Tourist receiving treatment in a Spanish clinic after falling sick on holiday

What Happens If You Get Sick on Holiday in Spain Without Travel Insurance?

Expat Tips Published: 02 June 2025 11:47 CET

Spain offers one of Europe’s most attractive climates, a rich cultural scene, and world-class cuisine. But if you fall ill while on holiday — and you don’t have travel insurance — the situation can quickly go from inconvenient to financially devastating. Many visitors assume they’ll be treated for free or that their home country will step in. The truth? Most are on their own. In this guide, we break down exactly what happens when you need medical care in Spain without proper coverage, what it can cost, and why being unprepared is a gamble not worth taking.

Is emergency medical care free in Spain for tourists?

No — not unless you qualify under specific agreements. Spain’s public healthcare system is designed for residents and taxpayers, not tourists. While you won’t be refused life-saving treatment, you are not automatically entitled to free care.

Here’s the reality:

EU/EEA/UK citizens with a valid EHIC or GHIC can receive medically necessary public treatment — but only in public hospitals and only if the facility accepts the card.
Non-EU visitors — including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and others — must pay for all treatment unless they have travel insurance.
Private hospitals do not accept EHIC/GHIC at all. They require payment by card or cash, often before treatment begins.

How much does treatment cost without insurance?

Costs vary widely depending on the severity of the issue and whether you attend a public or private facility. Real-world estimates include:

Basic GP consultation: €80–€200
Ambulance transport: €150–€500
Emergency room visit (no hospitalisation): €300–€800
Hospital stay (public, as a non-EU tourist): €400–€1,200 per night
Surgery (e.g. appendicitis): €5,000–€10,000+ in a private hospital

Scans, medication, specialist referrals, and follow-up care are billed separately. A serious illness or injury can easily reach tens of thousands of euros.

Do private hospitals treat tourists differently?

Yes. In tourist-heavy regions such as the Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands, many visitors are taken directly to private clinics. These facilities offer fast treatment and English-speaking staff, but they also require proof of insurance or upfront payment for nearly all services.

Will your embassy help if you can’t pay?

Only with logistics — never with money. Embassies can:

Provide lists of doctors or hospitals
Contact your family
Issue replacement passports

They cannot pay your medical bills, negotiate with hospitals, or arrange medical evacuation.

What about medical repatriation?

Medical evacuation is one of the biggest financial risks for uninsured travellers. If you are too ill to fly commercially, an air ambulance to the UK or US can cost:

€10,000–€30,000+

This is almost never covered by anything except a good travel insurance policy.

Does EHIC or GHIC cover everything?

No. EHIC/GHIC provides access only to medically necessary care in the public system. It does not cover:

Private hospitals or clinics
Dental care (except emergencies)
Mountain or sea rescues
Helicopter evacuation
Repatriation to your home country
Lost luggage, cancellations, or stolen items

If your card is missing, expired, or not accepted by the facility, you may be required to pay in full and request reimbursement later.

Are there free clinics for tourists?

A few NGOs and charities offer basic medical help in major cities, but they do not handle serious medical issues. Public “centros de salud” may offer limited care, but non-residents can still be charged, and long waits are common.