Pet Insurance in Spain

If you own a dog or a cat in Spain, there are rules you need to follow and fines if you don’t.

Since 2023, civil liability insurance is mandatory for all dog owners.
And every pet must have a yearly health check and be up to date on vaccinations, depending on local regulations.

No insurance? No vet record? Then you’re officially non-compliant, even if your pet never leaves the house.

Contact us today for free advice.

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Dog Insurance Requirements in Spain

In Spain, civil liability insurance for dogs is mandatory by law. It protects you financially if your dog causes injury or damage to others. Without this cover, any incident becomes your full personal responsibility.

Medical cover is optional, but many owners choose it for added peace of mind and protection against high veterinary costs.

  • Civil liability insurance is legally required for all dog owners
  • Covers injuries, accidents, and property damage caused by your dog
  • Without cover, all costs are your personal responsibility
  • Applies regardless of breed, size, or temperament

Optional Cover

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pet insurance mandatory in Spain?

Only for dogs.
Since 2023, all dog owners in Spain are legally required to have civil liability insurance.
This covers physical or material damage your dog causes to others.
For cats and other animals, insurance is not mandatory, but still advisable.

What does civil liability insurance cover?

It covers damage your dog causes to third parties.
For example:

    • Biting someone

    • Causing an accident

    • Damaging someone’s property

It does not cover vet costs, illness, or injuries to your own pet.

Are vaccinations and check-ups covered?

Usually not.
Vaccinations and yearly health checks are legally required, but most basic pet insurance policies don’t include them.
Some insurers offer optional medical cover that reimburses part of vet visits or vaccinations — ask us if that’s relevant for you.

Is a yearly vet check really required by law?

Yes.
Under the Ley de Bienestar Animal, dogs and cats must have at least one annual health check by a licensed vet.
There must be a medical record, especially if the pet is not sterilized or registered in a public database.

Can I get insurance for a cat?

Yes. You can choose to insure cats for:

  • Indoor damage (if renting)

  • Vet expenses

  • Accidents or chronic conditions

What if I have multiple pets?

Some insurers allow you to add multiple animals to one policy.
Others require separate contracts.
We’ll advise you based on the number of animals and what you want to cover.

Does the policy cover vet costs?

Only if you choose medical coverage. Not all insurers offer this.
Most standard (liability-only) pet insurance does not cover vet bills, surgeries, medication or hospital stays.
Let us know what you want covered — we’ll show you what’s possible.

Is microchipping included in insurance?

No.
Microchipping is legally required in Spain for dogs and cats, but it’s not part of any insurance policy.
You’ll need to do this through a vet.

Can I insure my dog if it's not registered in Spain?

In most cases: yes.
But you’ll need to provide your NIE, your dog’s microchip number, and sometimes a health certificate.
We’ll guide you through what’s needed, based on your situation.

Do certain dog breeds cost more to insure?

Sometimes. While Spain no longer uses the “dangerous breed” list, some insurers still consider breed, size and past incidents when calculating the premium.
We’ll compare policies for you and check what applies.

Is there a waiting period before coverage starts?

For liability insurance: usually no waiting period.
For medical cover (if selected): often 15 to 30 days, or longer for specific conditions.
We’ll tell you upfront what applies.

Which insurers do you work with?

We work with leading insurers in Spain: Mapfre, Allianz, Zurich en Asisa.
We choose based on what’s best for your property and risk profile, not based on commission.

What happens if I need to make a claim?

You contact us — not a call center.
We help you report the claim, deal with the insurer, and make sure the process runs smoothly.

Raising the Standard of Service

Allianz

Strong international coverage

Allianz is one of Europe’s largest insurers with over 100 million clients worldwide. Why people choose Allianz:

  • Access to top private hospitals
  • Dental, physio, and mental health usually included no extras.
  • English app and support for non-Spanish speakers.

Zurich

Solid cover in and outside of Spain

Zurich offers straightforward policies with clear benefits and no fine-print confusion. Why people choose Zurich:

  • Easy to choose between standard and premium cover levels
  • Well-rated service and simple claims process
  • Trusted by families and long-term residents.

Mapfre

Spain’s largest homegrown insurer

Mapfre is Spain’s largest insurance company, with a massive medical network. Why people choose Mapfre:

  • Wide national coverage, including smaller towns
  • See any doctor with up to 90% reimbursement.
  • Reliable, efficient, and trusted by both locals and expats

Asisa

Spain’s largest medical network

Asisa was founded by doctors and now runs Spain’s biggest network of clinics and hospitals. Why people choose Asisa:

  • Access to 40,000+ doctors and 1,000+ clinics and hospitals
  • 24/7 English-speaking helpline and telemedicine options
  • “Hospital at home” care available in many areas

Get in touch

Everyone here at Exactly is dedicated to helping you start your SL business in Spain quickly and professionally.

Send an e-mail: support@exactly.es

Call us:  +34 9650 20262

Working days 09:00 – 17:00

Visit our office :  

Calle Punta Albir
03590 Altea