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

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 help. 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 through a specific agreement. Spain’s public healthcare system is funded by its taxpayers and is designed to serve residents and citizens. While no one will be left to die on the street, non-residents are not automatically entitled to free treatment.

Here’s the breakdown:

EU/EEA/UK citizens with a valid EHIC or GHIC card can receive medically necessary treatment in public hospitals during temporary stays — but only at facilities that accept the card.

Non-EU tourists (including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and others) must pay for all treatment unless they have valid travel insurance.

Private hospitals do not accept EHIC/GHIC at all. They require cash or card payment — usually upfront.

How much does treatment cost without insurance?

The cost of getting sick in Spain without coverage depends on the severity of the issue and where you receive care. Here are real-world examples:

Basic GP consultation: €80–€200

Ambulance transport: €150–€500 (depending on distance and whether it’s public or private)

Emergency room admission (no hospitalisation): €300–€800

Hospital stay (public, as a non-EU tourist): €400–€1,200 per night

Surgery (appendicitis, for example): €5,000–€10,000+ in a private hospital

Prescription medication, scans (like MRIs or CTs), follow-up care, and specialist appointments are also billed separately. If you need extended treatment or intensive care, the total can reach tens of thousands of euros.

Do private hospitals treat tourists differently?

Yes — many tourists are taken directly to private clinics, especially in high-tourism areas like the Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, or Canary Islands. These clinics may offer English-speaking staff and faster treatment, but at a price. In most cases, you must provide proof of insurance or payment before treatment begins.

What does the embassy do if you're stuck?

Very little when it comes to finances. Embassies can help you locate doctors, contact your family, and issue emergency travel documents — but they won’t pay medical bills, negotiate with hospitals, or arrange repatriation flights. That’s your responsibility or your insurer’s.

What about repatriation to your home country?

Medical evacuation is one of the most expensive risks uninsured tourists face. If you suffer a heart attack, stroke, or serious injury and can’t fly commercially, a medically equipped air ambulance to the UK or US can cost €10,000–€30,000. This cost is rarely covered by anything except a solid travel insurance policy.

Does GHIC or EHIC cover everything?

No. The EHIC/GHIC only grants access to public healthcare for medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay. It does not cover:

Private hospitals or clinics

Dental treatment (except emergencies)

Mountain rescues, helicopter evacuations, or sea rescues

Repatriation to your home country

Lost luggage, cancelled flights, or stolen belongings

And if your card is expired, lost, or incorrectly filled out, you may be forced to pay in full until you can sort it out — often weeks later.

Are there any exceptions or free clinics?

In some cities, a handful of charitable organisations and NGOs offer basic medical services for tourists in distress or undocumented migrants. But they are not hospitals and won’t handle serious cases or injuries. Spain also operates some public walk-in clinics (“centros de salud”), but these are often overwhelmed, Spanish-speaking only, and may still charge non-residents.

So, what’s the smart move?

Don’t roll the dice. For a trip costing €800 or more, a basic travel insurance policy costs less than €40 in most cases. For that, you get:

Emergency medical coverage (often up to €1 million or more)

24/7 English-speaking assistance hotlines

Cover for COVID-19, sudden illness, and accidents

Repatriation, delayed flights, and lost luggage support

Access to vetted private clinics and hospitals

Some policies also allow you to access digital doctor consultations from your hotel or apartment, making it even easier to get help without language barriers or long queues.

Spain is unforgettable — but a hospital bill shouldn’t be. Don’t travel without a plan. A few euros upfront can save you from a financial and medical nightmare abroad.

Staying longer in Spain? If you're coming to study, work remotely, or stay beyond 90 days, private insurance is usually required for visas or residency. Learn more about our International Students plan or explore options like the Sanitas Top Quantum plan for full expat coverage.

Sources:

European Commission: EHIC Information

UK Government: GHIC & Healthcare in the EU

US Embassy in Spain: Medical Assistance

Schengen Visa Info: Spain Travel Insurance Rules