Insurance
Pet insurance in Spain: what is compulsory and what is worth having
Liability insurance for dogs, vet health insurance and accident cover in Spain: what the law says and what to check before you sign.
Updated: October 2026
Vets in Spain are generally good value compared with northern Europe, but an operation, a broken leg or a long illness can still cost several thousand euros. At the same time, Spain’s animal welfare law has made liability insurance for dogs a topic every owner should know about. This guide explains the different types of pet insurance in Spain, what is and is not compulsory, and what to check before you sign.
Is pet insurance compulsory in Spain?
The animal welfare law, Ley 7/2023, says that dog owners must have third-party liability insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil) covering damage their dog causes to other people. However, the obligation depends on an implementing regulation that sets the minimum cover, and that regulation is still pending. Until it is approved, the general obligation is not yet enforced.
There are two important exceptions. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs (perros potencialmente peligrosos, such as certain breeds and large, powerful dogs) already need a municipal licence and liability insurance under the older law on dangerous animals. Some regions and town halls also have their own rules, so ask at your ayuntamiento when you register your dog.
Health insurance for vet bills is never compulsory. It is a personal choice, and for many owners it is about peace of mind.
The three types of cover
- Liability insurance (responsabilidad civil): pays if your dog bites someone, causes a traffic accident or damages property. It is often cheap and can sometimes be added to your home insurance – check whether your policy already includes pets.
- Vet health insurance (seguro de salud): pays part of your vet bills for illness and accidents, for example operations, hospital stays, tests and medicines. This is what most people mean by pet insurance.
- Accident-only cover: a cheaper option that only pays for injuries from accidents, not for illness.
What to check before you sign
- Age limits: many insurers only accept new pets up to a certain age, and premiums rise as the animal gets older. Insuring a young animal is usually easier and cheaper.
- Waiting periods (carencia): cover for illness often starts only after a few weeks. Accidents are usually covered sooner.
- Pre-existing conditions: illnesses your pet already has are normally excluded.
- Excess and co-payment: check how much you pay yourself per claim or per year.
- Annual limit: some policies cap what they pay per year or per condition.
- Choice of vet: some policies let you use any vet and claim the money back; others only work with partner clinics.
- Language: make sure you understand the policy and claims process. Ask for documents in English if your Spanish is not strong.
Health risks that make cover worth considering
Spain’s warm climate brings diseases that pets from northern Europe may never have met, such as leishmaniasis (spread by sandflies) and processionary caterpillars in pine areas. Treatment can be long and expensive. Our guide to moving to Spain with a dog or cat explains the main risks and how to prevent them.
Where to compare pet insurance
Ask your vet which insurers their clinic works with, and compare at least two or three quotes. For dogs, Petplan (ad) offers health and accident policies in Spain, and you can get a price online in a few minutes. Spanish banks and home insurers also sell pet cover, often as an add-on.
Useful links
- Ley 7/2023 on animal welfare (BOE, Spanish)
- Legal Today: why the dog insurance obligation depends on a regulation (Spanish)
FAQ: pet insurance in Spain
Do I have to insure my dog in Spain?
The animal welfare law requires liability insurance for dogs, but the obligation depends on a regulation that has not yet been approved. Owners of potentially dangerous dogs already need a licence and insurance. Check local rules at your town hall.
Do I need insurance for my cat?
No. The liability insurance in the animal welfare law is for dogs. Health insurance for cats is optional.
Does my home insurance cover my pet?
Some home insurance policies include liability for damage caused by pets, or let you add it. Vet bills are usually not included. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
Can I insure an older pet?
Often yes, but many insurers have a maximum age for new policies and charge more for older animals. Pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or insurance advice. Rules and policy terms change – check the conditions with the insurer and local rules with your town hall before you decide.
