Madrid, the capital of Spain, is renowned for being a delightful place to visit. With beautiful parks and squares, the city of over 3 million is known as a major world cultural center.
Of course, the year-round pleasant weather with mild winter helps. Spain is well known as a friendly and slightly boisterous destination. Excellent cuisine and exciting nightlife add to the charm of Madrid. You're sure to have a good time. But before you leave, remember to purchase travel medical insurance to protect yourself financially from unexpected accidents, illnesses, injuries, or travel incidents.
Madrid Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Madrid has an excellent healthcare system. The public hospitals are clean and provide adequate treatment. However, there is always a crowd, and you might have to seek private medical care. That is quite expensive without proper travel medical insurance coverage.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Madrid?
There is no obligatory need to buy travel health insurance before you visit Madrid unless you need a Schengen visa. But an unforeseen medical emergency might be quite expensive, and it would be wise to secure yourself with a travel medical insurance policy.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Madrid?
Travel medical insurance offers benefits like:
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation
- Coverage for repatriation of remains
- Coverage for accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
If you buy travel medical insurance, you can enjoy your trip to Madrid with peace of mind.
Things to Do for Travelers in Madrid
There is no lack of activities in this great city. It is best if you explore the city on foot as much as possible, though it also has excellent public transport. Parts of it are old and have a medieval charm, while most of the city is contemporary and clean.
Plaza Mayor
There are many public squares in Madrid, but the biggest is the Plaza Mayor. Constructed in the 15th century, it was a marketplace that doubled at times as a bullfighting ring. Now, it is used for far more sedate activities. The square is dotted with cafes that are a favorite meeting place for a leisurely chat. The Spanish like to take their time when relaxing, and you should definitely adapt to their style. Relax with a beer and tapas, a Spanish hors d'oeuvre, and enjoy the majestic architecture of Casa de la Panadería.
Prado Museum
Perhaps the most well-known tourist site in Madrid, the Prado Museum was constructed two centuries ago and is the best in the nation. On display are a first-class ensemble of Spanish painters – Goya, Velasquez, and El Greco. But other European masters are not excluded, and you can find several pictures by Rembrandt and Van Dyck. The collection is so extensive that in 2007, an extra wing was constructed to nearly double the museum's size. Apart from paintings, there is an abundance of Renaissance-era sculptures by lesser-known masters. The museum regularly conducts workshops on art and culture and has a 430-seat auditorium.
Mercado de San Miguel
If you pride yourself on being a gourmet chef, a visit to San Miguel Market has to be in the cards. It is located a short walk away from the Plaza Mayor. The covered market, established in 1916, is located in the heart of the city. The numerous shops are always packed with tourists. As soon as you enter, the aroma would overwhelm you. From exquisite fruits to gourmet hams, everything is on offer, and none of it from a frozen box in the supermarket. Brightly colored cherries, strawberries, apricots, fresh meat, and fish – it is a paradise for those who love fresh and organic food.
El Retiro Park
A large area of green in the heart of the city, the Retiro Park is very popular for locals. Until the end of the 19th century, it was private property that belonged to the royals. At its center is a huge lake built in 1635 by Cristobal de Aguilera. There are two small palaces adjacent to the park, Velazquez Palace and Palacio de Cristal, that are currently used for exhibitions by the Museo Reina Sofia. The rose garden is famed for its elegant look and thousands of immaculately maintained shrubs. Adjoining it is the Fuente del Ángel Caído, a fountain constructed by the famed Spanish sculptor Ricardo Bellver in 1878.
Royal Palace of Madrid
A trip to Spain is not complete without a visit to the Royal Palace. The Palacio de Oriente, as it is called, is huge and stretches over almost 34 acres. With 3,418 rooms, the huge palace is surrounded by the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro Park. Though the King of Spain does not live here, the public is restricted to Salones Oficiales (official halls) and Royal Armory. Several of the 40 marble staircases are open, allowing tourists access to 50 staterooms, and you can spend an afternoon strolling through the art collections lining the numerous lobbies.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Madrid
Madrid is ideal for rest and relaxation. However, there are hidden variables in every trip. A peaceful week away from the office could turn into chaos without any warning. You should buy Madrid travel insurance Madrid travel insurance before you embark on a trip.
- Never disturb the siesta. The Spanish take their midday nap seriously. The hours between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. are meant to be quiet. Never wake up someone who is dozing unless you want to be at the receiving end of an angry glare.
- The Spanish drink at all hours, but binge drinking is definitely a put-off. Space your drinks, and keep your wits about you.
- Do not get offended if anyone is late. Madrileños take their time and look upon punctuality as an unnecessary inconvenience. Be laid back, and you will be fine.
Before You Travel to Madrid - Do This
Enjoy your trip to Madrid, and have a great time. But keep in mind our guidance.
Be careful with your travel documents, especially passports and hotel receipts. Maintain them safely.
Do not lose your prudence. You are, after all, a tourist in a foreign land. Spain is safe, but it helps to be alert.
Purchase travel medical insurance to help ensure your family's safety. Enter some basic information about your trip, compare your options, and select the plan that best meets the needs of your destination, budget, and itinerary.