With the beginning of the war in Ukraine, many Ukrainians found refuge in other countries, in particular in Spain, which offered refugees temporary protection. This allows them to receive various services and social support. However, an important aspect of adaptation in a new country remains the issue of insurance. Whether you’re coming to Spain for a short period of time or planning to stay longer, it’s important to know what types of insurance you may need. In addition to compulsory health insurance, there are other types of policies that may be useful depending on your needs and circumstances.
The main types of insurance required for Ukrainian refugees in Spain
- Medical insurance
As refugees, Ukrainians in Spain are subject to the system of temporary protection, which provides access to medical services free of charge. This covers both primary care and more complex treatment, including hospitalisation, emergency care and medication. However, it is important to have a private policy at the stage of paperwork or when additional services are needed.
Why is supplemental health insurance important?
Although the Spanish healthcare system provides basic services, a private insurance policy may cover additional costs such as dentistry, ophthalmology or specialized services not included in the public package. Private insurance also allows you to get access to doctors faster, especially in private clinics, which is important in case of unforeseen situations. - Accident insurance
Accident insurance covers costs in case of serious injuries or accidental damage to health. This can be especially important if you work in temporary jobs that involve manual labor or simply plan to actively spend time in Spain. This policy provides compensation for medical treatment in the event of accidents and may also include financial support in case of temporary incapacity due to injury.
How does it work?
If, for example, you are injured at work or during a sporting activity, accident insurance will cover the costs of treatment, rehabilitation or even transport to hospital. In some cases, such a policy also provides financial compensation if you are temporarily unable to work due to an injury. - Civil liability insurance
This type of insurance is useful if you plan to rent a home or work in Spain. Liability insurance covers costs related to possible damages that you may inadvertently cause to third parties or their property. For example, if you accidentally damage the rental property or someone is injured because of your actions (for example, in the event of an accident), this policy will cover the cost of damages.
Why is this necessary?
In Spain, renting a property often requires third-party liability insurance so that the landlord can be sure that damage to his property will be compensated. This type of insurance is also useful if you travel to work where you interact with other people or are responsible for material valuables. - Housing insurance
If you decide to rent or buy a property in Spain, you will need property insurance. This policy covers risks related to damage to the home due to fire, flood, theft or other unforeseen circumstances. For renters, home insurance usually covers the risk of damage to the rental property, and owners can take out a policy that will protect their property in the event of major accidents. - Car insurance
If you plan to use a car in Spain, you will need one car insurance. There are several types of policies for this, ranging from basic liability insurance to extended policies that cover repairs, theft or loss of the vehicle. Drivers with Ukrainian licenses can use them in Spain for the first few months, but for a long-term stay they will need to obtain a local license.
What is a “Green Card”?
If you are traveling to Spain in your own car, you will need an international insurance policy – the so-called “Green Card”. It allows you to travel in EU countries and covers costs in the event of a road accident. Without a Green Card, your car may not be allowed into the country.
How to get insurance in Spain
There are several ways to issue insurance policies for Ukrainian refugees. Many insurance companies, including online platforms, offer special packages for refugees that include basic and additional services.
Steps to apply for insurance:
- Select the type of insurance you need (medical, home, third party, etc.).
- Compare quotes from different insurance companies based on coverage and price.
- Take out the policy online or at the office of the insurance company.
- Make sure the policy meets your specific needs and includes all the services you need.
Spain provides Ukrainian refugees with the necessary social and medical assistance, but additional insurance can become an important element of protection in a new country. Regardless of whether it’s health insurance, home insurance or car insurance, Ukrainian refugees should take care of their safety and financial protection in advance. Taking out appropriate insurance policies will help you feel more confident and avoid possible risks associated with living in a new country.
