Older than America, Gibraltar’s undeniable Britishness comes from its history of serving as a British air and naval base. The “Rock” of Gibraltar earns its name because of the fortified troops that continue to occupy it.
This small, jutting peninsula is barely a few miles wide on either side. If you are headed here to discover nature, just beware that most of the area’s attractions are water-bound or several feet above the ground.
Gibraltar offers a slice of heaven for every kind of tourist. Natural attractions, culture hearths, the taste of luxury—Gibraltar has it all. Before you head off, be sure to buy travel insurance or travel medical insurance as a financial safety net against any unexpected injuries, accidents or illnesses.
Gibraltar Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Travel medical insurance is a must-buy for any coastal location. Gibraltar is a peninsula and a tiny nation. Consequently, government healthcare isn’t dependable, and private healthcare will be expensive. That’s a strong reason for you to buy travel medical insurance.
The high climbs, water activities, or food poisoning can send you to the hospital. To avoid financial distress from unwanted injuries or sickness, buying travel medical insurance is a wise choice.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Gibraltar?
It's not legally required, but you should buy it as a financial safety blanket for potential medical emergencies.
You can't predict an illness or an injury. It can happen even after taking extreme precautions. For such cases, your medical insurance will be your financial security.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Gibraltar?
Travel medical insurance is a “must-buy” before traveling to any water-adjacent location.
Your medical insurance can give you benefits for hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, and most common illnesses and injuries. Paying for healthcare services in a foreign country is expensive, but with travel medical insurance, you can save money.
Gibraltar Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Some services are not refundable and end up leaving a hole in your finances if you have to cancel your trip. To avoid this, buy trip cancellation insurance to get back the money spent on the non-refundable bookings. With trip cancellation insurance, you can receive reimbursement for any prepaid, non-refundable, trip-related expenses you put down if you have to cancel for a reason specifically listed in the policy’s certificate wording.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Gibraltar?
Anything may happen between booking your flight tickets and traveling out to Gibraltar. Your flight may get delayed and end up getting canceled, or your hotel accommodations could likewise be changed or canceled.
Gibraltar trip cancellation insurance provides coverage for such unprecedented events. Check the policy wording for approved trip cancellation reasons before purchase for the best plan for your trip.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Gibraltar?
Depending on the plan, Gibraltar trip cancellation insurance can provide coverage for situations like:
- Flight delays/cancellation
- Baggage loss
- Canceling a trip due to jury duty or a work emergency
- Hotel booking error or cancellation
- Death or illness preventing travel
Again, be sure to review your policy’s certificate wording before purchase so you know what situations are—and aren’t—covered.
Before you buy travel insurance, make sure to compare at least a few of them. It doesn't take up much time, and you can discuss the insurance with your chosen provider.
Things to Do for Travelers in Gibraltar
It might be a minuscule nation bordering Spain, but there are still plenty of fun-filled activities and places to explore. Most activities will take up more than half of a day as you zip around this land.
Windsor Suspension Bridge
If you have a fear of heights or are faint-hearted, avoid this suspension walking bridge. The bridge will sway and wobble, but it is normal and remains safe for walking. The suspension bridge is built between two batteries over a 50-meter (about 164 foot) gorge. It's completely free of cost; you don't need even need a ticket to access this bridge. It's a great walking trail and gives a 360° view of the strait, the bay, the city, and the Rock Nature Reserve. Walk, pause, and take selfies or photographs of the scenery around you.
Rock of Gibraltar
You can't miss this spectacular rock projecting into the Mediterranean Sea. Visit on a clear day to catch a glimpse of the African coast. The rock stands as an impressive barricade that protected Gibraltar from invaders. The view from the Rock is simply breath-taking. Take the cable car to the top of the rock, but book it in advance to avoid the long lines. If you are fit enough to make an uphill climb, it's the best way to make the most of this tourist spot. Try the Stand-Up Paddleboard while you are around this rock. It’s a great way to absorb the local sights and sounds of the small nation bordering the Mediterranean Sea. You will encounter the local apes (Barbary Macaque) here; they are generally friendly, but avoid trying to pet them. Also, check out O'Hara's Battery while you're at the Rock, only a 10-minute walk from the Cable Car station.
St. Michael's Cave
There are more than 150 limestone caves in Gibraltar, and St. Michael’s is the most prominent one. You can book guided tours of the cave. Even if you go without a guided tour, it's always a good idea to buy tickets in advance to save time. The tickets include entry to the Moorish Castle and the Great Siege Tunnel. The cave used to be more constricted and smaller, but during World War II, it was mined out with explosives to make it well-ventilated for a makeshift hospital. This blasting led to the discovery of a chain of caves, all a part of St. Michael's.
Old Town
As most of Gibraltar's attractions are high above the ground, the old town comes as a welcome relief. It's a small, bustling town with a blend of fusion architecture—a reflection of its war-riddled past. Take a break from climbing or hiking, and relax at a street-side cafe. You can also take a walk around the town and take in the local sights and sounds. Much of the town you will see owes its simple yet attractive appearance to its military past. It still retains most of the colloquial street names. The doorways and balconies in every building reflect the simple style that managed to preserve itself through the years.
Dolphin Watching
Swimming isn't allowed, but you can book a boat and go for a dolphin-sighting expedition. Your luck at spotting a whole pod of dolphins depends on the season. You may also see more marine life like whales, turtles, and flying fish. The whale and dolphin tour packages might come separately. Also, there are two kinds of boat tours—watching for whales or dolphins within a fixed area, or following them on an extended safari. This will ideally take up most of a day, so do plan your trip accordingly. There are many beach bars and waterfront restaurants to help you unwind after a day spent watching the fish.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Gibraltar
As associated with travel, especially a tiny location with a heavy military base, there are risks. Treat them as general caution:
The weather
It's a peninsula, and even though the great Rock might offer certain protection, it's not a disaster-proof area. Turbulent weather can disrupt your flight timing or divert it until the weather clears up. The local weather could also disrupt your sightseeing plans.
Food and drink
Have your food fresh and hot, especially seafood. To avoid the risk of ending up drugged and getting robbed or assaulted, don't leave your drink unattended or accept any drugs from strangers.
Get Vaccinated
Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccines. There are no mandatory shots needed before traveling, but you should check your country’s specifics on vaccines. Meet with your doctor if you have existing health problems or are on prescription drugs.
Local etiquette
The locals will be friendly unless you indulge in drunken brawls or drugs. Gibraltar is LGBTQ friendly, and you will find a community here who supports it.
Before You Travel to Gibraltar…
Check your belongings, pack a travel medical kit, and keep extra locks for securing your baggage. Keep more than one copy of your passport and important documents. And be sure to buy a Gibraltar travel insurance policy that matches your itinerary, your destination, and your budget.
We wish you a memorable trip to Gibraltar!