First of all, let me say this: Spain is a very safe country to travel for the majority of people. Now that’s said, we all know how unpredictable life can be, especially when you’re in unchartered territory. Covering yourself with travel insurance is just as important in Spain as anywhere else, and here’s why.

Pickpockets abound

The first thing that anyone will tell you about travelling in Spain is the professionalism of pickpockets, particularly in the big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Usually working in pairs, they have a range of tricks to distract you, like waving a map in front of your face while their partner makes off with your valuables.

Theft is one of the major reasons that people take out travel insurance before leaving home. It’s extremely inconvenient to say the least, to lose your luggage with all your valuables, but it’s just downright heartbreaking when they can’t be replaced.

Sadly tourists also make good targets for muggings. In the extreme case where theft can turn violent, you will be thankful for having health cover as part of your travel insurance package, especially if you need to be flown home at costs of up to $50,000!

Of course, it might not be all that bad and you could save the hundred-odd dollars it costs to take out travel insurance, but really why would you not have the peace of mind?

How to go about choosing the right travel insurance

It’s all relatively simple. You can either speak to your travel agent directly, or if you would like to choose from a wider range of policies, there are an increasing number of online travel insurers that cut out the middleman (that is, your travel agent and their commission).

The average travel insurance policy for Spain will include Europe, and often provides unlimited medical cover, as well as cover a range of other incidents such as theft, rental car excess, loss of income, delayed or cancelled flights or tours, permanent disability payouts and personal liability. For a month, the average cost is around $150. Considering most cameras are worth more, it seems like small change.

Travel Insurance Direct (http://www.travelinsurancedirect.com.au) are an example of how easy it can be to get a travel insurance quote online, as are Insure 4 Less (http://www.insure4less.com.au) and the site Lonely Planet recommend, World Nomads (http://www.worldnomads.com.au). For people wanting to stay a little longer, Knights Insurance is a Spain-specific insurer (http://www.knight-insurance.com/travel_insurance.htm).

So whether your trip includes sunning yourself on the Costa del Sol or hiking the mountain of the Valley of Laguart, the trip will be made all the more relaxing if you don’t have to worry about ‘what if’.

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