Pet Insurance in Spain: Complete Guide for Expat Pet Owners

Pet Insurance in Spain: Complete Guide for Expat Pet Owners

If you have brought your dog, cat, or other pet to Spain — or adopted one since arriving — pet insurance is well worth considering. Veterinary costs in Spain are generally lower than in the UK, but a serious illness or emergency can still cost thousands of euros. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind and ensures your pet gets the treatment they need without a financial shock.

How Much Do Vets Cost in Spain?

Spanish vet fees are unregulated, so prices vary by clinic and region. As a rough guide:

• Routine consultation — €30 to €60
• Vaccinations (annual booster) — €40 to €80
• Blood tests — €50 to €120
• X-ray — €60 to €150
• Ultrasound — €80 to €200
• Emergency out-of-hours consultation — €80 to €200
• Surgery (e.g. cruciate ligament repair) — €800 to €2,500
• Cancer treatment — €1,500 to €5,000+
• Hospitalisation (per day) — €50 to €150

In expat areas like the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, there are many English-speaking vets, but their prices tend to be at the higher end of the range.

What Does Pet Insurance Cover in Spain?

A standard Spanish pet insurance policy typically includes:

• Veterinary fees for illness — diagnosis, treatment, medication, surgery, and hospitalisation
• Veterinary fees for accidents — hit by a car, fall, fight with another animal
• Civil liability — if your pet injures someone or damages their property (mandatory for certain breeds)
• Theft or loss — compensation if your pet is stolen
• Death from illness or accident — compensation based on the pet's declared value

Some policies also cover:

• Dental treatment
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Alternative therapies (acupuncture, hydrotherapy)
• Boarding kennel fees if you are hospitalised and cannot care for your pet
• Travel abroad cover (useful if you take your pet back to the UK)

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Spain?

• Dog (small to medium breed) — €15 to €35/month
• Dog (large breed) — €25 to €50/month
• Cat — €10 to €25/month
• Dangerous breed (PPP) with mandatory RC — €30 to €60/month

Premiums increase with your pet's age. Most insurers accept pets from 3 months to 8–10 years old for new policies. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded.

Dangerous Dog Breeds (PPP) — Mandatory Insurance

Spain classifies certain breeds as perros potencialmente peligrosos (PPP — potentially dangerous dogs). If you own a PPP breed, you are legally required to hold:

• Civil liability insurance of at least €120,000
• A PPP licence from your local ayuntamiento (town hall)
• The dog must be muzzled and on a short lead in public

PPP breeds in Spain include: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, and Akita Inu. Some autonomous communities add additional breeds to the list.

We arrange PPP-compliant insurance that meets the legal requirement and can also include veterinary cover.

Bringing Your Pet to Spain from the UK

Since Brexit, bringing a pet from the UK to Spain requires:

• A microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
• A valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your UK vet (valid for 10 days for entry, 4 months for onward travel within the EU)

Once in Spain, register your pet with a local vet and the regional pet registry (RIAC or equivalent). Your UK pet insurance will NOT be valid in Spain — you need a Spanish policy.

Need pet insurance in Spain? Get a free quote — we cover all breeds including PPP, and can arrange immediate civil liability cover while your full policy is being set up.

See also: Pet Insurance Spain | Home Insurance Spain