For a winter stay of three to six months in Spain you need long-stay travel insurance, not a standard annual policy, because most annual policies limit each trip to 31, 45 or 60 days. Look for a single-trip or long-stay policy that covers the full length of your trip, medical treatment, repatriation and any pre-existing conditions you declare.
What to look for
- Trip length: the policy must cover every day of your stay.
- Medical cover: high limits for treatment and hospital stays.
- Repatriation: cover to bring you home if you are seriously ill.
- Pre-existing conditions: declared and accepted in writing.
- Cancellation and curtailment: in case you need to go home early.
- Excess: how much you pay per claim.
- Home returns: whether you can fly home mid-trip without ending the cover.
Annual vs single-trip vs long-stay
| Policy type | Typical maximum trip | Good for a 3-month winter? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard annual multi-trip | 31-60 days per trip | Usually no |
| Annual with extended trip option | Up to 90-120 days | Sometimes |
| Single-trip long-stay | Several months | Yes |
| Backpacker or gap-year policy | Up to 12 months or more | Yes, check age limits |
GHIC is not enough
The UK GHIC gives access to necessary state healthcare in Spain, but it does not cover private clinics, which many tourist areas rely on, nor repatriation, nor cancellation. Use both. See GHIC in the Canary Islands.
Tips
- Buy insurance as soon as you book, so cancellation cover starts immediately.
- Declare every medical condition honestly.
- Carry your policy number and emergency phone number.
- Call the insurer’s assistance line before going to a private clinic.
Our verdict
Choose a policy built for long stays and declare everything. If you are older, read Travel Insurance for Over-70s Wintering in the Canary Islands.