Saturday, July 12, 2025
British holidaymakers travelling to Spain this summer must now heed a new travel warning or risk being hit with sky-high charges. With the U.K. no longer part of the European Union, post-Brexit travel is rolling out, and the Spanish government has announced a massive new health insurance restriction for visitors. According to this law British tourists are required to carry proof of such health insurance to cover any medical treatment in Spain. Failure to provide this evidence could result in fines of up to €6,900 (£5,900).
Spain’s Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Health introduced the regulation in an effort to ensure that visitors, including British nationals, are adequately covered for medical expenses and to protect the Spanish healthcare system. In recent comments, Spain’s Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, emphasized that “the health of our visitors is a priority,” and reiterated the importance of having the necessary coverage to avoid burdening the local health services.
The timing of this change has caught many British tourists off guard, as they may not have been aware of the requirement to show proof of insurance. Tourists heading to Spain are now required to purchase comprehensive private health insurance, as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is no longer valid for British nationals following Brexit. This new regulation marks a significant shift in how healthcare is handled for UK visitors, and the consequences for non-compliance could be severe.
What Does This Mean for British Tourists?
The change primarily affects British visitors who have been accustomed to using their EHIC cards for state-provided healthcare across European Union countries, including Spain. However, following Brexit, the EHIC is no longer an option for UK nationals. Instead, British tourists are now required to have private health insurance that fully covers medical care during their stay in Spain.
Although many UK travellers have turned to the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as a substitute, this card does not provide the same level of coverage. While the GHIC allows UK nationals to access state healthcare in European Economic Area (EEA) countries, it does not cover private treatment, emergency medical repatriation, or mountain rescue. Spain’s new regulation requires more comprehensive insurance than what the GHIC offers.
Tourists are advised by the NHS to ensure they have full travel and medical insurance, as the GHIC does not replace travel insurance. Furthermore, the UK government has issued guidance cautioning that the GHIC is insufficient for covering the wide range of potential medical needs tourists may encounter while abroad.
The message from both the UK and Spanish authorities is clear: tourists must make sure that they have the proper coverage before setting off. If they fail to present valid proof of insurance, they could be fined up to €6,900, which is a heavy price for an unprepared traveller.
Spanish Authorities Enforce Insurance Rule
Spanish authorities are taking the new regulation seriously, with the power to deny entry to UK tourists who fail to show evidence of sufficient travel insurance. For those who are already in Spain without the necessary proof of insurance, the consequences could be severe — including being issued with a fine of up to €6,900.
In a statement, the Spanish Ministry of the Interior explained that the regulation was introduced to ensure that all visitors to Spain have the necessary resources to cover their healthcare needs, minimizing any potential strain on the country’s public healthcare system. Spanish officials have stressed that the new measure aims to protect the health and safety of both visitors and residents by ensuring that visitors’ medical costs are covered.
What Tourists Need to Do Before Their Trip
The UK government has responded to the new regulation by issuing travel advice to tourists heading to Spain. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has urged all British nationals planning to travel to Spain to secure comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and related expenses. The advice clearly states that tourists should not purchase travel insurance after arriving in Spain, as they will be required to present proof of insurance upon entry.
In addition to comprehensive health insurance, UK tourists are also encouraged to research their destinations and ensure that they are covered for all aspects of their itinerary, including planned activities and any pre-existing medical conditions. The government has highlighted that without proper insurance, tourists could face expensive medical bills in the event of an emergency, with some treatments running into the thousands of pounds.
The Importance of Preparing in Advance
The issue of travel insurance has become particularly important for British tourists in Spain post-Brexit, as the previous ease of travel within the European Union has been replaced by new regulations. Tourists are now responsible for making sure they have the necessary coverage before traveling, and those who neglect this may find themselves in a difficult situation.
For example, the costs of repatriation — if a tourist falls ill and needs to be flown back to the UK — can be exorbitant, and private medical treatment can also add up quickly. Travel insurance ensures that British visitors are not left with financial burdens in the event of medical emergencies, allowing them to enjoy their holidays without the constant worry of unexpected costs.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Safe Holiday in Spain
As summer approaches, British tourists heading to Spain should take note of the new insurance requirements to avoid costly fines. Spain’s updated travel regulations aim to ensure that visitors are properly covered for medical care, while also protecting the country’s healthcare system. By purchasing comprehensive travel insurance and carrying proof of coverage, tourists can rest easy knowing that they are adequately prepared for their trip.
Ultimately, booking early and adhering to the new travel advice, could be the very thing that ensures a seamless, stress-free holiday to Spain. With proper insurance coverage, British visitors in Spain can concentrate on enjoying the picturesque, bright and sun-drenched landscape, the cultural traditions as well as the lively ambiance of the Spanish cities and towns without having to fret over unforeseen inconveniences.
