Wednesday, July 9, 2025

British tourists who are visiting Spain this summer should know about a recent regulation that can lead to fines or deportation. According to post-Brexit regulations that are administered by Spain’s Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Health, British citizens should have valid, all-inclusive private travel insurance that covers their health. Introduced this year, the regulation is meant to guarantee visitors decent protection for their health during their visit in Spain.

The move comes as part of Spain’s ongoing adjustments to entry rules for non-EU nationals following the UK’s departure from the European Union. The requirement is designed to safeguard both the health of tourists and the local healthcare system in Spain, which has faced increased pressure in recent years. As a result, UK holidaymakers must now ensure they have adequate coverage before departing for their trip, or they risk facing fines of up to €6,900 (£5,900) or being turned away at the border.

In order to comply with the new regulation, British nationals visiting Spain must present proof of valid travel insurance that meets specific criteria. According to the official guidelines from Spain’s Ministry of Health, the insurance policy must include comprehensive health coverage, which should cover:

Importantly, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are no longer sufficient on their own. While these cards may provide limited emergency care in certain circumstances, they do not meet the new insurance requirements for British visitors to Spain. The government has made it clear that only private travel insurance, which offers more extensive coverage, will be accepted.

Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias explained the rationale behind the new rule during a press briefing: “The health of our visitors is a priority. We are committed to ensuring that all travellers, including British nationals, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local healthcare system.”

The enforcement of this rule highlights the ongoing changes in travel policies since Brexit, where UK citizens no longer enjoy the same freedom of movement within the EU as they did before. As Spain continues to fine-tune its regulations to reflect the new reality, it is clear that compliance with these updated requirements is essential for British tourists.

For UK travellers planning a trip to Spain, the best course of action is to buy travel insurance well in advance of their departure. The Spanish government has made it clear that proof of insurance will be required before boarding a flight or train to Spain. Waiting until arrival to purchase insurance could lead to delays, entry refusal, or fines.

To ensure compliance, UK visitors should follow these simple steps:

Many British travellers have grown accustomed to relying on their EHIC cards, which provided access to necessary health services during their time in the EU. However, the EHIC is no longer sufficient for those visiting Spain. This change is one of the most significant adjustments for British tourists in the post-Brexit era, and it underscores the importance of securing appropriate travel insurance.

It’s important for British holidaymakers to understand that their travel insurance now serves as a vital safeguard in case of medical emergencies. The coverage must meet the standards set by Spanish authorities, and failure to comply could result in hefty fines or complications at border control.

While some travellers may feel inconvenienced by the new requirement, it’s important to note that Spain’s move is primarily focused on ensuring that tourists are adequately protected in case of medical emergencies. Spanish officials have emphasized that adequate travel insurance helps safeguard both the health of visitors and the resources of the local healthcare system.

By requiring private insurance with comprehensive medical coverage, Spain aims to minimize the potential burden on its healthcare services, which may be stretched during peak tourist seasons. This approach is also in line with the policies of other countries, many of which have introduced similar requirements for non-EU nationals.