GHIC vs Travel Insurance in Spain: What Covers a Doctor?

A UK GHIC card gives you access to Spain's public healthcare on the same terms as a Spanish resident — useful, but it does not cover private treatment, a doctor coming to your hotel, or medical repatriation. Travel insurance covers those gaps. For most travellers the honest answer is: carry both. The GHIC is your baseline; travel insurance is what actually pays for speed, comfort and a private doctor when you need one.

What does a GHIC actually cover in Spain?

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card, the post-Brexit replacement for the EHIC) entitles UK visitors to medically necessary state healthcare in Spain at the same cost a local pays — often free, sometimes with a small co-payment. It covers public hospitals and health centres (centros de salud). It does not cover private clinics, private doctors, non-urgent care, or getting you home. For a fuller picture of the public system, see our guide to healthcare in Spain.

What does travel insurance cover that a GHIC doesn't?

Travel insurance typically covers private medical treatment, a private doctor visit, prescription costs, repatriation, and trip disruption. Crucially, most policies let you use a private doctor and then reimburse you — you pay upfront and claim back with a valid invoice. Our travel insurance guide for Spain breaks down what is and isn't covered in detail.

Do I need both for a trip to Spain?

Yes, for most travellers. The GHIC is free and worth carrying, but public health centres in tourist areas can mean long waits and a language barrier. Travel insurance is what gives you the option of a private, English-speaking doctor who comes to you — and pays for it. In a destination like Ibiza you can book a private doctor to your accommodation instead of queuing at a health centre.

How do I claim a private doctor visit on my travel insurance?

You need an itemised invoice with the diagnosis coded (ICD-10), the date, and the provider's details. Pay the doctor, keep the invoice, and submit it to your insurer. OnCall Clinic issues an insurance-ready, multilingual invoice with ICD-10 codes automatically after every visit, so the claim is straightforward.