Why You Shouldn't Skip Travel Insurance When Coming to Spain

The Trip That Never Happened

I was buzzing with excitement.

Our parents were coming to visit us in Spain, and I had the perfect itinerary planned. We had rented a car to explore charming villages, indulge in long lunches with stunning views, and visit a few historical sites along the way. It was going to be the ultimate road trip.

Well, that was the plan anyway. We never even made it out of the house.

When Things Took a Turn

Mom got violently ill.

And I don't mean the sick where you can power through with a few painkillers. I'm talking about the type of illness that chains you to the nearest bathroom.

Suddenly, our grand adventure became a stay-at-home marathon.

I stayed close to make sure she was okay, and we spent days trapped near the toilet. It was not quite the bonding experience I'd envisioned.

I felt terrible. She'd flown all this way, excited to see the Spain we had fallen in love with, and ended up spending most of her time staring at our bathroom tiles. But more than that, I started to worry, what if things got worse? Would she need medical attention? How much would that cost?

We eventually took her to an emergency room here in Málaga, and let me tell you, it cost a fortune. If you're planning your Spanish itinerary, travel insurance should be part of that plan.

Not just the kind of 'ouch, that's pricey' bill, but the kind that makes your stomach drop.

Her medical aid covered some of it, but not nearly enough. Tests, treatment, consultations, every single thing added up. And as we watched the numbers climb, so did the stress.

“Vacation: where the only souvenirs you don’t want are germs.” – Unknown

The "What If" Moment

That's when it hit me: if only she had travel insurance.

Up until that point, I had never really considered travel insurance.

I'd always seen it as an unnecessary expense, something you get if you're overly cautious or expecting disaster. However, seeing my mom suffer and realising how quickly things could go south changed my perspective.

Why You Need Travel Insurance

The truth is, no matter how well you plan, life can throw you a curveball. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind, whether it's lost luggage, a cancelled flight, or getting too familiar with the local cuisine (in the worst possible way). Before you set off, make sure you've downloaded the essential travel apps for Spain to help you navigate any situation.

After my mom's visit, I vowed never to travel without it again. It's not just about protecting your wallet; it's about protecting your sanity.

Where to Get Covered

If you're wondering where to start, you can check out World Nomads. They offer comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price.

You can also check out Allianz Global Assistance's 24/7 support and extensive global network or Travelex for customizable plans that fit different budgets. AXA Assistance USA is great if you're looking for generous coverage limits without breaking the bank, and Seven Corners lets you tailor plans to your needs with reliable worldwide assistance.

Take your pick, but whatever you do, don't skip it. Peace of mind is worth every penny.

Learn From My Mistake

Watching my mom suffer and feeling completely helpless taught me a lesson I'll never forget.

I hope my story helps you avoid the same situation. Don't wait until you're stuck near a toilet in a foreign country to realise the importance of travel insurance. And if you're planning on driving in Spain, having coverage becomes even more essential.

Have you ever been caught off guard while travelling? Or did travel insurance save your bacon? Share your stories in the comments below, I'd love to hear them!

For more advice on trip preparation, check out the best time to visit Spain so you can plan around weather and festivals.