Health in Spain: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance

No mandatory vaccines for Spain; bring COVID‑19 proof, consider hepatitis A if you’ll eat street food, keep tetanus up‑to‑date, use tap water safely, and have travel insurance.

The Spanish health system does not require routine immunisations for short‑term visitors. Most travellers are covered by standard childhood vaccines (MMR, polio, DTaP).

COVID‑19 vaccination or a recent negative test is required for entry under current EU rules; verify the latest policy before travel.

Hepatitis A is advised for those who plan to eat raw produce, street‑food, or drink tap water outside major cities. The vaccine is a two‑dose series, the first dose giving good protection within two weeks.

If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the past ten years, get one before you go. A single dose of Td or Tdap suffices.

Other vaccines (hepatitis B, rabies, yellow fever) are only needed for specific risk activities or travel to other regions before entering Spain.

Tap water in Spain meets EU standards and is safe to drink in cities, towns and most tourist resorts. In remote mountain villages, ask locals or use bottled water if you are unsure.

Food hygiene standards are high in restaurants and markets. Street‑food stalls in busy plazas are generally safe; choose vendors with high turnover and hot‑served dishes.

If you have a sensitive stomach, carry a small bottle of filtered water for the first days.

Spain has a universal health system; EU citizens can use their EHIC/GHIC card for free public care. Non‑EU travellers must pay out‑of‑pocket unless they have travel insurance.

Emergency services (112) dispatch ambulances and hospitals quickly in urban areas. Private clinics are widely available in major cities and accept most international credit cards.

Travel insurance should cover hospitalisation, medication, and medical evacuation. Verify that COVID‑19 treatment is included.