Fill in the form and we'll be in touch — usually within one working day.
No obligation · 100% free · Reply within 1 working day
Fuerteventura is the second-largest of the Canary Islands and the closest to the African coast, just 100 kilometres from Morocco. Famous for its vast, pristine beaches and world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, it has attracted a diverse international community of residents who value its quieter, more natural character compared to the busier tourist islands. The areas of Corralejo in the north, Caleta de Fuste in the centre, and Morro Jable in the south are the main expat communities.
Unlike Lanzarote or Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura has deliberately limited large-scale development. Much of the interior remains protected desert landscape, and the Parque Natural de Corralejo in the north and the Jandia Peninsula in the south are UNESCO Biosphere Reserve areas. This protection shapes the character of the island and the type of resident it attracts: people who value open space, outdoor activity, and a slower pace over the busier resort atmosphere of neighbouring islands.
Fuerteventura has a smaller but close-knit expat community compared to Gran Canaria or Tenerife. British, German, and Scandinavian residents are the largest groups, attracted by the island's undeveloped character, excellent water sports, and relaxed pace. Many expats are active and outdoor-oriented. The German community in particular is one of the largest on any Canary Island. At Insurance Spain, we serve Fuerteventura's international community in English, Norwegian, and German.
Corralejo in the north is the most internationally mixed community on the island, with a good range of English-speaking services, international supermarkets, and a well-established social scene built around watersports and outdoor activities. Caleta de Fuste, near the airport and the capital Puerto del Rosario, tends to attract a slightly older demographic and has a more settled, residential character with easy access to the island's main administrative services. Morro Jable and the broader Jandia area in the south draws residents who prioritise access to some of the finest beaches in the Atlantic, including Sotavento, and a quieter day-to-day environment. Understanding which community you live in matters for insurance purposes, particularly regarding proximity to healthcare facilities and emergency services.
Fuerteventura operates under the Canary Islands' IGIC tax system, not mainland Spain's IVA. All insurance products are subject to IGIC. Our partner insurers are authorised to operate under Canary Islands regulations.
The IGIC rate on insurance is currently lower than the IVA rate applied on the Spanish mainland, which means premiums can differ from equivalent mainland policies. It is important to use insurers who are correctly registered to operate within the Canary Islands fiscal regime, as policies issued under mainland IVA rules may not be fully valid for Fuerteventura residents. We only work with providers who are properly authorised for the Canary Islands market.
Fuerteventura's healthcare infrastructure is more limited than the larger islands. The Hospital General de Fuerteventura in Puerto del Rosario is the main public facility; private options are limited and serious cases are often transferred to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This makes comprehensive private health insurance with emergency evacuation cover particularly important. Mandatory for Non-Lucrative Visa holders. Ensure your policy confirms Canary Islands-wide coverage.
Residents in the south of the island, particularly around Morro Jable and Jandia, are the furthest from the main hospital in Puerto del Rosario, a drive of approximately 90 kilometres. There are smaller health centres in Corralejo and Gran Tarajal, but their capacity for serious or specialist treatment is limited. For this reason, inter-island evacuation cover to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a practical necessity rather than an optional extra, and we verify this is included as standard in any policy we arrange for Fuerteventura residents.
Fuerteventura is the windiest of the Canary Islands, a fact celebrated by the windsurfers and kitesurfers who flock to Sotavento and Corralejo, but a genuine consideration for property owners. Persistent strong winds cause specific damage risks:
We ensure your home insurance policy covers wind damage at appropriate limits for Fuerteventura's conditions, and that storm exclusions do not leave you exposed during the island's regular high-wind periods.
Properties in exposed coastal positions, including many of the villas and apartments in Corralejo, Cotillo, and along the Jandia coastline, face higher wind exposure than inland properties and should carry higher sums insured for external fixtures and outbuildings. If your property is used as a holiday rental when you are not in residence, it is also important to confirm that your policy provides adequate cover during unoccupied periods, as many standard home policies restrict cover after a property has been empty for 30 or 60 days.
Fuerteventura has seen steady interest from foreign buyers, particularly in Corralejo and the Jandia Peninsula, where demand for holiday-use properties with rental income potential has grown. Property prices remain lower on average than on Tenerife or Gran Canaria, which makes the island attractive to buyers with more modest budgets. The island's strict development controls also mean that supply of new build properties is more constrained than on other islands, which supports long-term values in established areas.
Whether you are renting or buying, your insurance requirements differ significantly. Tenants need contents insurance and, in many cases, third-party liability cover within their rental property. Owners need buildings insurance, and if the property is rented out, landlord liability cover is essential. If you are purchasing with a Spanish mortgage, the lender will typically require a buildings insurance policy as a condition of the loan. We arrange cover for all of these scenarios and can advise on what is required for your specific situation on the island.
Public transport on Fuerteventura is limited, and a car is essential for most residents outside the major resort centres. The island's roads are generally quiet and in good condition. We compare car insurance from all major Spanish providers and arrange cover for UK-registered vehicles.
The main road running the length of the island, the FV-1 and FV-2, connects Corralejo in the north to Morro Jable in the south and is well maintained. However, sand drift across roads in certain areas, particularly in the central and northern zones, can be a hazard and contributes to bodywork and tyre wear over time. If you drive regularly on unmade tracks to access beaches or rural areas, it is worth confirming whether your policy covers off-road use and what restrictions apply to sand or terrain damage.
Wind damage is covered under most standard home insurance policies, but policy limits and exclusions vary significantly, particularly for sustained wind events versus one-off storms. We check that your policy is appropriate for Fuerteventura's wind conditions and that you are not underinsured for storm events.
Yes, most comprehensive private health insurance policies include emergency evacuation and inter-island transfer cover. This is particularly important on Fuerteventura given the island's limited specialist healthcare. We confirm this is included when arranging your policy.
Fill in the quote form or contact us. We understand the Fuerteventura market and respond in English, usually within one working day.
