Is there a charge for mountain rescue in Spain (Canary Islands)?
I am going on holiday to Tenerife and La Palma, and planning to do some hiking in the mountains. Nothing unusual, sticking to marked trails.
When looking for travel insurance many of the mainstream ones seem to specifically exclude any "search and rescue" costs (separate to medical evacuation which is covered). It is included in some more specialist policies, but they are relatively expensive and over the top for what I need otherwise.
Is there actually any charge for mountain search and rescue in Spain, specifically the Canary Islands, that I would need to cover through insurance, or is it a free service?
Edit after seeing answers: Some interesting food for thought. I don't think we would be charged as we have no plans to do anything high risk, and we do lots of hiking here at home so know what equipment to take etc. But it probably isn't worth the risk given that the increased insurance cost is much less than the potential fine.
Best Answer
After a rescue operation, there will be an enquiry to determine the circumstances that led to it.
They will check everything you did, what kind of equipment you had with you, clothing, shoes... If they are not happy with what they see you may be accused of "conducta imprudente" (reckless behaviour) and will have to pay for the rescue.
So yes, you may have to pay for the rescue (I've seen figures in the range of 5000 - 10000€) but only if you do something stupid. If you go by the book you should be fine.
Here (in Spanish) you can find legal advice by a well known Spanish lawyer firm (and with which I have no affiliation).
Pictures about "Is there a charge for mountain rescue in Spain (Canary Islands)?"
Why I would not invest in Real Estate in the Canary Islands
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Marcin Jozwiak, Andrea Imre, Mireia Iglesias, Kevin Kobal