The Canary Islands are part of the European Union: your national ID card is enough to get in, and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to the Spanish public health network. That said, the EHIC does not cover private clinics, which are the go-to choice for most tourists, and it includes neither medical repatriation nor protection against trip cancellation or lost luggage. Travel insurance fills those gaps before you ever need it.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory in the Canary Islands?
Travel insurance is not compulsory for entry to the Canary Islands. As a Spanish territory and EU member, the islands welcome French nationals on a valid national ID card or passport. The EHIC provides a basic safety net within the public sector, but it leaves private clinic fees, medical repatriation and all other travel mishaps at your expense. Travel insurance covers all of these situations.
Why take out Canary Islands travel insurance?
- Private clinics not covered by the EHIC: In the Canary Islands, many tourists end up at private clinics, which are far more accessible in practice. Without cover beyond the EHIC, those bills are entirely on you.
- Medical repatriation: A medically assisted flight back to France can run to tens of thousands of euros. Yupwego arranges and covers this transfer under your policy, where the EHIC stops.
- Trip cancellation or delay: Illness, accident, bereavement: a cancellation guarantee reimburses your non-refundable flights and bookings if you have to cancel for a covered reason.
- Theft and lost luggage: Phone, camera, suitcase: in the event of theft with break-in, Yupwego reimburses your belongings under the terms of your policy.
- Sports and outdoor activities: Hiking on volcanic terrain, surfing, paragliding: check that your policy covers the activities you plan to do, as some are excluded from standard cover.
What your Canary Islands travel insurance covers with Yupwego
For a stay in the Canary Islands, Yupwego recommends a minimum of 80 000 € in medical expenses and repatriation cover.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego settles the bill directly with the hospital or private clinic, so you pay nothing upfront.
- Medical repatriation: If your condition requires it, Yupwego organises and funds your medically assisted return to France.
- Trip cancellation: If you cancel for a covered reason (illness, accident, bereavement), Yupwego reimburses your non-recoverable costs.
- Theft and lost luggage: If your belongings are stolen or lost, Yupwego compensates you under your policy terms.
- Personal liability abroad: If you cause harm to a third party during your stay, your liability cover handles the costs under your policy.
Health and medical care in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands’ public hospital network is of a good standard, on a par with the rest of Spain. In practice, many tourists find themselves at private clinics, where a single consultation and routine treatment can easily run to several hundred euros, all at your own expense without insurance. No vaccines are compulsory for travel there, but France Diplomatie recommends keeping routine boosters up to date before any trip abroad (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles). Without travel insurance, any private medical costs fall entirely on you from the very first appointment.
Entry requirements for the Canary Islands
French nationals only need a valid passport or national ID card to enter the Canary Islands: no visa is required (EU territory). Remember to apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your health insurance fund at least 15 days before departure. It covers treatment at Spanish public facilities, but does not apply to private clinics and includes neither repatriation nor cancellation protection. For a family holiday, a family travel insurance policy covers all members under a single contract. For a long stay or relocation to the Canary Islands, long-stay travel insurance is the more suitable option.
Car hire and road accidents in the Canary Islands
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore the islands. Your French driving licence is valid in the Canary Islands (EU territory): no international permit is needed. When signing with the hire company, take out CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) cover: travel insurance does not cover damage to the hire vehicle itself. If you are injured in an accident, however, your travel insurance covers your medical costs, hospitalisation and repatriation (personal injury); third-party liability is covered under the terms of your policy.
