Travel Insurance: Canary Islands
Compare travel insurance for the Canary Islands
Make the most of your time in the Canary Isles – and don’t forget to take out a travel insurance policy so you can fully relax and enjoy your break
Make the most of your time in the Canary Isles – and don’t forget to take out a travel insurance policy so you can fully relax and enjoy your break
If you’re jetting off to the Canaries, make sure you take out travel insurance.
This will provide cover for you and your family if someone becomes ill or has an accident while you’re on holiday, and in case your possessions are lost or stolen during your trip.
Travel insurance will also protect you in the event that your holiday has to be cut short or cancelled unexpectedly, which could otherwise see you left seriously out of pocket.
A good travel insurance policy for the Canary Islands (including Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, among other islands), should include the following:
All insurance policies come with exclusions, and travel insurance is no exception.
Here are some of the things that you’ll probably be unable to claim for under your travel insurance policy:
Don’t forget to check the excess on your travel insurance policy, too. Though it might seem tempting to opt for a higher excess in exchange for a lower premium now, don’t set it so high that it would be difficult to afford in the event you needed to claim.
Finally, while you might think it’s sensible to start your travel insurance policy from the date on which you’re due to travel, this could be an expensive mistake. Always start your policy from the date you book your trip - or else, should you need to cancel your holiday due to unforeseen circumstances, you won’t be covered.
Because the Canary Islands are part of Spain, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will cover you for emergency State-run healthcare while you’re on holiday there.
The UK is still participating in the EHIC/GHIC scheme even though it is not part of the European Union. You can apply for the new UK GHIC card – which is free and works in exactly the same way as the EHIC – on the NHS website.
The cards are a great safety net but they don’t replace good quality travel insurance, as they don’t offer cover for repatriation or cancellation and so on, and you may also need to pay for some care abroad that you would get free in your own country.
1. Stay safe
While the Canary Islands are famed for their warm, bright weather, its cool coastal breezes can mask the intensity of the sunshine.
Always make sure you, and the rest of your party, wear high factor sun protection while out and about, even if the conditions do not seem to warrant it.
Meanwhile, whether you’re swimming at your resort or in the sea, read the signs and follow safety advice at all times. Be aware that the current around the Canary Islands can be powerful and can prove dangerous, especially for younger members of the family and those who are not strong swimmers.
2. Buy bottled water
While the water in the Canary Islands is safe to drink, many Brits report that it doesn’t taste as good as the water back home. That’s because it’s largely desalinated seawater.
Be prepared to use tap water just for teeth-brushing, and to buy bottled for drinking.
3. Experience exceptional wines
While the Canary Islands are a familiar holiday destination for many Brits, what’s less well known is that this Spanish archipelago has several wine regions - and within them, some of Europe’s most southerly vineyards.
Experts claim Canary Island wines are floral, light and fresh - so why not try a glass of the local tipple with your tapas? You’re on holiday after all...
4. Dare to drive
The Canary Islands offer a rich and varied experience for holidaymakers, with luxurious resorts that can cater to your every need as well as historical monuments and breath-taking natural scenery.
If you’re keen to get off the beaten track, you could hire a car during your holiday. Just remember that you’ll need to stick to the right hand side of the road!
5. Beware the wrong beach…
Finally, depending on where you go in the Canary Islands, be aware that some beaches are popular with nudists.
If you’re not keen on visiting a ‘clothing optional’ stretch of coast, do your research before heading out!