry-free extended stay.

Features of Heymondo

  • Cost-effective 3-month plan for long-term stays
  • Premiums vary by country of travel
  • Medical coverage limit of $5 million (or up to $10 million)
  • Covers flight delays and lost baggage
  • 24/7 support via phone/email

The specific coverage details are as follows:

Coverage TypeCoverage LimitExamples of Coverage
Medical Insurance$5 millionHospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization,
MRI diagnosis, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc.
Emergency Dental Treatment$300Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain
(sudden and unexpected onset).
Extended Stay Costs$1,800Emergency transportation costs to a well-equipped hospital.
Emergency Medical Transport$5 millionEmergency return costs for medical reasons.
Baggage Coverage$1,700Transportation costs for emergency return due to family bereavement.
Flight Delay$450Meal and accommodation expenses for delays over 12 hours
(maximum $100 per day for 2 days).
Trip Interruption
(Return)
$3,500Circumstances requiring return due to family death, etc.
In the Case of Death$100,000Transportation costs to return the body to Japan
(up to $10,000 for local burial).

* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.

The above information is for the Standard Plan (Travel Insurance Top). In addition, Heymondo offers a variety of insurance plans.

Although premiums vary depending on the plan, some options include medical coverage of up to $10 million.

For detailed premium information, check the estimates on the official Heymondo website.

Thank you for reading to the end!

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance that suits you, please click the link below for more details.
The Best Nomad Insurance; We highly recommend Safety Wing [$56/month].

We have carefully selected popular insurance services for nomads traveling abroad, with clear summaries of each plan’s features and benefits.

You’re sure to find a plan that’s perfect for you—take a look!