Why It’s a Good Idea to Have Hiking Insurance.
Andalucía is one of Europe’s most rewarding regions for hikers. From the dramatic limestone gorge of the Caminito del Rey to the high plateau of El Torcal de Antequera and the trails of the Sierra de Loja and Tejeda Natural Park, our walking holidays offer exceptional variety.
While hiking here does not legally require mountain rescue insurance, having appropriate cover is a smart and responsible decision we highly recommend.
There is no law in Andalucía that obliges recreational hikers to carry mountain rescue insurance simply for walking or hiking on marked trails. Rescue services like the Guardia Civil’s mountain rescue teams (GREIM/SEREIM) will respond to emergencies as part of their public duty.
That said, regional policies vary somewhat across Spain. Some autonomous communities have rules that can charge you for certain rescue costs (especially if there’s negligence), but Andalucía is generally not one of the regions that routinely bills hikers.
If rescue services are needed, particularly with helicopters or technical teams, the operational costs can be thousands of euros (e.g., 5,000 to 8,000 €) if you end up paying out of pocket or are later charged.
In Spain, most rescues are publicly funded and are usually not directly invoiced to the person rescued, but some regions may charge costs in specific situations.
Though not required, travel or adventure insurance with mountain rescue cover is highly recommended. Ordinary health insurance and European Health Insurance Cards usually do not cover search, rescue, or evacuation. Specialised insurance covers these costs, preventing unexpected expenses.
Don’t risk unnecessary expense or stress. Prioritise your safety and peace of mind by arranging proper hiking insurance before you head out.
Obtaining Hiking Insurance.
If you’re a member of a walking club or association, then contact them first. Your membership may already include mountain rescue insurance, and even if it’s only for the UK/Ireland, you can usually upgrade to European walking insurance.
Other alternatives include buying cover just for the duration of your holiday. We recommend Sports Cover Direct if you’re in the UK. Of course, you can always contact your travel insurance company to see if they include this.
