© José Manuel Guerrero · Fotografía propia · © Todos los derechos reservadosServices · Insurance
© José Manuel Guerrero · Fotografía propia · © Todos los derechos reservadosServices · Insurance
Travel insurance isn't compulsory for walking the Camino, but in some cases it's highly advisable and in others it's an unnecessary expense. The key is your own situation: where you're coming from, what healthcare coverage you already have, and how much you've invested in the trip. We'll explain it honestly so you can decide wisely.
Updated on August 12, 2026
If you're coming from outside the European Union (for example, from the Americas, Asia or the United Kingdom) and you don't have reciprocal healthcare coverage in Spain, insurance with medical assistance is highly recommended: a consultation, some tests or a hospital stay can be very costly.
Also if you've invested a fair amount in flights and non-refundable bookings and want cancellation cover, or if you're worried about theft or lost luggage. For demanding mountain stages (Primitivo, Norte, the Pyrenees) it's worth making sure the policy covers hiking/trekking.
If you're a resident in Spain, the public health service already covers you; additional insurance adds little beyond cancellation or extras. If you're from the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you public healthcare in Spain on the same terms as a local: for many Europeans on cheap flights, that's enough.
Don't pay for coverage you already have twice over (some credit cards or home insurance policies include travel assistance). Check what you already have first.
Medical and hospital assistance with a generous limit; repatriation; explicit cover for hiking/trekking (many basic policies exclude it); civil liability; and, if it matters to you, cancellation and luggage.
Compare the medical assistance limit and the small print on covered activities rather than the price. A cheap policy that excludes hiking is no use to you on the Camino.
🛡 Travel insurance for the Camino
Insurance with medical assistance, baggage cover and cancellation protects you against the unexpected: an injury, a mishap or a stage you can't walk. IATI specialises in travel and offers cover valid for the Camino de Santiago.
See IATI insurance ↗Affiliate link: taking it out through it costs you no more and helps keep this guide independent.
The hostels and lodgings on the most popular stages (Sarria, O Cebreiro, the last 100 km) fill up fast, especially in summer and during a Holy Year. Book ahead to secure a spot at the best price.
Frequently asked questions
No, it isn't compulsory. It's advisable above all for pilgrims from outside the EU without healthcare coverage in Spain, or for anyone wanting cancellation cover or hiking cover on mountain routes.
If you're from the EU, the EHIC gives you public healthcare in Spain just like a resident. For many Europeans that's enough; private insurance adds cancellation, repatriation or extra coverage.
Medical assistance with a good limit, repatriation and, very importantly, that it expressly includes hiking/trekking. Check that it isn't excluded in the small print.