Can I take out two travel insurance policies at the same time?

Yes, it is legal to have two simultaneous travel insurance policies, but it rarely makes economic sense. In case of a claim, the compensation is not doubled: the indemnity principle of art. 32 of the Spanish Insurance Contract Law applies. It is more efficient to take out a single policy with adequate coverage.

IATI vs Chapka vs Heymondo: 2026 travel insurance comparison

Q: Which is cheapest: IATI, Chapka or Heymondo?

There is no absolute winner: it depends on trip duration, destination, age and coverage contracted. For short trips within Europe the three tend to be in similar ranges, whereas for long trips in Asia or Latin America the differences can be significant. We recommend getting a quote on the three websites for your specific case.

Q: Which is best for backpackers and long trips?

IATI and Chapka have products specifically designed for long trips and backpackers (IATI Mochilero, Chapka Cap Aventure). Heymondo also offers long-duration policies but tends to position itself more as a 'standard' travel insurer. For backpackers of 3+ months, IATI Mochilero and Chapka Cap Aventure are the most chosen.

Q: Which has the best customer service?

Customer service is one of the most subjective aspects and most dependent on the specific case. The three insurers receive both positive and negative reviews. We recommend reading real verified reviews before signing and assessing the language and hours of the assistance according to your destination.

Q: Which insurer pays claims fastest?

Legal deadlines are the same for the three (Spanish regulation) but actual timeframes vary depending on the company, type of claim and documentation provided. Direct coverage (the insurer pays the hospital directly) is a critical advantage in serious medical emergencies; the three offer it in many cases but it is worth confirming in the particular conditions.

1. Who each one is

IATI Seguros

Spanish insurer (Bilbao, founded in 1885) specialised in travel insurance for more than two decades. Very segmented range of products by traveller profile (IATI Estrella, IATI Mochilero, IATI Estudios, IATI Familia, etc.). Strong presence in backpacker and digital nomad channels.

Chapka Assurances

French insurer (Groupama group) with specific offer for the Hispanic market. Very popular in the long trips, working holidays and temporary expat segments thanks to its Cap Aventure product. Distribution in Spain via own broker.

Heymondo

Relatively recent Spanish insurer (2017), very digital, with its own app to manage assistance. Has quickly gained market share in the short trips and getaway segment thanks to its marketing and a very polished contracting experience.

2. Side-by-side comparison

Indicative table. Exact values change frequently and vary according to the product contracted, duration and destination. Always verify the updated particular conditions on each insurer's official website before signing.

Aspect	IATI	Chapka	Heymondo
Origin	Spain	France (Groupama)	Spain
Backpacker product	IATI Mochilero	Cap Aventure	Long Stay
Short-trip product	IATI Estrella / IATI Escapadas	Cap Assistance / Cap Trip	Heymondo Top / Heymondo Premium
Own mobile app	Yes	Yes (more limited functionality)	Yes (one of its strong points)
24h assistance in Spanish	Yes	Yes	Yes
Direct billing (pays hospital)	Usual in emergencies	Usual in emergencies	Usual in emergencies
Trip cancellation	Optional in many products	Optional / included depending on product	Optional / expandable coverage
Adventure sports	Broad coverage (IATI Estrella / Mochilero)	Very broad coverage (Cap Aventure)	Optional extra coverage
Deductibles	Low or none depending on coverage	Similar	Similar

3. Which one fits your profile?

Backpacker / digital nomad / long trip (3+ months)

IATI Mochilero and Chapka Cap Aventure are the two reference products for this profile. Both allow long-duration policies (up to 12 months or more), with broad adventure sports coverage and good medical coverage. Heymondo Long Stay covers this profile but tends to be preferred by more "standard" travellers than by pure backpackers.

Short European getaway (weekend, bank holiday)

Heymondo has a very tight product for short getaways and a very usable assistance app. IATI with IATI Escapadas is also very competitive, especially if you travel with European Health Insurance Card and only want to supplement. Chapka fits but is not its strong segment.

Family trip

All have family products. IATI has IATI Familia with attractive joint pricing. Always compare the maximum medical coverage per minor.

Studies abroad

IATI Estudios is the sector's most established product for this profile (Erasmus, academic year, internships). It covers long stays with specific requirements often demanded by receiving universities.

Cruises and special trips

Always verify that the product includes specific cruise coverage (evacuation from open sea, repatriation from foreign port). Not all policies cover on-board claims the same way.

4. Common comparison myths

"The most expensive covers more" — not always. A product with lower premium may have sufficient coverage for your trip. Compare coverage useful for your destination, not absolute price.
"The European Health Insurance Card is enough in Europe" — the EHIC covers only public medical assistance (with each country's limitations), not repatriation, cancellation, luggage or legal assistance.
"My credit card insurance covers me" — depends on the card. Most cover only if you pay the tickets with the card and coverage is usually much lower than a specific travel insurance.
"Online insurance is worse than traditional" — no correlation. Company quality and particular conditions matter more than sales channel.

5. Recommended method to decide

Define your trip: destination, duration, activities, number of people, age.
Identify the critical coverage according to that trip (repatriation, sports, cancellation, luggage).
Request quotes on the three websites for your exact case.
Read the full particular conditions (not just the brochure): look at exclusions — that's where the important stuff is.
Consult real reviews from travellers with your same type of trip.
Check the reputation for claims handling, not just for contracting.
Sign up for the one offering the best price/coverage balance — the cheapest without coverage or the most expensive without advantage are not good options.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheapest: IATI, Chapka or Heymondo?

No absolute winner. Depends on duration, destination, age and coverage contracted. Request quotes on the three websites for your specific case.

Which is best for backpackers and long trips?

IATI Mochilero and Chapka Cap Aventure are the two segment references. Both cover long durations and adventure sports. Heymondo Long Stay is more "standard" for this profile.

Which has the best customer service?

Subjective and case-dependent. The three receive positive and negative reviews. Read real verified reviews from other travellers and assess language and hours of the assistance.

Which insurer pays claims fastest?

Legal deadlines are the same (Spanish regulation). Actual ones vary by company, type of claim and documentation provided. Direct billing to the hospital is critical in serious emergencies.

Can I take out two policies at the same time?

Yes, it's legal, but rarely makes economic sense. Compensation is not doubled (art. 32 LCS). Better one single policy with adequate coverage.

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Notice: this comparison is based on public information from each insurer as of August 2026 and on traveller reviews. Products, coverage and prices can vary. Always verify the current particular conditions on each company's official website before signing. This content does not constitute a recommendation to contract or commercial advice.