Gran Canaria is often called a miniature continent — and for good reason. From the sand dunes of Maspalomas to the lush pine forests of the interior, the island offers extraordinary variety in a compact space. It is also home to a large and established expat community, particularly around Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the north and the Maspalomas–Playa del Inglés corridor in the south.
Whether you have recently moved to Gran Canaria or have lived here for years, making sure your insurance is properly set up is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. Here is what every expat on the island needs to know.
Gran Canaria has the best hospital infrastructure in the Canary Islands after Tenerife. The Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín and the Hospital Universitario Insular are both large, well-equipped public facilities in Las Palmas. The south of the island has smaller clinics but fewer hospital beds.
For expats, private health insurance provides several advantages: shorter waiting times, access to English-speaking specialists, and the ability to choose your own doctor and hospital. If you live in the south and need specialist treatment, private cover often means you can be seen in Las Palmas within days rather than weeks.
For visa applicants — particularly those on the Non-Lucrative Visa — private health insurance with full cover and no co-payments is a requirement. We provide policies that meet consulate requirements and can issue certificates quickly for your visa application.
Insurance needs differ significantly depending on where you live on the island. In Las Palmas, the main risks are water damage (older plumbing in city apartments), theft, and civil liability. In the south — particularly in beachfront properties around Maspalomas, San Agustín, and Arguineguín — coastal weather exposure, salt corrosion, and storm damage are bigger concerns.
A good home insurance policy in Gran Canaria should cover water damage, storm and weather events, theft, civil liability, and legal expenses. If you rent out your property — something many south-coast expats do to supplement their income — make sure your policy covers short-term rental activity or take out a dedicated landlord policy.
For community-owned apartments, your comunidad will have a buildings policy, but it only covers the structure. You need your own policy for contents, fixtures you have installed, and personal liability.
Gran Canaria's roads vary enormously. The GC-1 motorway along the east coast is a modern, well-maintained dual carriageway. But venture into the interior — towards Tejeda, Artenara, or the Tamadaba massif — and you will encounter narrow, winding mountain roads with sheer drops and no barriers.
We recommend at least third-party fire and theft cover, with fully comprehensive being the better choice if you drive regularly in the interior. Roadside assistance is essential — recovery from a mountain road breakdown is difficult and expensive without it.
As with all the Canary Islands, ITV (the Spanish MOT equivalent) requirements apply. Your vehicle must have a valid ITV certificate; driving without one can void elements of your insurance cover and result in fines.
Gran Canaria — Las Palmas in particular — has become a major hub for digital nomads and remote workers. If you run a business from the island, you may need professional indemnity insurance, public liability cover, or specific autónomo insurance products. We can advise on the right setup based on your business activity.
The Canary Islands operate under a different tax regime to the mainland, using IGIC instead of IVA. This affects how insurance premiums are calculated and can make direct comparisons with mainland quotes misleading. Working with a broker who knows the Canary Islands market is the best way to ensure you get accurate quotes and appropriate cover.
We compare policies from Spain's leading insurers, handle all communication in English, and provide claims support when you need it. Whether you need health, home, car, or life insurance in Gran Canaria, we can help.
Get started today. Visit our Gran Canaria insurance page or request a free quote.
See also: Home Insurance in Spain | Private Health Insurance | Insurance in Tenerife
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