Spain

Spain remains one of the most popular sun, sea, and sand holiday destinations, especially for British holidaymakers.   Spain is situated in southwest Europe, bordered by Portugal to the west, France to the northeast, and the Mediterranean Sea and Gibraltar to the southeast.  From Gibraltar it is only ten miles across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco, in North Africa.  Spain enjoys a lovely climate, with a high number of sunshine days annually.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SPAIN
Find out about European Travel Insurance and Ski Insurance .

If you plan a beach holiday, always observe and obey any warnings on the beaches.  Be alert to jellyfish, as these can be a problem in the Mediterranean Sea from time to time.  Purchase a good guidebook or download pictures and information from the internet so that your family can recognise potentially harmful jellyfish and other sea creatures and stay clear of them. The Marine Conservation Society website (mcsuk.org) is a useful resource and they offer a free downloadable jellyfish guide.

If you plan to rent a car and drive in Spain remember that they drive on the right.  To avoid disappointment it may be wise to book your rental well in advance as there have been occasions during peak holiday times when rental vehicles have been in short supply.  The rules of the road are quite different in Spain, so read up on the requirements for driving abroad before you get behind the wheel.  The FCO website has some useful advice regarding driving abroad. The currency in Spain is the euro.

It is now (since January 2011) illegal to smoke indoors in public places in Spain, such as restaurants, bars, shopping areas, hospitals, schools, airports, etc.   Failure to observe this law could result in a substantial fine.  Be aware also that rules are strictly enforced regarding public drinking and sexual activity in public – including beaches.  Fines could be anything up to €1,500.  (It is worth a reminder here that intoxication could also result in denial of any related claims on your travel insurance).  

Barcelona:  If you plan to visit Barcelona, be warned that the city is on a campaign to clean up its streets – especially since it has become a popular destination for hen and stag parties.  It is now (June 2011) illegal to wear bikinis or swimming suits or trunks on the streets.  Those caught baring too much skin in public, away from immediate beach areas, could be hit with a fine of up to £262 (€300). Those caught in the nude away from designated nudist beaches face fines of up to £437 (€500).
                                                                                                           
It is still okay to wear swimwear on the beaches and in the immediate vicinity of beaches.  It is not okay for men to go shirtless on the streets away from the beaches.  On-the-spot fines are handed out to those unwilling to comply with the law, so be smart and pay attention to posted notices and warnings!   Note that it is also illegal to drink from cans and bottles on the streets of the city of Barcelona.      

We recommend a visit to the Foreign Office (FCO) website for updated and important travel advice as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. 

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - SPAIN
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to Spain.
Click Here

If you have property stolen remember to check the terms of your travel insurance. Most insurers require that you obtain a written police report within 24 hours.  If your passport is lost or stolen also obtain a police report so that you can obtain an emergency travel document and claim on your insurance.

Avoid leaving valuables in a rented car as these vehicles tend to be marked and targeted by thieves.  Check your travel insurance for terms and conditions regarding the loss of valuables.  Rental cars and cars towing caravans also tend to be targeted by criminals, so be vigilant.  Check the FCO website for reports of any known scams (including lottery scams) being used to trick tourists, or to stop cars on the roads.  There is no reason for undue alarm, but it is better to be aware – and safe – than sorry.

Carry identification with you when visiting Spain. The police have the right to stop and ask for ID.  Avoid being detained and wasting precious holiday time while the police confirm your identity!

Before giving in to temptation to purchase property or a timeshare or holiday club in Spain, be sure to read the important information on the FCO advice page and seek professional advice.

The European Health Insurance Card is valid in Spain, which entitles eligible holders to free emergency medical care in a state-run facility.  This does not extend to treatment in a private hospital, non-urgent treatment, or ongoing treatment.  The EHIC also does not cover potentially crippling expenses such as repatriation by air ambulance.  It is, therefore, very important to also take out comprehensive travel insurance as well as the EHIC. Check that your policy covers medical evacuation and repatriation and covers all your planned activities.   

If you get bored with beach life there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy in Spain.  You could go sightseeing and visit castles, Roman ruins, Gothic cathedrals and Moorish palaces – such as the Alhambra in Granada.  The mountains offer plenty of backpacking opportunities and adventure for sport lovers.  You could visit the home of the beautiful Andalusian horse, or visit Barcelona and take in Gaudi’s creations or the Picasso Museum and Miro Foundation.  Spain’s major cities offer a wide variety of entertainment, as well as fine art galleries and restaurants. Whether you are there for the beaches, golf, or for skiing and winter sports, always check to make sure that your travel insurance has you covered.

http://www.travel-insurance.net/info/european-health-insurance-card.php

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.